7 night Koondrook Expedition Cruise

  • One departure only – Friday 4th July 2025 – 2pm
  • 7 Night return cruise – Echuca – Koondrook – Echuca 
  • Experience cruising through Lock 26 
  • Commence your journey from Melbourne with optional return train journey. Coach pick up/return included from Echuca Station
  • All Meals including  Morning and Afternoon Tea

From $4,550pp 

Deposit $400 per person (Note: deposit is fully refundable if cruise does not depart due to low water at Torrumbarry Weir )

7 Night Koondrook Expedition Cruise - One Departure Only

Set sail on an extraordinary journey along the scenic Murray River, blending relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. The 7-Night one time only Koondrook Expedition Cruise offers a rare chance to explore over 200 kilometres of rarely seen waterways, onboard the majestic PS Emmylou, an authentic paddle steamer.

Starting from the historic Port of Echuca, the journey winds through lush, secluded sections of the Murray, offering unmatched vistas and tranquility. Whether you’re steering the boat with the skipper, learning about the vintage 1906 steam engine, or simply soaking in the sunset, every moment onboard is a memory in the making.

Embark on the PS Emmylou for a one-of-a-kind river cruise where history, nature, and luxury meet. This unforgettable journey is waiting for you!

highlights

  • Visit Koondrook by river, just the second time Emmylou have visited in over 20 year. 
  • Experience rarely seen part of the river 
  • After dinner campfires at remote bush moorings
  • Cruise through Lock 26, a rare event for PS Emmylou 
  • Experience overnight bush moorings  
  • Riverside BBQ dining experience under the stars, with live entertainment.
  • Experience all-day cruising with a historical commentary that will transport you back in time and immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of the Murray River region

Inclusions

  • Complimentary coach transfers to/from Echuca Train Station if arriving by train. 
  • Luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite
  • All meals including morning & afternoon tea
  • Regionally-inspired meals prepared by onboard chef
  • Complimentary selected wine & beer with dinner service
  • Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
  • Complimentary WIFI throughout the boat

Day 1 - Torrumbarry Weir

Departing Echuca downriver, enjoy a welcome afternoon tea with freshly made Australian scones, jam & cream with tea and coffee as you begin to relax and
enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Time to relax or take the opportunity to chat with the Engineer and Skipper in the wheelhouse about the rich history of the river and PS Emmylou. As the sun starts to set over the river, time for an evening cocktail before your chef prepared welcome dinner. Listen to the river birds
evening chorus, watch for kangaroos, wombats, egrets and many other species of birds as the stars begin to appear. Late afternoon we arrive at Torrumbarry
Weir. Here you can take a walk across the weir and visit the Interpretive Centre learning about the Murray Darling Basin, the Weir and lock system which dates
back to 1923. After dinner it is movie night, with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered” a fabulous historical presentation about the riverboats of mid 1850’s along the Murray River.

Simply an outstanding piece of Australian History. My sister and I had the most amazing three nights on the Emmylou. The staff were exceptional, each person made sure you were cared for, from Julie’s big smile as she welcomed you into the saloon each meal, Greg our chef and his amazing meals, will need to loose a few kilo’s from the trip now. Geoff’s love of steam engineers, we discovered he has his own steam engine at home, he really did know every detail, and was always happy to have a chat.
JJW653
April 2023

Day 2 - River Cruising - Bush Mooring

This morning we navigate through the Lock at Torrumbarry Weir. Watch the Skipper manoeuvre Emmylou into the lock with the wide gates locking behind the boat. The lock will be lowered, and Emmylou will be on her way. Today you will see parts of the river not seen by our guests for over 20 years as Emmylou
steams her way downstream towards Koondrook. This section of the river is teaming with nature and birdlife so time to get your binoculars out and spot some
of the local wildlife. Tonight we moor at a bush mooring where you can disembark and explore the surrounding area. After dinner relax with a beverage around a
campfire with your fellow guests enjoying the starlight sky and stillness of the bush.

We recently travelled with Murray River Paddlesteamers on the PS Emylou for a three night cruise from Echuca to Torrumbarry Weir. The three night cruise which included all meals and alcohol (with meals) provided an excellent way to enjoy both the scenery along the river and the experience of travelling on an old paddlesteamer with its associated history. This, complemented by the friendly, knowledgable and efficient staff made for an excellent long weekend away. Scott, our Captain for the cruise, managed the rising river and the strong currents with ease, whilst simultaneously providing expert commentary along the way. The on shore excursions, at the 'beer can' museum (which proved to be so much more!) the winery, the old sheep station and the weir, led by Scott were excellent. The food provided by Andrew and Julie and the steam engine history lesson from Anthony topped off a great weekend away. Highly recommended.
Michael F
July 2023

Day 3 - River Cruising - Bush Mooring

Departing our bush mooring Emmylou continues to explore the river downstream with a full day of cruising. This winding section of the river is one of the most beautiful area of with Willow Trees and native vegetation lining the river banks. Take the time to enjoy nature at its finest as PS Emmylou slowly winds her way down river. Tonight enjoy a second bush mooring and campfire.

Day 4 - Koondrook

This morning we depart our bush mooring for the short cruise into the lovely township of Koondrook where Emmylou will dock overnight at the fabulous new Koondrook wharf. Today you will visit the 1889 Koondrook Sawmill for a guided tour and have plenty of time to explore the riverside towns of Koondrook & Barham. Enjoy exploring the many wonderful shops and local pubs or enjoy a red gums forest walk. Dinner tonight is served overlooking the river from Koondrook wharf.

Day 5 - River Cruising - Bush Mooring

This morning after breakfast Emmylou departs Koondrook to explore the river upstream with a full day of cruising. This winding section of the river is one of the
most beautiful area of with Willow Trees and native vegetation lining the riverbanks. Take the time to enjoy nature at its finest as PS Emmylou slowly winds her way towards our bush mooring. As the sun starts to set over the river, time for an evening cocktail before your chef prepared welcome dinner. Listen to the river birds evening chorus, watch for kangaroos, wombats, egrets and many other species of birds as the stars begin to appear. Tonight, we arrive at our bush mooring where you can stretch your legs with a walk of the surrounding area and enjoy an evening campfire with your fellow passengers.

Simply an outstanding piece of Australian History. My sister and I had the most amazing three nights on the Emmylou. The staff were exceptional, each person made sure you were cared for, from Julie’s big smile as she welcomed you into the saloon each meal, Greg our chef and his amazing meals, will need to loose a few kilo’s from the trip now. Geoff’s love of steam engineers, we discovered he has his own steam engine at home, he really did know every detail, and was always happy to have a chat.
JJW653
April 2023

Day 6 - River Cruising & Toorumbarry Weir

This morning early rises can enjoy a bushwalk before we depart upstream towards Torrumbarry Weir arriving in the afternoon. Watch the Skipper manoeuvre
Emmylou into the lock with the wide gates locking behind the boat. Once through the Lock you can take a walk across the weir and visit the Interpretive Centre learning about the Murray Darling Basin, the Weir and lock system which dates back to 1923. Tonight, enjoy dinner overlooking the Weir and evening wildlife.
After dinner its slide night, with a special presentation of historical riverboats that plyed the might Murray river during the mid 1850’s.

We recently travelled with Murray River Paddlesteamers on the PS Emylou for a three night cruise from Echuca to Torrumbarry Weir. The three night cruise which included all meals and alcohol (with meals) provided an excellent way to enjoy both the scenery along the river and the experience of travelling on an old paddlesteamer with its associated history. This, complemented by the friendly, knowledgable and efficient staff made for an excellent long weekend away. Scott, our Captain for the cruise, managed the rising river and the strong currents with ease, whilst simultaneously providing expert commentary along the way. The on shore excursions, at the 'beer can' museum (which proved to be so much more!) the winery, the old sheep station and the weir, led by Scott were excellent. The food provided by Andrew and Julie and the steam engine history lesson from Anthony topped off a great weekend away. Highly recommended.
Michael F
July 2023

Day 7 - River Cruising & Layfield Lane

This morning PS Emmylou departs on a full day of cruising towards our Layfield Lane Mooring arriving late afternoon. This section of the river is teaming with
nature and birdlife so time to get your binoculars out and spot some of the local wildlife. You are also welcome to try your hand at steering the boat with the
Skipper or learning how the 1906 steam engine works with the Engineer. This evening enjoy dinner aboard PS Emmylou moored at Layfield Lane.

Day 8 - Echuca

This morning before breakfast early rises can enjoy a morning bush walk before PS Emmylou departs for the Port of Echuca where we reluctantly say farewell.