Two of Australia’s greatest icons – the Murray River and the Indian Pacific train – are showcased in a unique new ‘slow travel’ rail and river cruise package released exclusively by Cruise Traveller.
The 10-night ‘Australia by Paddlewheel and Locomotion’ package – available from July to November, 2022 – features a lazy, four-night cruise along the legendary Murray River aboard the only overnight passenger paddlesteamer on the river, the deluxe, 18-guest PS Emmylou, and a journey aboard the epic Indian Pacific train across the outback.
The itinerary begins with a night’s accommodation in Melbourne before a transfer to the Murray River town of Echuca to board the river boat, Emmylou, which offers overnight, boutique river cruises. A relaxing four-night sojourn along the meandering Murray follows, with visits to wineries, historic farm stations, indigenous sites and the World Heritage-listed river red gum wetlands at Barmah.
Guests will also enjoy meals and complimentary barista-made espresso coffees and dinner beverages on deck, riverside picnics, a memorable campfire dinner on the riverbank under the stars and the chance to join the crew in the wheelhouse and even try their hand at steering the boat alongside the skipper. At dusk, the rare, wood-fired paddlesteamer ties up at tranquil and remote moorings, allowing guests to experience the serenity and wildlife of the bush at night.
After a night back in Melbourne, guests will fly to Adelaide for a three-night stay and free time to explore the stately city before boarding the famous Indian Pacific train for an overnight journey to Sydney via the outback town of Broken Hill where the train will stop for a local, included tour. Offering all-inclusive fine dining, wines and beverages, the famous Indian Pacific train is designed to rekindle the golden era of rail travel, with panoramic windows in sleeping cabins and the lounge and restaurant cars. The itinerary ends in Sydney.
Three departure dates are available in 2022 – July 10, August 14 and November 6.
Including a flight from Melbourne to Adelaide, meals and beverages on the Indian Pacific and meals and dinner beverages on PS Emmylou as well as transfers along the way, the 10-night ‘Australia by Paddlewheel and Locomotion’ package is available from $4895 per person, twin-share (July 10, 2022 departure).
