Murray River Paddlesteamers has decided to offer all guests on its overnight cruises free return train trips from Melbourne to Echuca on the Murray, a move prompted by recent hikes in fuel prices. Plus, savings of 10% and a cut in the solo* surcharge have been announced for the company’s three, four and seven-night cruises this winter aboard the boutique riverboat, PS Emmylou.
And if you journey with Murray River Paddlesteamers this July, you’ll also receive free entry to the spectacular Moama Lights Festival on the river.
Overnight guests on the PS Emmylou can enjoy the scenic and lesiurely 3.5 hour V/Line train trip between Melbourne and Echuca on the Murray for free, with Murray River Paddlesteamers also covering the transfers between the railway station and the riverboat. The move will also encourage interstate guests to fly to Melbourne to join the complimentary train trip to their river cruise and back again. If guests prefer to drive, Murray River Paddlesteamers will now offer free, secure carparking in Echuca instead.
The world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer carrying overnight passengers and carrying just 16 guests, the famous PS Emmylou starred in the hit 1980s TV mini-series, ‘All the Rivers Run’, starring Sigrid Thornton, and is still one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers in Australia. Powered by a restored 1906 steam engine and totally refurbished with deluxe cabins and ensuites, 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.
In its most expansive program ever, Murray River Paddlesteamers is this year offering a full calendar of three, four and new seven-night cruises on the iconic Murray River around Echuca on the Victorian/NSW border. Each luxury cabin has a private ensuite, air-conditioning, wi-fi and opens directly onto the paddlesteamer’s timber deck. Guests enjoy gourmet meals on deck or in the charming saloon, riverside picnics and a memorable campfire dinner on the riverbank under the stars. Each evening, PS Emmylou ties up at tranquil and remote moorings, allowing guests to experience the serenity and wildlife of the bush at night.
* Savings of 10% have been released for all overnight cruises this June, July and August. Including the discount, twin-share fares this winter are available from $1,521 per person for a three-night sailing, $2,070 per person for a four-night cruise and $3,582 for the new seven-night journey, when booked by 30 April 2023.
A cutting of the solo traveller surcharge from 60% to 45% means solo fares on the winter sailings this year are now available from $2,451 for a three-night cruise, $3,335 for a four-night sailing and $5,771 for a seven-night journey – book by 30 April 2023.
* Plus, all guests on sailings from 1-23 July this year will receive free tickets to see the spectacular Moama Lights Festival near Echuca which will see a sound and light show illuminate the Murray and surrounding redgums.
Cruise fares include return V/Line train trips from Melbourne or carparking in Echuca, all onboard meals, daily shore excursions, selected beers and wines with dinner and soft drink, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise and coach transfers during the cruise.
Call Murray River Paddlesteamers on 03 5482 5244 or visit www.psemmyloucruises.com.
** The solo savings are via phone bookings only. Fares and offers are subject to availability and conditions apply.
SOURCE: Murray River Paddlesteamers
