5-star luxury aboard Australia’s newest paddle steamer on the Murray River in Victoria
6 Days
24 to 29 March 2027
Active
$6,295pptw
126 villabucks
5-star luxury aboard Australia’s newest paddle steamer on the Murray River in Victoria
Embark on this extra special Easter holiday, cruising the mighty Murray River aboard the world’s only 5-star paddle steamer, the PS Australian Star in northern Victoria. Start your holiday with 2 nights in Melbourne, enjoying highlights of the city before taking a train north to board your luxury vessel. Powered by an original 1907 wood-fired steam engine, her rhythmic paddlewheels and gentle steam evoke the golden age of river travel as you drift through ever-changing landscapes. This part of Australian history is celebrated and honoured in this brand-new luxurious vessel which was launched in 2026.
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Melbourne (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to Perth Airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Two nights: Rydges Hotel.
Day 2. Sightseeing in Melbourne with history, nature & food! (BD)
Start the day off with a visit to the Melbourne Botanical Gardens to enjoy its autumn beauty, before a tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol to hear the stories of notorious characters such as Ned Kelly and Squizzy Taylor. Later, you can taste local produce as you eat your way around the markets of Queen Victoria. In the afternoon, enjoy Melbourne at your leisure before coming together for dinner.
Day 3. Good Friday PS Australian Star, Riverbank BBQ & Campfire Entertainment (BLD)
Today we make our way out of the city to the regional Northern Victorian town of Echuca where you will board the beautiful P.S. Australian Star. Settle into life on board and watch the scenery unfold on the might Murray River while enjoying a traditional afternoon Devonshire tea. You may even get to visit the wheelhouse for a chat with the skipper who will share interesting stories with you. Get ready for happy hour as you arrive at the Layford Lane mooring. Tonight is special, enjoy a grand BBQ on the riverbank with tables aglow under candlelight and stars overhead, followed by live entertainment by the campfire.
Three nights: PS Australian Star
Day 4. P.S. Australian Star (BLD)
After a tranquil night sleeping to the sounds of the River, waken to a hearty breakfast before a memorable half day land and river tour. Stopping at the uniquely Australian, Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum, with a quirky and fascinating nostalgic look at Australian culture and ingenuity. After, you will visit the award winning St Anne’s Winery for lunch paired with their exceptional table and fortified wines. Meet the winemakers and savour the best of the regional hospitality. In the afternoon, continue your journey downstream toward Deep Creek Marina. This evening, you will have a special screening of “Riverboats Remembered”, an evocative documentary featuring archival footage that brings the history of the Murray River and its paddle steamers to life.
Day 5. Easter Sunday P.S. Australian Star (BLD)
Today you will set off on a full day cruise adventure, rich in natural beauty, historic encounters and unforgettable river moments. During the morning, stop at the iconic Perricoota Station, a historic riverside property steeped in local heritage. Join the skipper for an engaging guided walking tour through beautifully preserved buildings and manicured grounds, gaining a deeper appreciation of the station’s role in the Murray River’s storied past. Upon arriving at Torrumbarry Weir, disembark for a guided exploration of the weir and lock system which was first constructed in 1923. Tonight you will enjoy canapes and drinks at sunset then a delicious dinner under the stars to farewell this beautiful historic journey on your luxury paddle steamer.
Day 6. PS Australian Star and home (B)
As the sun rises this morning, you are invited to take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank to soak up the stillness of the Murray River before a relaxed breakfast on board. After disembarking, Villa Carlotta guests will board their coach for a scenic drive back to the airport via Rochester and Colbinabbin to view the silo art on the way to the airport for your flight home.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Images: PS Australian Star
Dates & Pricing
$6,295pptw
$2,780 single option
Highlights
• Melbourne Botanical Gardens
• Old Melbourne Gaol
• Queen Victoria Markets
• 3-night cruise aboard the P.S. Australian Star on the Murray River in northern Victoria
• The Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum
• St Anne’s Winery lunch
• Historic Perricoota Station
• Torrumbarry Weir
Inclusions
• Pre/post tour transfers (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• 13 meals
• 5 nights’ accommodation
• Tours and attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
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Dates & Pricing
Duration: 6 Days
Dates: 24 to 29 March 2027
Activity Level: Active
$6,295pptw
$2,780 single option
Earn: 126 villabucks
Highlights
• Melbourne Botanical Gardens
• Old Melbourne Gaol
• Queen Victoria Markets
• 3-night cruise aboard the P.S. Australian Star on the Murray River in northern Victoria
• The Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum
• St Anne’s Winery lunch
• Historic Perricoota Station
• Torrumbarry Weir
Inclusions
• Pre/post tour transfers (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• 13 meals
• 5 nights’ accommodation
• Tours and attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Melbourne (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to Perth Airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Two nights: Rydges Hotel.
Day 2. Sightseeing in Melbourne with history, nature & food! (BD)
Start the day off with a visit to the Melbourne Botanical Gardens to enjoy its autumn beauty, before a tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol to hear the stories of notorious characters such as Ned Kelly and Squizzy Taylor. Later, you can taste local produce as you eat your way around the markets of Queen Victoria. In the afternoon, enjoy Melbourne at your leisure before coming together for dinner.
Day 3. Good Friday PS Australian Star, Riverbank BBQ & Campfire Entertainment (BLD)
Today we make our way out of the city to the regional Northern Victorian town of Echuca where you will board the beautiful P.S. Australian Star. Settle into life on board and watch the scenery unfold on the might Murray River while enjoying a traditional afternoon Devonshire tea. You may even get to visit the wheelhouse for a chat with the skipper who will share interesting stories with you. Get ready for happy hour as you arrive at the Layford Lane mooring. Tonight is special, enjoy a grand BBQ on the riverbank with tables aglow under candlelight and stars overhead, followed by live entertainment by the campfire.
Three nights: PS Australian Star
Day 4. P.S. Australian Star (BLD)
After a tranquil night sleeping to the sounds of the River, waken to a hearty breakfast before a memorable half day land and river tour. Stopping at the uniquely Australian, Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum, with a quirky and fascinating nostalgic look at Australian culture and ingenuity. After, you will visit the award winning St Anne’s Winery for lunch paired with their exceptional table and fortified wines. Meet the winemakers and savour the best of the regional hospitality. In the afternoon, continue your journey downstream toward Deep Creek Marina. This evening, you will have a special screening of “Riverboats Remembered”, an evocative documentary featuring archival footage that brings the history of the Murray River and its paddle steamers to life.
Day 5. Easter Sunday P.S. Australian Star (BLD)
Today you will set off on a full day cruise adventure, rich in natural beauty, historic encounters and unforgettable river moments. During the morning, stop at the iconic Perricoota Station, a historic riverside property steeped in local heritage. Join the skipper for an engaging guided walking tour through beautifully preserved buildings and manicured grounds, gaining a deeper appreciation of the station’s role in the Murray River’s storied past. Upon arriving at Torrumbarry Weir, disembark for a guided exploration of the weir and lock system which was first constructed in 1923. Tonight you will enjoy canapes and drinks at sunset then a delicious dinner under the stars to farewell this beautiful historic journey on your luxury paddle steamer.
Day 6. PS Australian Star and home (B)
As the sun rises this morning, you are invited to take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank to soak up the stillness of the Murray River before a relaxed breakfast on board. After disembarking, Villa Carlotta guests will board their coach for a scenic drive back to the airport via Rochester and Colbinabbin to view the silo art on the way to the airport for your flight home.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Images: PS Australian StarNew Paragraph
Guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
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Tour Activity Levels
With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you.
Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays.
Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!
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Relaxed
Designed for travellers with lower mobility who can manage everyday movement independently. You must be able to embark and disembark coaches, trains, and other transport via steps, carry your own luggage, and walk short distances. Stairs may be encountered at times. Walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome. Travellers who bring a companion to help provide assistance may find these holidays suitable.
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Moderate
For travellers who walk confidently and unaided. In addition to Relaxed requirements, expect guided walking tours that may include gentle inclines and stair climbs, some longer days, and multiple hotel changes. Access to accommodation may involve stairs, short walks to facilities, and showers over baths. Walking sticks are welcome unless the tour includes overnight rail or cruising—please check with staff.
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Active
For travellers comfortable with full sightseeing days. Building on Moderate requirements, these tours feature more activities, extended periods of standing and walking, and nature-based excursions. You must be able to walk confidently over uneven surfaces at a steady pace, and negotiate busy transport terminals. Expect feature walks for up to 3 hours, and activities that may include small aircraft, vehicles, vessels and watercraft. Not suitable for travellers requiring walking aids or assistance from others.
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Highly Active
Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. No walkers allowed.
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Challenging
For travellers with a high level of fitness and previous outdoor experience. Building on Highly Active requirements, these tours involve full days of physical activity in remote or rugged locations that may be difficult to access. You must be able to walk confidently for 6 or more hours per day over multiple days while carrying a day pack and be comfortable walking in varied weather conditions. Not suitable for travellers using walking aids or requiring assistance.
