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Tours/Melbourne/Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife

Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife

5.0(8)Melbourne11 hours
VIATOR5.0(4)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
+12 photos
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife
Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife

At a glance

Duration
11 hours
Price from
$162 / person
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 8 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 15
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Local Way Tours
Meeting point
Meet outside Protagonist Café (St Kilda Road side). Do not wait at Hamer Hall.Look for the Giant Spire and Protagonist Café out front.Accessible via tram (Free Tram Zone), 5-minute walk from Flinders Street Station, or 5-10 minutes on foot from most central hotels.

Description

Experience the Aussie outback on this full-day tour from Melbourne, uncovering local silo art, riverside heritage, native animals, and wine. Journey through regional Victoria on an exclusive paddle steamer cruise and wildlife adventure combining Murray River heritage, wildlife observation, and wine tasting. Start with a complimentary coffee at the Arts Centre before heading to Nagambie. Learn about koalas during a ranger-led talk at Kyabram Fauna Park, then step back in time in Echuca aboard the PS Canberra paddle steamer for a cruise on Australia's largest river. Enjoy changing scenery from eucalypt forests to farmland to vineyards, as you travel through Victoria's heartland. Discover Rochester's painted silos showcasing artistic heritage, and end with premium wine tasting featuring wines grown in ancient Cambrian soil at a renowned Heathcote winery. Limited to 15 travelers for intimate experience with comfortable transport, expert guidance, and guaranteed window seating.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
Start times
7:30 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 21
Adult (ages 18+)
$162
Child (ages 2–17)
$134

In demand: 5 of the next 17 departures are already sold out.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 16.

Tour Options

Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife

Itinerary

Lake Nagambie
Pass by

Welcome to this picturesque lake town, a taste of regional Australia with waterfront cafes and regional produce.

Nagambie
30 min

Begin your regional Victoria adventure in the peaceful lake-side township of Nagambie. Take some time to stretch your legs, refuel with a coffee from the charming main street, and enjoy the serene Lake Nagambie views as you enter the river region of Victoria.

Kyabram Fauna Park
Admission included60 min

Get up close to Australia's unique wildlife at Kyabram Fauna Park. Wander open-air enclosures and meet kangaroos, emus, koalas, reptiles, and more in a relaxed, natural setting — a true highlight for nature lovers and families alike. Start your experience with a Ranger Talk at the Koalas, before proceeding to explore the park in tour own time. Finished early - enjoy the treats of the on-site café as you sit and watch the cute Meerkats run about you.

Echuca
30 min

Step back in time as we arrive into the historic port town of Echuca, Victoria’s largest inland port. This charming river port town on the Murray River is known for its 19th-century wharf, paddle steamers, and preserved heritage buildings that reflect its vital role in Australia's inland trade era.

Port Of Echuca Wharf , Paddlesteamers & Museum
Admission included90 min

Take some time to explore and get some lunch, before boarding the PS (Paddle Steamer) Canberra for a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Murray River, complete with captain's commentary. Drift past towering red gum forests and heritage wharves aboard this authentic paddle steamer.

15 min

Silo Art - marvel at the vibrant silo art installation - part of Victoria's celebrated Silo Art Trail. Travelling through the agricultural heartland of Victoria, witness as the scenery changes around you from eucalypt forests, to the wide expanse of farmland, to rows upon rows of vineyards. We stop for a chance to view the iconic painted silos of Rochester - part of Victoria's celebrated Silo Art Trail showcasing the unique art of midland Victoria. These towering artworks tell the story of regional history and local wildlife, perfect for memorable photos.

Heathcote Winery
Admission included45 min

We finish the day with a premium wine tasting at one of Heathcote's most renowned Wineries. Sample a selection of award-winning wines while soaking in the stunning vineyard and hillside views that define this celebrated estate.

Melbourne
60 min

Return back to the brights lights of Melbourne city after a fulfilling day exploring the best fo regional Victoria. Be dropped back at the Melbourne Arts Centre or your city center hotel on request

What's included

Included
Exclusive Wildlife Experience - Native animal encounters plus exclusive koala keeper talk at park
Small Group Experience - Maximum 15 travelers ensures personalized attention and intimate atmosphere
Award-winning Wine Tasting - Guided tasting at Heathcote winery featuring Cambrian soil wines
Premium Transport - Comfortable midi coach with WiFi and guaranteed window seats for every booking
Authentic Murray River Cruise - 1-hour PS Canberra paddle steamer with captain's commentary aboard
Expert Local Guide - Discover hidden gems with engaging commentary throughout your outback adventure
Not included
Food and Drinks other than what's stated

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

5.0
8 reviews
5
8
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How it compares in Melbourne

  • Starting price $162 is 11% below the typical $183 for tours of similar length in Melbourne

Excurgo comparison of 841 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

Small-Group Murray River Adventure - Paddle Steamer & Wildlife lasts about 11 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $162 per person for this Melbourne experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does this tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 7:30 AM.

How much does this tour cost for children?

Children aged 2–17 pay from $134, adults from $162.

Does this tour sell out?

It can: 5 of the next 17 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Meet outside Protagonist Café (St Kilda Road side). Do not wait at Hamer Hall. Look for the Giant Spire and Protagonist Café out front. Accessible via tram (Free Tram Zone), 5-minute walk from Flinders Street Station, or 5-10 minutes on foot from most central hotels. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Reviews(8)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

C
cheryllP962PW
August 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Murray River experience

Loved every minute of this cruise. Staff are all so friendly and welcoming. I felt relaxed and spoilt by the never ending delicious food cooked by Greg and brought to us by an ever smiling Julie. Yes the rooms are tiny but most time is spent in the saloon eating,relaxing on deck or exploring when the boat docks so didnt worry me at all. If you want a huge room to lounge about in all day this is not the holiday for you but if you are open to admiring the mighty Murray with a full tummy and great company then I definitely recommend this wonderful experience. Thanks and I am definitely looking at booking something similar for another holiday on the Murray

B
Barbara_H
March 29, 2026 · via Viator
Excellent Adventure - Lots of different experiences in one day

Ray was a wonderful tour guide and the tour was a lovely set of experiences. We started the day with a short coffee break on Lake Nagambie. On the way we saw wild kangaroos hopping in the fields which was awesome for us Americans. We then traveled to the Kyabram Fauna Park (loved the meerkats even though not native Australian animals). Then on to Echuca with a tasty lunch at the Star Hotel and a hour long paddleboat ride on the SS Canberra along the Murray River. The Rochester Silo art was amazing. And the wine tasting at Sanguine Winery was wonderful. We were the only ones there and got great personal service with great wines to taste. The entire time Ray provided information about Australia and the countryside we were passing. The trip was a great set of individual experiences that added to a full and satisfying day. Highly recommended.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the variety of experiences throughout the day, from spotting kangaroos in the wild and visiting Kyabram Fauna Park to cruising the Murray River aboard the SS Canberra. It’s great to know the Rochester Silo Art and your tasting at Sanguine Winery were highlights as well. Ray will be thrilled to hear your kind words about his guiding and storytelling. We’re so pleased the tour gave you an excellent adventure and memorable day out. Thank you again for travelling with us and for highly recommending the experience. We hope to welcome you back to Australia again someday!

B
Bargarcia
January 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A fun day tour

We enjoyed our day tour visiting the zoo and riding the paddle steamship. The wine tasting at Sanguine vineyard was the icing on the cake! They gave us a yummy lunch of pizza and salads at a local resto. Our tour guide/driver was a young man named Mike. Mike was very gracious and jolly the whole time. He gladly answered all our questions, made us laugh and gave us several insights/ trivia about the place etc. We absolutely enjoyed his company! The van was spacious and clean so it was a relaxing drive to and from Melbourne. We will definitely book with Mike and Local Way Tours again.

Operator response

G’day! We are so happy to hear you had fun. Thanks for being on our tour :)

R
Rosemarie_P
January 4, 2026 · via Viator
Exhilarating and rich in history Echuca experience

Mike was a delightful and witty tour guide—professional, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the history of the towns we visited along the way and back from Echuca. The well-timed program made for an exhilarating, fun-filled day, with the paddle steamer experience as a standout highlight. Paddling aboard the Emmy Lou felt like stepping back in time while learning about the rich history of the Murray River . I want to give kudos to Local Way Tours for a fantastic value for money tour !

Operator response

G’day! We are so happy to hear you had fun. Thanks for being on our tour :)

8
891kierang
December 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Good value for money, pleasant guide and interesting trip

Sue was a great guide- friendly bubbly informative and a really good driver. The tour was so interesting and included a visit to a wildlife park, silo art and a winery besides the one hour Murray River paddle steamer cruise. Sue gave us tips along the way at each stop to enhance our experience and fully use the time which we had in each place. We didn’t feel rushed and her commentary helped us to enjoy the whole experience. I thought that the tour was good value, as it lasted 11 hours and included the wildlife Park admission , winery tasting and the cruise. I would go on another trip with this company next time I’m in Melbourne and I really hope that Sue is the guide this time again.

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the full-day tour, from the wildlife park and silo art to the winery and Murray River cruise. Sue will be delighted to hear your kind words. It’s great to know her tips and commentary helped you make the most of each stop. We’d be delighted to welcome you back next time!

J
Janine_G
December 15, 2025 · via Viator
Great day out for all.

Great experience, wonderful driver/tour guide. Loved the wildlife park, and paddle Steamer trip. Ended the day with a relaxing wine tasting then chilled out on the drive back to Melbourne.

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the wildlife park, paddle steamer trip, and wine tasting. We’re happy to hear the day was relaxing and enjoyable.

S
Shane_H
September 1, 2025 · via Viator
Absolutely great tour

What a great tour, Jordan was a delightful host, paddle steamer was the highlight, and Echuca was a great town to explore. Gave us a taste of Victoria, and we will definitely be back. Thank you, Jordan, for a great day.

Operator response

G'day! We are glad to hear you had a good trip with Jordan! We are excited to welcome you back on board with us in the future :)

G
glendapQ7593KE
June 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
One of the best days of my life.

Perfect day from start to finish - Mobs of kangaroos in the paddocks along the Hume Freeway, coffee stop and views of the peaceful Lake Nagambie, up close Koala experience and surprised by some meerkats at Kyabram Wildlife Sanctuary, burger and chips lunch at the Bridge Hotel in Echuca, a stroll around the historic wharf, a Paddle Steamer cruise on the P.S.Canberra, a stop to admire the Silo Art at Rochester, a fabulous wine and cheese tasting at Sanguine Estate hosted by Mark and Jodie, and then return to Melbourne past volcanic rock formations, to finish up with the best night view of Melbourne along the Bolte Bridge. Perfectly paced and seamless tour with informative narration from Ray and a pleasant playlist made for a very relaxing and memorable day.

Operator response

G'day! Thank you so much for your lovely words! We are so happy to hear you had a wonderful day out with us :)

$162/ person
5.0(8)
Duration11 hours
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
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Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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