Murray River cruising all the rage as renovation planned for beloved ship

There will be more overnight options from 2025.

The PS Emmylou.

By Sarah Falson

Updated April 1, 2025, first published September 22, 2024

Murray River cruising is so hot right now that from August 2025, Murray River Paddlesteamers will have not one, but two overnight ships sailing from Echuca, after the beloved 16-guest PS Emmylou undergoes a renovation in June.

Made famous in the 1980s TV series All the Rivers Run, Emmylou was going to be retired from multi-day trips, but with high demand, she will return in August with a four-night round-trip itinerary.

Meanwhile, the company's new five-star, $6.75 million PS Australian Star will come on board in June, offering three-, four-and seven-night sailings for 38 people at a time.

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Both ships will be chartered by APT Travel Group for 2025 to 2026 - the Australian Star under the APT brand and the Emmylou under Travelmart.

"This means that, for the first time, we will have two, deluxe, overnight riverboats operating year-round on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria from mid-2025, which is very exciting for us and the evolution of river cruising in Australia," said Murray River Paddlesteamers Director, Craig Burgess.

He said there was huge demand for premium, overnight river cruises in Australia.

An artist's render of the PS Australian Star.

"It's clear Australians are nostalgic and love Emmylou and want her to continue offering overnight journeys on the Murray," Mr Burgess said.

"But from August, 2025, and thanks to APT, there'll be a choice of two vessels - the old and the new - with different itineraries, size of vessel and onboard ambience, creating a diversity in product that meets market demand and augurs well for the future of river cruising in Australia."

Book by October 31 for your last chance to sail on pre-facelift Emmylou, with 10 per cent off trips from January to May 2025. Twin-share fares come down to $1800 per person for three nights, $2400 for four nights and $4200 for seven nights. mrps.com.au

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.