Murray River Paddlesteamers, part of the APT Travel Group, has introduced a spring promotion on its heritage vessel PS Emmylou, offering a $400 discount per couple on three-night itineraries along the Murray River. The offer applies to departures from Echuca, Victoria, between September and November, with fares starting at $1,400 (A$2,150) per person, twin-share.
Historic Vessel, Modern Comforts
Built in 1906 and powered by a steam engine, PS Emmylou carries a maximum of 16 passengers in well-appointed cabins. The vessel gained fame as the setting for the 1980s television mini-series All the Rivers Run. Guests enjoy timber decks, a dining saloon, and excursions that include wineries, historic sites, and wildlife sanctuaries. A campfire dinner under the stars is a signature experience.
The fare includes gourmet meals, shore tours, selected beverages with dinner, and rail transfers from Melbourne to Echuca. The discount is applied per couple, bringing the effective per-person cost to approximately $1,200 (A$1,950) for the three-night package.
Strategic Investment by APT Travel Group
Craig Burgess, Director of Murray River Paddlesteamers, noted that recent investments by APT Travel Group will support ongoing enhancements to the fleet. “We are delighted to see the joy the PS Emmylou brings to our passengers,” Burgess said. “The group’s commitment includes the introduction of a larger vessel, PS Australian Star, which will expand capacity on the Murray River.”
The PS Australian Star is expected to complement the existing fleet, offering additional berths for agents and tour operators seeking to package Murray River itineraries. The spring discount on PS Emmylou is designed to stimulate shoulder-season demand and provide travel advisors with a compelling offer for clients interested in heritage river cruising.
Booking Details and Agent Opportunities
Bookings must be made by 31 July 2026 using the code Emmyspring. The offer is valid for departures from September through November. The all-inclusive nature of the fare—covering meals, excursions, beverages, and transfers—simplifies packaging for agents.
For comparison, similar three-night Murray River cruises on other vessels often exclude transfers or selected beverages, making the PS Emmylou offer competitive for the premium segment. Agents should note that the vessel’s limited capacity of 16 guests means early booking is advisable, particularly for groups or family reunions.
Murray River Paddlesteamers also operates other vessels on the river, including PS Australian Star and PS Murray Princess, offering a range of itineraries from two to seven nights. The spring discount on PS Emmylou is part of a broader strategy to attract both domestic and international visitors to Australia’s longest river system.
For more information, visit the Murray River Paddlesteamers website.
