Murray River Paddlesteamers Echuca — Attraction in Echuca

What an incredible experience on the PS Emmylou! From the moment we stepped aboard, we were made to feel so welcome, and the entire cruise was a luxurious, relaxing getaway. We didn’t have to lift a finger – just sit back, unwind, and enjoy the chilled-out atmosphere along the Murray River. Whether it was with a good book or jotting down some poetry, the vibe was perfect.

Amy, our fantastic hostess, made sure we never had to ask for anything. She pre-empted our requests for food or drinks, ensuring we were always comfortable, and her warmth made us feel right at home. The food was equally amazing, with Chef Greg serving up delicious meals that kept us well-fed throughout. The all-inclusive nature of the cruise, including meals and alcoholic drinks with dinner, added to the carefree experience.

Our cabin was comfortable, equipped with its own air conditioning and a wonderful rain shower with excellent water pressure. The bed was cosy, but I recommend bringing only carry-on-sized luggage to maximise cabin space.

The cruise itself was packed with delightful experiences. Our first night, spent at a tranquil bush mooring, was magical. Watching the PS Emmylou bathed in the glow of the sunset was unforgettable. We also enjoyed a fantastic walk at Restdown Winery, where we had lunch in a cool underground wine cellar and sampled some excellent organic wines.

The third day’s long, seven-hour cruise was blissfully relaxing, and we learned so much about steam engines during a fascinating session with our talented Captain/Engineer, Scotty. The entire crew, including Ross and Warren, wore multiple hats, acting as tour guides, bus drivers, skippers, and entertainers, and they did so with passion and joy. Their love for their work shone through in everything they did.

One highlight was the stunning evening BBQ by candlelight, held by the river with the PS Emmylou as a backdrop. The food was delicious, and the fireside entertainment was such a delightful, unexpected surprise.

On our final day, we enjoyed a tour of Echuca, led by the entertaining and knowledgeable Beth, whose family ties to the area made the experience even more special. She’s also one of the few female skippers and engineers in Australia, which was inspiring to learn.

We opted for the 4-night cruise, and it was the perfect choice for a fully immersive, relaxing trip. I highly recommend booking one of the multiple-night cruises with Murray River Paddle Steamers. I’m excited to hear that a new boat, the Australian Star, is launching in 2025 and will surely continue the high-quality, personal service that this team offers.

Thank you to the entire crew for an amazing,...

We came here 7 months ago, see review under this. This is the advertisement for the lunch cruise.

"Enjoy the captivating Port to Plate experience in Echuca – a delightful two-in-one package combining a sumptuous dining experience at Bar Lee and a scenic one-hour cruise aboard the 110-year-old PS Canberra"

What a disgusting tourist trap!! The "sumptuous" meal was provided by Bar Lee in Echuca. The worst meal you could imagine, so far away from ever being sumptuous. There were limited choices on a small menu and the most absolute pitiful meals were provided. It started with two small pieces or charred bread with some sort of brown stuff smeared on the plate, followed by fried cauliflower and crispy chicken, they was sort of OK , the mains selected were haloumi salad which was basically a bowl of rocket with very tiny small pieces of haloumi and a few 1cm cubes of melon, pine nuts and 2 strips of cucumber disguised in a balsamic type dressing. The pork belly choice was something you would serve as a child's dish, and I was advised it was greasy and to the point of being inedible! We were given complimentary drinks as part of this fantastic package. Keep you money in your pocket, eat from the main menu as it looked much better and forget about the cruise down to the winery to pick up other guests. Remember the old adage " you get what you pay for"

review 7 months ago If you want to cross Murray river paddle steamers off you to do list, and you dont have a lot of time, then this is for you. $49 for a one hour cruise, slow to one bend , turn around , slow to another bend, then back to the wharf. You do see a working steam engine and get a commentary on the local boats, history and flooding events. Not a lot of money to see a little...

We had an absolutely wonderful time on the Murray River Paddlesteamers cruise aboard the historic PS Canberra! This 110-year-old paddle steamer, powered by a 1923 wood-fired steam engine, took us on a captivating 1-hour journey that felt like stepping back in time. The elegance and nostalgia of this beautifully restored boat made the experience truly special for our whole family—kids, parents, and grandparents alike! The cruise along the majestic Murray River was perfect for all ages. The kids were thrilled to take turns steering the boat and even received personalized skipper certificates, which they proudly showed off! The crew was fantastic, sharing fun stories about the river’s history and the steamer’s past that kept everyone engaged. Watching the engineer stoke the steam engine with redgum wood was a highlight, sparking wide-eyed wonder in the little ones and fascinating the adults too. The scenery was breathtaking, with serene riverbanks and wildlife that had us all snapping photos. The onboard kiosk offered yummy snacks and drinks, keeping everyone happy, and the open deck areas were great for kids to move around safely while taking in the views. The PS Canberra’s vintage charm, with its polished woodwork, created a cozy, welcoming vibe that made us feel right at home. This family-friendly adventure was a hit for everyone, from our energetic toddlers to our history-loving grandparents. We highly recommend the PS Canberra cruise for a fun, relaxing, and memorable outing on the Murray River that’s perfect...