Melbourne, The Goldfields & Murray River Luxury River Cruise
Discover the best of Southeast Australia as you glide along the Murray River in intimate luxury – enhanced by expert tours and delectable wine tastings.
Your journey begins in Melbourne, where three nights amid its dynamic culture perfectly introduce you to the region. Embark on a half-day city tour, traverse the emerald valleys of the Dandenong Ranges on board the charming Puffing Billy steam train, and step back in time to the Gold Rush era with excursions to Sovereign Hill and Deborah Gold Mines.
Meeting PS Australian Star at Echuca Wharf, you’ll embark on a lavish cruise along the Murray River, where open decks and panoramic windows frame the breathtaking scenery you pass. Unveil the region’s wine heritage at St Anne’s Winery, explore the tranquil surrounds of Deep Creek Marina, and visit the historic Perricoota Station, offering a fascinating insight into the river’s early settlements.
Destinations
Melbourne ► Dandenong Ranges ► Bendigo ► Echuca (Embark PS Australian Star) ► St Anne’s Winery & Deep Creek Marina ► Perricoota Station & Torrumbarry Weir ► Echuca
Full-Board River Cruise
- 3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Australian Star
- Complimentary wine, beer, and sparkling wine during dinner service
- Unlimited espresso coffee, teas, soft drinks and bottled water available throughout the day
- Wi-Fi available throughout the vessel
- St Anne’s winery tour
- Deep Creek Marina
- Perricoota station
- Torrumbarry Weir & Lock
Fully Escorted Tours
- Melbourne Half-Day City Tour
- Puffing Billy Train
- Sovereign Hill Gold Mine
- Deborah Gold Mine
- Lunch with wine tastings at Silver Spoon Winery in Heathcote
Hotel Stays
- 3 night four-star hotel stay in Melbourne at the Rydges Melbourne with breakfast
- 1 night four-star hotel stay in Bendigo at the Mercure Bendigo Schaller with breakfast and dinner
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Your fare excludes:
- Travel Insurance
Day 1 – Melbourne: Hotel Stay
Melbourne welcomes you with its vibrant blend of art, cuisine, and culture. Explore the city’s famous laneways, where hidden cafés, boutique shops, and striking street art line the alleys. Discover iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, and unwind in the lush parks and gardens along the Yarra River.
Overnight: Rydges Melbourne
Day 2 – Melbourne: Tour & Hotel Stay
Enjoy a half-day guided city tour showcasing Melbourne’s highlights. Visit the bustling Queen Victoria Market, admire Flinders Street Station, and stroll through the elegant Paris End of Collins Street. This afternoon is yours to explore the city at leisure and soak up its dynamic atmosphere.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Rydges Melbourne
Day 3 – Melbourne: Tour & Hotel Stay
Journey into the scenic Dandenong Ranges and experience a ride aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train. Travel through lush fern gullies and towering forests, taking in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking natural scenery on this nostalgic rail journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Rydges Melbourne
Day 4 – Bendigo: Tour & Hotel Stay
Step back into Australia’s gold rush era at Sovereign Hill, a living museum bringing history to life. Continue to Bendigo and explore its grand Victorian architecture aboard a charming Vintage Talking Tram, uncovering stories of the city’s prosperous past.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Mercure Bendigo Schaller
Day 5 – Echuca Wharf: Tour & Embark Ship
Descend into history with a guided visit to the Deborah Gold Mine, revealing the realities of the gold rush era. Later, transfer to Echuca Wharf to board the PS Australian Star, where your elegant Murray River journey begins.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: PS Australian Star
Day 6 – St Anne’s Winery & Deep Creek Marina
Begin the day with an excursion to the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum. Continue to St Anne’s Winery for lunch and wine tasting. Return to your vessel and cruise onward to Deep Creek Marina as the afternoon unfolds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: PS Australian Star
Day 7 – Perricoota Station & Torrumbarry Weir & Lock
Cruise to Torrumbarry Weir for a guided tour of its lock system and interpretive centre. Visit historic Perricoota Station, rich in pioneer heritage, before returning on board for a sunset farewell dinner hosted by the Skipper on the Murray River.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: PS Australian Star
Day 8 – Echuca Wharf: Disembark, Tour & Fly Home
After breakfast on board, disembark at Echuca Wharf and transfer to Heathcote Winery for a relaxed lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Melbourne Airport for your return flight home, concluding your journey through Victoria’s rivers, history, and landscapes.
Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
Departs on 12 July 2027:
- Queen Stateroom from $5,499 pp twin share / $6,999 pp sole use*
- King Suite from $6,999 pp twin share*
Please note: Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn without notice. All pricing is correct at the time of publication but may vary thereafter.
Queen Stateroom: Queen Staterooms provide comfortable, well-appointed accommodation designed for relaxed river cruising. Perfect for guests who value simplicity, comfort, and connection to the river, these cabins offer everything needed for an enjoyable stay on board. Comfortable private ensuite cabin. Queen bed configuration. Air-conditioning and heating. Practical storage solutions. Contemporary, understated interior design. Easy access to onboard facilities and communal spaces.
King Suite: The most spacious and premium accommodation onboard, the King Suites are positioned in prime locations on PS Australian Star, offering enhanced comfort, additional living space, and an elevated river cruising experience. Largest cabin category onboard. Premium positioning for river views. Generous sleeping and seating area. Private ensuite bathroom. Air-conditioning and heating. Boutique river-inspired interior design.
What destinations are included in this cruise?
This journey explores Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges, Bendigo, Echuca, and the Murray River region, including key heritage and wine experiences along the way.
What is included in the cruise package?
The package includes accommodation in Melbourne, guided tours, selected meals, scenic rail experiences, wine and heritage excursions, and a luxury Murray River cruise onboard a paddle steamer.
When does the river cruise portion begin?
The river cruise begins in Echuca, where guests board the PS Australian Star after touring the Goldfields region.
What type of accommodation is available onboard?
Guests can choose between Queen Staterooms and King Suites, both offering private ensuite facilities, air-conditioning, and comfortable river-inspired interiors.
Are meals included during the journey?
Yes, selected breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included, particularly during the cruise and touring days.
Is this itinerary suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the itinerary is generally suitable for most travellers. Some excursions may involve walking, uneven surfaces, or boarding transport such as trains and boats.
What is the highlight of this journey?
Highlights include riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, exploring Sovereign Hill, tasting wines at St Anne’s Winery, and cruising the Murray River on a historic paddle steamer.
Do I need to pack differently for this trip?
Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended, as the itinerary includes both city touring and outdoor regional experiences.
Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests.
Where does the trip end?
The journey concludes in Echuca with a transfer to Heathcote Winery for lunch before returning to Melbourne Airport for departure.
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