From its humble beginnings as a small stream in the Australian Alps, this magnificent river winds its way through 2520 kilometres of breathtaking landscapes and historic river towns, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of one of the most important trade routes in Australia’s history.
But that’s not all – the Murray has also played a vital role in the development of Australia’s most important irrigated region, earning its well-deserved reputation as the nation’s food bowl.
Join us on a tour of a lifetime, starting in Albury on the Victorian-New South Wales Border and ending near Goolwa in South Australia. Along the way, we’ll explore fascinating towns like Echuca, Swan Hill, and Mannum, discover the majesty of the Murray’s vast river lakes, and learn from the locals who are part of the river’s rich history.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Murray. Book your tour today and let us show you why the Mighty Murray is an essential part of Australia’s cultural and natural heritage.
Welcome to “The Majestic Murray River” tour
Our starting point is Melbourne and arriving this morning under your own arrangements at the airport (please arrive prior to 11.30am) you will be meet by your host and coach before making our way north to Albury and our welcome dinner this evening at our hotel.
Meals (D) Quality Siesta Resort, Albury
Fights by own arrangements
Today we follow the Murray Valley Highway west and first stop is Yarrawonga situated on Lake Mulwala –which was formed by the completion of the Yarrawonga Weir. We have arranged a short cruise aboard the MV Paradise Queen. We will cruise past these towering River Red Gums and dozens of sandy beaches whilst enjoying morning tea. We continue through Cobram to Strathmerton for a visit to Cactus Country. Following lunch in the café, our hosts will give us a talk on the garden followed by the chance for a wander. We’ll be amazed at the cacti from all over the world! Then Moama for our stop for the next 2 nights
Meals (B,L,D) Philadelphia Motor Inn, Echuca
Echuca Port this morning and our guide will point out areas of interest and fill us with tales of the colourful personalities who “crewed” the old river boats. After our guided tour we join the PS Canberra for a one-hour Devonshire Tea cruise. This boat has quite a history. She is one of the many that were originally built in Echuca. This afternoon we spend some time at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre
Meals (B,D) Philadelphia Motor Inn, Echuca
Koondrook today for a visit to the only working sawmill in the region. We view the Redgum logs through the milling process. Also we see the Red Gum Statue River Walk that has been created by a local chainsaw carver. Our lunch stop is in Lake Boga which is home to the famous Catalina Flying Boat Museum which played an integral part in the allied defence of the South Pacific. From here we continue to Swan Hill. Following dinner we head to Pioneer Settlement for the Heartbeat of the Murray sound and laser show. This wonderful show is the first of its kind and utilizes water, light, laser, sound and special effects to tell the fascinating story of the Murray River– from 30 million years ago to today.
Meals (B,L,D) Swan Hill Resort
Our morning is spent at the nearby Pioneer Settlement Museum, Australia’s first outdoor museum. We’ll wander through living history, as well as enjoy a cruise aboard the Paddleboat Pyap. After a lunch we have a little free time before we are on our way again, following the Murray Valley Highway to Mildura for our overnight stop.
(B,L,D) Mildura Inlander Resort
The first stop is our morning cruise on the PS Rothbury, Built in 1891, the PS Rothbury is one of the last “working” Paddle steamers on the Murray. We then make our way to Orange World . We will enjoy a citrus tour around the picturesque property on the 70-seat tractor train with informative commentary on a wealth of citrus information with a juicy sense of humour. Lunch today is at the Varapodio Olive Oil Farm. We’ll be met by the owners who will give us a talk on their farm as well as tastings of their award-winning oils. In Wentworth we see the junction of the Darling and Murray rivers before a visit to the Old Wentworth Gaol. A visit to the gaol shows the hard lives and extreme conditions prisoners endured
(B,L,D) Mildura Inlander Resort
Today we continue west to the tiny village of Paringa. It’s here we have our morning stop and take a look at the Silo Art mural. Next, we take a look at Lock 5. Navigating the Murray River wouldn’t be possible without the series of locks and weirs that were built back in the 1920s and 1930s. Fourteen locks are still in use today. We have lunch at the Renmark Club, then have a visit to Olivewood Homestead, a homestead and museum containing relics from 1887. Our final visit for the day is to Angoves Wines for a wine tasting and history talk. Angoves Wines is the largest privately owned winery in Australia. From Renmark we now head to Berri for our accommodation overlooking the Murray River.
(B,L,D) Berri Motor Inn
Loxton was first settled by people of (predominantly) German origin and the heritage is still evident today at the Loxton Historical Village. Later this morning, we make our way to Kingston-on-Murray where we visit Banrock Station. Of the property’s 1650 hectares only 250 hectares are devoted to grapes – varieties such as Semillon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, We take a presentation at the cellar door which of course means some wine tastings. From Banrock Station we head to Murray Bridge.
(B,L,D) Bridgeport Hotel
Today the small towns of Wellington and Milang to Goolwa where the Murray River finally enters the Southern Ocean. We board the “Spirit of the Coorong” for a cruise to the Mouth of the Murray River. The cruise takes us through the Goolwa Barrage, one of 5 constructed in the 1930s to separate the sea water from the fresh water of the river. After our cruise we have some free time to purchase lunch in Goolwa and this afternoon we return to Murray Bridge via Strathalbyn. Tonight as our farewell dinner we join the Captain Proud Paddle Boat and relax and enjoy the scenery.
(B,D) Bridgeport Hotel
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and following breakfast, we will make our way into Adelaide to connect with your return flight home
Flights at own arrangements from 12noon
Coach Touring & Commentary
Albury, Mulwala, Yarrawonga
Guided Tour of Port of Echuca
Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum
Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Tour
Heartbeat of the Murray Laser Light Show
Orange World, Varapodio Olive Farm
Renmark, Berri, Angoves Wines,
Banrock Station & Loxton Historical Village
Full Hosted by our Friendly Staff
Cruise with MV Paradise Queen
Lunch Cruise on Echuca Paddle Steamer
Cruise on PS Rothbury Mildura
Sprit of Coorong Murray River Cruise
Captain Proud Farewell Dinner Cruise
All Accommodation
Meals as per Itinerary
Flights By Own Arrangements. Sole Use Add $520
This is a Moderate Paced Tour– Medium level of fitness required
Travelers must be able to meet the below fitness level requirements or have a carer who is available to assist. GVH Staff are not able to assist with those who have reduced mobility or other health problems. It is Your responsibility to arrange for such a carer if so required:
GVH reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour or to terminate the travel arrangements during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who is unable to cope with the requirements of the tour, including using coach steps for embarking and disembarking or needing services or facilities that are not available. We will not be held liable for any termination of your travel arrangements or additional expenses incurred. Please be aware that some outback locations may experience high temperatures.