Murray River Cruise & Spring Bulbs of Victoria

Depart Melbourne at 9.30 am from the pre-tour hotel. Arrive at a private garden of historical significance for a tour and enjoy lunch in the Macedon Ranges. Continue to Kyneton, where the annual Daffodil Festival takes place. Managed entirely by volunteers, the festival showcases the region’s stunning landscapes, artistic talent, and heartwarming spirit of the community. Visit private gardens in spring bloom and gain an appreciation for the local culture while enjoying the floral spectacle. Local galleries and studios also open their doors, showcasing captivating exhibitions that include traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures. The artistic diversity on display reflects the creative energy that pulsates through Kyneton.

Arrive this morning in the historic goldfield's town of Castlemaine. From here we board the historic Victorian Goldfields Railway for an authentic heritage steam train journey to the gold mining town of Maldon. Enjoy some time to explore Maldon and admire its charming shopfronts and buildings. The town was awarded 'most intact heritage streetscape' by the National Trust. This afternoon, delight in further private garden visits and activities as part of the Daffodil Festival.

Drive past vibrant yellow, canola-filled paddocks in bloom on our way to visit the Gargarro Botanic Garden. This relatively new garden has a fascinating story to tell. Continue to Echuca where you have free time to purchase lunch before we board the PS Australian Star at Torrumbarry. Enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea, take in the sights and sounds of the river and get to know your fellow cruisers. There’s ample time to chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about the paddle steamer, or simply relax in your private cabin. When the sun begins to set, this marks the start of ‘Happy Hour’. Enjoy a drink in the saloon before a chef-prepared Welcome Dinner. Listen to the evening chorus of river birds and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and many species of birds as the stars begin to appear. Tonight, we moor at Norris Bend where your crew will have a riverside campfire ready for you to enjoy after dinner.

After breakfast, we cruise to the famous Perricoota Station, the property settled by James Maiden in 1843, and famous for its role in the TV mini-series All the Rivers Run. From here, we depart for Restdown Winery, producers of fine organic wines and Hereford beef. Join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a 1.4km wetlands walking trail. Our hosts highlight items of great Aboriginal significance, before we enjoy a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings. Arriving back at Perricoota Station, we join the skipper for a walk past its historical buildings and through the immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station. Tonight, enjoy a fabulous dinner on the deck overlooking the famous Perricoota Station mansion. After dinner, it’s Movie Night, as we view a special presentation of Riverboats Remembered, which features archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River, from the early 1900s through to the mid-1970s.

For early risers and keen photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a sight to behold. After breakfast, our vessel gracefully steams onward upstream, for a full day of cruising to our Layfield Lane mooring. Enjoy lunch on the deck, or in the saloon, with plenty of time to relax with a good book or to just take in the river views. Tonight, enjoy a grand dinner on the riverbank – an Australian candlelit BBQ beneath the stars. After dinner, enjoy casual conversation around the campfire with live entertainment.

Today, explore the charming town of Echuca, uncovering hidden historical gems like Hopwood's Punt and the pontoon bridge. The bridge, the brainchild of Echuca's founder, Henry Hopwood, marks the initial river crossing in the area. Next, prepare to be enchanted by the Murray River aboard the 110-year-old PS Canberra. You'll enjoy a morning tea whilst immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Murray River. While cruising, you'll have the opportunity to observe stunning landscapes up close and encounter a diverse array of wildlife. Additionally, you'll gain insights into the river's rich history, from its pre-European days to the early colonial era when riverboats were a common sight. Returning to the PS Australian Star for lunch, your river journey continues upstream cruising past the imposing Port of Echuca, home to over 100 paddlesteamers in its heyday.

Disembark the ship as we make our way across to Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley for a tasting and lunch. Continue to Hancock’s Daffodil Nursery and Farm in Menzies Creek to view the extensive range of Daffodil varieties grown in their display garden. Return to Melbourne at around 5.00 pm where your tour concludes at our post-tour hotel.