The PS Emmylou is reminiscent of romantic days when paddlesteamers were the river transport of choice. Built to replicate the 19th-century paddlesteamers, this Australian icon has been designed to take guests down memory lane on the Murray River without compromising on modern comforts. The vessel accommodates just 16 guests in eight deluxe cabins, offering boutique cruising at its finest.
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Inclusions
Four nights aboard the PS Emmylou, an authentic wood-fired paddle steamer offering overnight cruises
Experiences in three destinations
Locally inspired dining – a total of 11 meals
Selected wines and beer included with dinner service on board
Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director
Train journey from Melbourne to Echuca
Enjoy riverside BBQ dining under the stars, complete with live entertainment and a crackling campfire
Advertised price based on August 2025, April, May & June 2026 departures. Other dates available
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Itinerary
Day1
Arrive Melbourne, Echuca, Embark PS Emmylou
Arrive in Melbourne and board your train at Southern Cross station to the rural town of Echuca in northern Victoria. This is where you’ll board the PS Emmylou, your floating home for the next four nights. The moment you step aboard, be transported to the golden age of paddle steamer travel, where life moved at a slower pace and travel wasn’t simply about the destination, but the journey itself. A perfect replica of a vintage paddle steamer with the original 1906 Marshall and Sons steam engine, Emmylou is reminiscent of a bygone era with its gleaming timber cladding and authentic wheelhouse that you can access and chat with the skipper. The eight onboard cabins are decked out in fine linens, private en suites and direct access to the deck, where you can pause to watch the serene river scenes pass by. Set off at 4pm this afternoon for Layfield Lane, spending your time on board relaxing with a good book or watching the Upper Murray River scenery. At Layfield Lane, enjoy a gourmet Australian BBQ under the stars, before a live music performance.
Stay: Four Nights, PS Emmylou
Daily :Dinner
Day 2
River Cruising, Perricoota Station
Breakfast is served on the deck of the PS Emmylou as the paddle steamer makes a leisurely course for your next stop: Perricoota Station. Watch as scenes along the Murray unfold as you cruise – the majestic river red gums, the sunlight bouncing off the river’s surface, and the hopeful glimpse of a kangaroo hopping beyond the tree line. Listen out for the laugh of a kookaburra over the rhythmic splashing of the paddle steamer. At Perricoota Station, join your skipper for a guided tour of the historic farm and homestead and its pristine gardens. Later, return to PS Emmylou to enjoy a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers, prepared by your onboard chef. Cap off your day with a documentary screening of the Murray River’s local communities and its famous paddle steamers throughout history. Before retiring to your cabin for the night, admire the starry night sky and the calming quiet of the Australian bush.
Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day3
River Cruising, Deep Creek
This morning, wake to the sound of native bird song as your paddle steamer gently rumbles to life. Enjoy breakfast on board before a half-day exploration of Echuca, a charming rural town. After, enjoy a cruise aboard the 110-year-old PS Canberra, where you’ll savour morning tea on board. Back aboard the PS Emmylou, keep on the lookout for emus or wallabies as your vessel cruises past the Port of Echuca Wharf, once home to over 100 paddle steamers. Continue to Deep Creek Marina, where your vessel will moor overnight.
Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
River Cruising, Echuca
By this point in your journey, you will have well and truly adjusted to the unhurried, relaxed pace of life along the Murray River. Your paddle steamer spends the day travelling back upriver towards Echuca, and you can enjoy your last day on board sitting out on deck enjoying the views while swapping tales with your fellow cruisers, reading a book, or sipping a barista-made coffee and settling in to one of the many cosy nooks hidden throughout the vessel. Dinner is a celebration of local flavours and produce, served on board this evening before the PS Emmylou docks back in Echuca.
Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Echuca, Depart Melbourne
If an early rise appeals to you, enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. After one last delicious meal on board, farewell the PS Emmylou for the final time and board a train for your return journey to Melbourne airport, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end.
Daily :Breakfast
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Booking terms and conditions apply.
* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
