Murray River Paddlesteamers has launched its biggest-ever program of overnight cruises for 2023-24, with a new brochure showcasing, for the first time, an entire year of back-to-back cruises on the Murray and longer journeys in response to record-high demand for multi-day cruises on Australia’s longest and most famous river.
The newly released 2023-24 program features an unprecedented 94 sailings between April, 2023, and March, 2024, aboard the deluxe riverboat, PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer carrying overnight guests.
And to mark the launch of the new program on the iconic Murray River, savings of 15 per cent for couples, a halving of the solo surcharge to 30 per cent and free carparking are available for bookings on the new 2023-24 schedule made by September 30, 2022.
From April 1, 2023, the enchanting PS Emmylou, or ‘Emmy’ as locals and repeat guests affectionately call her, will offer 47 three-night ‘Discovery’ cruises along the meandering Murray River, one-way from Echuca to Torrumbarry Weir, plus 47 four-night ‘Explorer’ cruises one-way back to Echuca, with guests able to combine the different itineraries to create new seven-night ‘All the Rivers Run’ journeys round-trip from Torrumbarry Weir – the longest itinerary ever for Murray River Paddlesteamers.
This will be the first time one-way cruises have been offered, allowing guests a more immersive and varied experience, with new, complimentary coach transfers between Echuca and Torrumbarry Weir to be included in fares. The new schedule replaces the current program of two, three, four and six-night sailings round-trip from Echuca.
Also new for 2023-24 are new and improved shore experiences such as a new Silo Arts Tour and Echuca History Walk on seven-night sailings, new expedition cruises along the Campaspe and Goulburn rivers aboard the new 47-seat Murray Explorer touring vessel and new riverside entertainment around campfires on selected nights. Optional pre and post cruise hotel stays in Echuca or Melbourne will also be available along with optional transfers from Melbourne, 2.5 hours to Echuca where Murray River Paddlesteamers is based.
Carrying just 16 guests, powered by a restored 1906 steam engine and totally refurbished with deluxe cabins and ensuites, the boutique Emmylou paddlesteamer starred in the hit 1983 TV mini-series, ‘All the Rivers Run’, starring Sigrid Thornton, and is still one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers in Australia. The charm-filled riverboat offers authentic, all-inclusive journeys along the mighty Murray with stops to visit wineries, historic farm stations, indigenous sites, wildlife along tributaries and country towns.
Each luxury cabin has a private ensuite, is individually air-conditioned, has WIFI and opens directly onto the paddle steamer’s large timber deck. Guests enjoy gourmet meals on deck or in the charming saloon, riverside picnics, a memorable campfire dinner on the riverbank under the stars and the chance to join the crew in the wheelhouse and even try their hand at steering the boat alongside the skipper. At dusk, the rare, wood-fired paddlesteamer ties up at tranquil and remote moorings, allowing guests to experience the serenity and wildlife of the bush at night.
Murray River Paddlesteamers Director, Craig Burgess, said record-high demand for more and longer cruises had led to the revamped program for 2023-24. “With overseas travel now so complex, expensive and delay-ridden, we’re finding many people are now seeking simpler and more relaxing holidays closer to home, with less hassle and paperwork, and that’s exactly what we offer on the majestic Murray,” Mr Burgess said.
“PS Emmylou seamlessly blends the old with the new to offer lazy, luxury cruises that immerse you in a bygone era but with modern-day comforts. As our faithful, heritage-filled riverboat gracefully navigates the river’s many bends, children and adults alike excitedly wave at guests while fishermen respectfully tip their caps. Whether you’re captivated by the river, the region’s pioneering history or you’re yearning for relaxation, PS Emmylou offers it all.”
Savings for bookings made by September 30, 2022
Savings of 15 per cent, a halving of the solo surcharge to just 30 per cent and free undercover carparking in Echuca worth $25 a night are available for bookings made for the new 2023-24 schedule by September 30, 2022.
* Including the discount, fares for cruises from April 1, 2023, are available from $1437 per person, twin-share, for a three-night sailing – a saving of $303 each. Four night cruises are priced from $1955 per person, twin-share – a saving of $345 each – and the new, longer seven-night departures are available from A$3383 per person, twin-share – saving $597 each.
A halving of the solo traveller surcharge from 60 to 30 per cent means solo fares are available from $2197 for a three-night cruise, $2990 for a four-night cruise and $5174 for a seven-night journey.
** Fares include onboard meals, daily shore excursions, selected beers and wines with dinner and soft drink, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise
The special offers are available for bookings made by September 30, 2022, using the code ‘newsave15’. The solo savings are via phone bookings only. Subject to availability and conditions apply.
Murray River Paddlesteamers pays 10 per cent commission to travel agents.
Call Murray River Paddlesteamers on 03 5482 5244 or visit www.psemmyloucruises.com .
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