Join us for this 8 day escape to enjoy the scenic, culinary and cultural delights of Tasmania and regional Victoria.

Combining 2 nights in Tasmania and a 3 night paddle steamer cruise along the Murray River. Enjoy private charter flights, winery tastings, dining under the stars, regional cuisine and stunning scenery.

MAP AND HIGHLIGHTS

Tour Highlights

• Private charter flights on a Beechcraft 1900
• Afternoon cruise exploring the Tamar River and Cataract Gorge
• Enjoy a private tour of King Island
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain
• 3 nights in a luxury private cabin onboard the authentic paddle steamer Emmy Lou
• Riverside Grand Dining under the stars with an after-dinner campfire
• Visit Lagoon Wetlands for a walk and Eco Cruise
• Overnight mooring and guided tour of the gardens at Perricoota Station Estate
• Visit Morrison’s winery complimentary tastings
• Fresh seasonal local produce prepared by your onboard Chef
• Sample a variety of locally produced wines
• Native wildlife in their natural environment
• Visit Torrumbarry Weir

Cruising the Mighty Murray River

Spend three nights cruising aboard the iconic PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired cruising paddle steamer exploring the Murray River. Feel the warmth of the 1906 steam engine as the engineer stokes the boiler with Redgum logs, climb up to the wheelhouse to chat to the Skipper, or just sit and gaze at the changing reflections in the water and listen to the lilting rhythm and swish of the paddlewheels as PS Emmylou takes you back to a bygone era of romantic travel cruising the Murray River.

During this cruise step off the vessel to experience tours highlighting places of geographical, historical and Aboriginal cultural significance as well as some quaint riverside wineries. With evenings spent on the river bank around a campfire and under a beautiful night sky, this journey is sure to provide many holiday highlights.

ITINERARY

Coolangatta – Melbourne (D)
We depart Coolangatta on our flight to Melbourne. On arrival, we check in to our hotel. Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, a premium luxury hotel in South-East Melbourne. The hotel is connected to – Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, via a walkway. It’s just a 2 minute walk to the world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. Tonight we have a welcome dinner at Pastore in our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Chadstone

Melbourne – Launceston (B/Light snacks)
We transfer to Moorabbin airport to board our private charter flight on a Beechcarft 1900 to Launceston. This afternoon is enjoyed on the water as we cruise the magical Tamar River and Cataract Gorge. Refreshments and light snacks are provided onboard.
2 nights: Mercure Hotel

Launceston – Cradle Mountain (B/L)
Today we take a full day to discover Cradle Mountain. The Cradle Mountain National Park is part of Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Wilderness and home to the famous Overland Track. Admire views of Cradle Mountain, enjoy guided walks at Dove Lake and Weindorfers forest, and see the Sheffield Murals.

Launceston – King Island – Bendigo – Echuca (B/L)
This morning we board our private charter flight to King Island, rich in history, with shipwrecks, lighthouses and jagged reefs. We enjoy a private tour of the island before boarding our aircraft again to continue on to Bendigo. On arrival, we transfer by coach to Echuca and check in to our hotel.
Overnight: Quest Echuca

Echuca – Murray River Cruise (B/L/D)
Today we begin our 3 night Murray River cruise. As we depart Echuca, enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea, take in the sights and sounds of the river and get to know your fellow cruisers. There’s ample time to chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about PS Emmylou, her river history or simply relax in your private cabin. When the sun begins to set, this marks the start of ‘Happy Hour’. Enjoy a drink in the saloon before we arrive at Layfield Lane where we host a grand dinner on the riverbank – our signature Australian BBQ, lit up by candles on the tables and stars in the sky. After dinner, enjoy casual conversation around the campfire with live entertainment before retiring for the evening.

Murray River Cruise (B/L/D)
This morning we head off on a half-day excursion first visiting Horseshoe Lagoon, which has great significance to the local Yorta Yorta people. Often described as supermarkets by elders, the lagoon provides a home to native animals. Here you can wander the elevated boardwalk, indulge in some wildlife spotting, and learn about the importance of wetlands and floodplains along the Murray River. It is then time to board the Murray Explorer, cruising to the Goulburn or Campaspe River (river height dependent) where you can get up close to Australian nature. Along the way we will connect the environment and the rich river story from pre-European to the early colonial days of the Riverboats. After enjoying lunch aboard Murray Explorer, we arrive at Morrisons Riverside Winery where you can enjoy complimentary tastings of their fabulous wines. This afternoon relax aboard Emmylou with a fabulous afternoon tea service as you continue steaming down river towards Deep Creek Marina. Tonight, after dinner it’s Movie Night with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered”, a fabulous historical presentation featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River from the early 1900s through to the mid-1970s.

Murray River Cruise (B/L/D)
PS Emmylou departs early today for a full day of cruising towards our Torrumbarry Weir with a mid-morning stop at the famous Perricoota Station, the property first settled by James Maiden in 1843, and famous for starring in the TV mini series “All the River Run” where PS Emmylou was renamed PS Providence. Join the skipper for a walking tour of the historical buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before Emmylou continues towards Torrumbarry Weir. Upon arrival, you can take a self -guided walk across the weir, visiting the Interpretive Centre and learning about the Murray Darling Basin and the weir and lock system which dates back to 1923. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious dinner hosted by your Skipper with pre-dinner canapes and drinks as the sun settles over the weir. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats and species of birds as the stars begin to appear whilst enjoying dinner.

Echuca – Melbourne – Coolangatta (B)
This morning before breakfast early rises can enjoy a riverside stroll before PS Emmylou then departs for the Port of Echuca where we disembark and transfer to Melbourne for our flight home.

TOUR INCLUDES:
• Return economy class flights to Melbourne ex Gold Coast
• 1 night at Chadstone Hotel in Melbourne
• Private flights on a Beechcarft 1900 aircraft Melbourne – Launceston – King Island – Bendigo
• 2 nights at Mecure Hotel Launceston
• 1 night at Quest Apartments Echuca
• 3 night Murray River Paddle Steamer Cruise
• Sightseeing and meals as per itinerary

MURRAY RIVER CRUISE INCLUDES:
• Luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite
• All meals including morning and afternoon tea
• Chef prepared Regionally-inspired meals
• Onshore Tours as per itinerary
• Selected wine & beer with dinner service
• Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
• WIFI throughout the boat

2023 TOUR DATE: 22 – 29 May 2023

TOUR COST per person, twin share:

BROCHURE

TESTIMONIALS

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