Private and Luxury
3+ days
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$4,165
per adult
Murray River Paddlesteamers - PS Emmylou
Murray River Paddlesteamers - PS Emmylou
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Cruise along the majestic Murray River at an ambling speed aboard the world’s only accommodated wood-fire paddle steamer. PS Emmylou seamlessly blends the old with the new to offer authentic luxury cruises that immerse you in a bygone era but with modern-day comforts. The old saying ‘it’s the journey, not the destination’ is indeed true for all our cruises, offered as two to six-night all-inclusive experiences. You’ll feel the warmth of the 1906 steam engine as the engineer stokes the boiler, you can climb into the wheelhouse to chat to the skipper, or just sit and gaze at the changing reflections in the water. Whether you’re captivated by the river, the region’s pioneering history or you’re yearning for relaxation, PS Emmylou offers it all.The old-timer cruiser provides a warm inviting atmosphere of a mid-1800s riverboat but without sacrificing modern conveniences. Each luxury cabin has a private ensuite, is individually air-conditioned, has WIFI and opens directly to outside deck
Echuca, Victoria, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.5
1,764 reviews
Excellent
1,276
Very good
382
Average
78
Poor
16
Terrible
12
dingo51
Melbourne, Australia139 contributions
An enjoyable evening dinner on the Emmylou paddle steamer comprised an initial share platter of cold meats and an entree of prawn cutlets to start with. The main course choices of Barramundi or fillet steak were well prepared. A dessert of chocolate fudge, cake and ice cream was followed by a serve yourself selection of cheeses and biscuits. It turned out to be a rather chilly and windy evening on our trip but staff have plenty of blankets to keep you warm - but definitely take a warm jacket just in case. The guests on our cruise migrated from the tables to an inside location overlooking the very warming steam engine. Service was friendly and efficient. Prices for drinks and wine were comparable to a shore based restaurant.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip9640
Melbourne, Australia11 contributions
May 2021
My brother & I did a 4 night cruise, this included 2 days of shore excursions. One to a winery and the other was an informative small boat (10M) cruise through the "Murray Choke", both excursions were excellent.
There was a total of 15 passengers so one did not feel lost in the crowd. The day could be spent either chatting to other guests, or, find a quiet spot and enjoy the view, bird calls and wildlife.
The cabins were compact (small to medium case only) but warm and comfy with own en-suite.
The meals were excellent with a choice of menu for most meals. The BBQ and sing along on the last night was a hoot or toot.
The atmosphere on the cruise was very relaxing, helped by the slow pace of the Murray, the rhythmic muffled splash of the paddle wheels and the mesmerizing action of the circa 1906 steam engine.
This was a new cruising experience that I would thoroughly recommend.
There was a total of 15 passengers so one did not feel lost in the crowd. The day could be spent either chatting to other guests, or, find a quiet spot and enjoy the view, bird calls and wildlife.
The cabins were compact (small to medium case only) but warm and comfy with own en-suite.
The meals were excellent with a choice of menu for most meals. The BBQ and sing along on the last night was a hoot or toot.
The atmosphere on the cruise was very relaxing, helped by the slow pace of the Murray, the rhythmic muffled splash of the paddle wheels and the mesmerizing action of the circa 1906 steam engine.
This was a new cruising experience that I would thoroughly recommend.
Written 11 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geoff
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Aug 2022
Our trip on board the PS Emmylou was planned to take place precisely 12 months earlier than when we actually enjoyed our time aboard. It was a postponement enforced by a strict Covid-19 lockdown. Thankfully, the very accommodating owners of MRP saw the situation for what it was and allowed me to reschedule at no additional cost or loss. This was the first sign of what a quality outfit MRP are when as a small business operator, they bent over backwards to ensure they put their guests first.
We booked the whole steamer for a 2-night adventure to celebrate a milestone birthday with family and close friends. We all came away from the experience yearning for more and wished we had the foresight to plan a 3 or 4 night adventure.
The crew onboard (James, Andrew, Geoff and Thom) were simply fantastic and treated us to a very memorable time. I'm pretty certain we all came away having packed on an extra kilo or 2, as the food and drink choices were very good and plentiful. The accommodation onboard was clean and comfortable. We wanted for nothing more. We also enjoyed a guided walk around the historic Perricoota Station while Skipper James regaled us with some of the property's history from when it was first settled in the 1840's.
Having enjoyed what MRP and the mighty Murray River have to offer for a wonderful, restful and interesting adventure, I know I speak for my family and friends when I say we can't wait for another excursion with MRP on board the magical PS Emmylou!
By the way, we had the added benefit of attending the Moama Lights, which was spectacular. This has become an annual and is well worth the trip August.
We booked the whole steamer for a 2-night adventure to celebrate a milestone birthday with family and close friends. We all came away from the experience yearning for more and wished we had the foresight to plan a 3 or 4 night adventure.
The crew onboard (James, Andrew, Geoff and Thom) were simply fantastic and treated us to a very memorable time. I'm pretty certain we all came away having packed on an extra kilo or 2, as the food and drink choices were very good and plentiful. The accommodation onboard was clean and comfortable. We wanted for nothing more. We also enjoyed a guided walk around the historic Perricoota Station while Skipper James regaled us with some of the property's history from when it was first settled in the 1840's.
Having enjoyed what MRP and the mighty Murray River have to offer for a wonderful, restful and interesting adventure, I know I speak for my family and friends when I say we can't wait for another excursion with MRP on board the magical PS Emmylou!
By the way, we had the added benefit of attending the Moama Lights, which was spectacular. This has become an annual and is well worth the trip August.
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rp_aust
Melbourne, Australia27 contributions
With my wife, went on the evening dinner cruise on Wed 20 Jan 2021. Weather was just right and it was fantastic watching the riverbanks and tall rivergums slowly drifting past. Now the poor part. The food. Rivergums on the Emmylou is rated very highly among Echuca restaurants, but if it was once, it is not now. The first course was two hot supermarket bread rolls on one plate, put in front of me. We eventually worked out that the one plate was to share and there would not be another. Saw that a table of 4 down the back of the boat had the same experience, with two plates put in front of two people, so they sat waiting for other plates for the other two, which never arrived.
The next course (for each person) was 4 cooked prawns on a plate with a small dipping sauce bowl and a shred of iceberg lettuce. Again the cooked prawns looked exactly like those prepackaged from Coles. Nothing wrong with them, but not restaurant fare.
Then the main course. I had preordered eye fillet, and the basic meat was fine - a thick slice. But the cooking!! The meat was grey, all the way through. Cooked just to the point of dryness. How many decades is it since I have had to use the (small amount) of gravy provided to moisten the meat that I'm eating. The cook had absolutely no idea as to how to cook meat. Steak should by default be pink in the middle, with customers able to ask for rarer or more well done if these are their preferences. Not presented with this ruination of a perfectly good piece of meat.
Dessert was a plate of small tarts - not bad.
Then a cheese plate (to share) with one piece of soft and one cheddar type, with a few sakata type rice biscuits.
We choose the Brown Bros Heathcote Shiraz to drink, and that was very nice, and at $45 per bottle, not overpriced for a restaurant.
Overall, a mixed bag, but would recommend to others, with caution as to the food.
PS, folders for the final bill were emblazened with Amex imprints, but they don't take Amex.
The next course (for each person) was 4 cooked prawns on a plate with a small dipping sauce bowl and a shred of iceberg lettuce. Again the cooked prawns looked exactly like those prepackaged from Coles. Nothing wrong with them, but not restaurant fare.
Then the main course. I had preordered eye fillet, and the basic meat was fine - a thick slice. But the cooking!! The meat was grey, all the way through. Cooked just to the point of dryness. How many decades is it since I have had to use the (small amount) of gravy provided to moisten the meat that I'm eating. The cook had absolutely no idea as to how to cook meat. Steak should by default be pink in the middle, with customers able to ask for rarer or more well done if these are their preferences. Not presented with this ruination of a perfectly good piece of meat.
Dessert was a plate of small tarts - not bad.
Then a cheese plate (to share) with one piece of soft and one cheddar type, with a few sakata type rice biscuits.
We choose the Brown Bros Heathcote Shiraz to drink, and that was very nice, and at $45 per bottle, not overpriced for a restaurant.
Overall, a mixed bag, but would recommend to others, with caution as to the food.
PS, folders for the final bill were emblazened with Amex imprints, but they don't take Amex.
Written 21 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MISNO88
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
July 2021
We had originally booked for the afternoon 2 hour cruise on the Emmylou. The website advertises a 10% discount code for winter cruises. The wording is vague but the code was accepted and the discount applied. All good so far.
Trouble began on the morning of the cruise. We got a call at 10:45, our cruise had been cancelled due to a lack of lunch guests, could we make it to the 11:00 cruise instead? Of course, we couldn’t. We had to change to a 1 hour afternoon cruise on the PS Canberra with a refund of $60 being promised and confirmed by email.
We were disappointed that the company couldn’t, at the very least, make the decision early enough to allow us to get to the morning cruise. The trip on the Canberra was, however, quite good.
Nine days later the refund had not been processed so we prompted the company with an email. The refund was made but only for $42. According to the company, the original 10% discount was a mistake and should not have been accepted.
We queried this. The response from the director, Craig, was rude and abrupt. The discount being accepted was “irrelevant” and “no further refund will be made”. He has not responded to further emails.
Okay, it’s only $18 but you can’t change the price of a product after a transaction has been completed. Rather than an apology for cancelling our cruise at the last minute, for dubious reasons, we have been treated in a rude and arrogant manner. Hard to understand when your business relies on the goodwill of paying customers.
Trouble began on the morning of the cruise. We got a call at 10:45, our cruise had been cancelled due to a lack of lunch guests, could we make it to the 11:00 cruise instead? Of course, we couldn’t. We had to change to a 1 hour afternoon cruise on the PS Canberra with a refund of $60 being promised and confirmed by email.
We were disappointed that the company couldn’t, at the very least, make the decision early enough to allow us to get to the morning cruise. The trip on the Canberra was, however, quite good.
Nine days later the refund had not been processed so we prompted the company with an email. The refund was made but only for $42. According to the company, the original 10% discount was a mistake and should not have been accepted.
We queried this. The response from the director, Craig, was rude and abrupt. The discount being accepted was “irrelevant” and “no further refund will be made”. He has not responded to further emails.
Okay, it’s only $18 but you can’t change the price of a product after a transaction has been completed. Rather than an apology for cancelling our cruise at the last minute, for dubious reasons, we have been treated in a rude and arrogant manner. Hard to understand when your business relies on the goodwill of paying customers.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thanks for your first review on TripAdvisor.
We think goodwill travels both ways and using a Discount 10% Promo Code for Winter Overnight Accommodated Cruises for a Day Cruise is not what we consider to be goodwill. Sometimes the principal is more important.
Having refunded over $150,000 to guests over the past 12 months alone we don't think the trend is your friend here and our track record speaks for itself.
We wish you well
Regards
Craig
Written 1 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kenpitts2022
Newcastle, Australia1 contribution
June 2022
The 6-day Murray River cruise from Echuca on the P. S. Emmylou was an excellent experience.
Scott and James were our Captains who gave us commentary as we steamed along the Murray.
Scott was also the engineer who gave a very informative talk on how the 1906 steam engine operates.
The large variety of outstanding meals (and birthday cakes) prepared by Chef Greg and delivered by our excellent host Julie were exceptional, you will not be disappointed or go hungry.
We thoroughly enjoyed the off-boat itinerary with the company of all our fellow passengers and crew, especially the campfire entertainment with Wazza. Not to forget our bus drivers Ross and Tony.
The cabin was modern and quite comfortable.
Thank you to all the crew and other guests, we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Narelle and Ken
Scott and James were our Captains who gave us commentary as we steamed along the Murray.
Scott was also the engineer who gave a very informative talk on how the 1906 steam engine operates.
The large variety of outstanding meals (and birthday cakes) prepared by Chef Greg and delivered by our excellent host Julie were exceptional, you will not be disappointed or go hungry.
We thoroughly enjoyed the off-boat itinerary with the company of all our fellow passengers and crew, especially the campfire entertainment with Wazza. Not to forget our bus drivers Ross and Tony.
The cabin was modern and quite comfortable.
Thank you to all the crew and other guests, we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Narelle and Ken
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil F
Launceston, Australia2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a German visiting couple with us, we chose to do a lunch cruise for them on 2nd January to show them a bit of Australian history that is off the normal tourist trail.
We were all delighted with the EmmyLou and it’s history and the commentary outlining the Murray River’s paddle boat history.
The lunch provided was extremely satisfactory, there were many choices of Entree, Main and Dessert courses, the quality and quantity of which was a credit to the galley staff.
Friendly, courteous crew in general I would have no hesitation recommending this company for any of the possible cruises that are available.
We were all delighted with the EmmyLou and it’s history and the commentary outlining the Murray River’s paddle boat history.
The lunch provided was extremely satisfactory, there were many choices of Entree, Main and Dessert courses, the quality and quantity of which was a credit to the galley staff.
Friendly, courteous crew in general I would have no hesitation recommending this company for any of the possible cruises that are available.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missie0
bangor australia216 contributions
Mar 2022
When booking this cruise, which was deferred twice due to Covid, I was slightly apprehensive as to what to expect. River cruising in Australia is NOT a big tourist activity but excited just the same. What quality can you expect on a steam driven wood powered paddle steamer that accommodates 16 people.
Well let me alay any fears, First we are greeted as we walk onto the boat ( after having our cars securily housed safely for the cruise and then transported by bus to the wharf. From when we dropped our bags at the bus, these we handled by the staff and delivered to our cabin when onboard. The cabin ( ours was the cheapest is tight but comfortable beds, air conditioned which was nice as the days were warm and evenings mild.The bathroom had a good sized shower , very modern toilet and hand basin. Amples of bottled water are provided whenever you need. The cruise is a wonderful view of the river with some amazing scenes of river banks and Muaary River Red gums. The food was incredible. Thats all I can say. I didnt expect a choice of 3 different main courses, entrees and dessert. Breakfast had its own menu and you ordered before hand and when you arrived to the table it was then cooked, not precooking or re heat . All fresh and hot. Lunches were varied depending whether we ate on board or on an excursion off the boat. The last night river bank candle light dinner and then sing song around the fire with our Captain Warren was a memorable event. its a 6 star cruise. iTs 10 out of 10!!!!!
Well let me alay any fears, First we are greeted as we walk onto the boat ( after having our cars securily housed safely for the cruise and then transported by bus to the wharf. From when we dropped our bags at the bus, these we handled by the staff and delivered to our cabin when onboard. The cabin ( ours was the cheapest is tight but comfortable beds, air conditioned which was nice as the days were warm and evenings mild.The bathroom had a good sized shower , very modern toilet and hand basin. Amples of bottled water are provided whenever you need. The cruise is a wonderful view of the river with some amazing scenes of river banks and Muaary River Red gums. The food was incredible. Thats all I can say. I didnt expect a choice of 3 different main courses, entrees and dessert. Breakfast had its own menu and you ordered before hand and when you arrived to the table it was then cooked, not precooking or re heat . All fresh and hot. Lunches were varied depending whether we ate on board or on an excursion off the boat. The last night river bank candle light dinner and then sing song around the fire with our Captain Warren was a memorable event. its a 6 star cruise. iTs 10 out of 10!!!!!
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
colinb4312016
Sunshine Coast, Australia2 contributions
Feb 2020
This cruise exceeded our expectations. Having travelled extensively around Australia for many years, we have had the opportunity to enjoy many excursions on lakes, rivers, mountains and caves. The point of difference with this trip was the most relaxing mode of travel we have ever experienced. Our crew were exceptional. They couldn't do enough for us. The chef had culinary skills that would not go astray in many top class restaurants we have dined at. We chose the Emmy Lou suite to celebrate our 55th. wedding anniversary. We thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
unsw2022
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2022
A wonderful visit to the river on board Emmy Lou. A happy helpful crew made this an extremely enjoyable time. Their mangement of the journey under weather extremes made all items on the established itinerary achievable. We thank all the crew for their efforts to make this a memorable experience.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyager45162
The Netherlands
What kind of clothes should I pack? Is it cold on board?
Written 21 April 2022
Agree with all that has been said... and you can stick to casual which is good because it is good to pack light as there isn't a lot of room in the cabins.
Written 25 April 2022
Curiosity06160501711
Melbourne, Australia
Hi, Would people recommend the 1hour cruise or 2 hour cruise please? 4 adults and 2 x 13 year olds (Just looking at cruise,not meal/accommodation etc) Thank you
Written 6 November 2021
Any boat trip on the Murray (out of Echuca) will be enjoyed, and will be full of interesting sights. There are shorter trips, than the one we did, that do not cater for on board meals, whilst the Mary Anne vessel has an on board dinner/ cruise over a 3 or 4 hours. Noelene & Ray P.
Written 8 November 2021
Hello, my husband and I have booked a luncheon cruise for the September school holidays with our 2 daughters ages 14 & 9.. Just a little concerned that we couldn't get any information on the food served in the lunch... We have a very fussy 9 year old so was hoping they cater for kids in the usual basic way, eg. Chips or sandwich etc.. As the cost was quite steep we are really hoping that she at least has that option, regards Karen Connor
Written 27 August 2015
Food was good there were children on board for lunch. Food servers were very helpful re menu.
Written 1 September 2015
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