murray river cruises mildura victoria

YOUR EXPERIENCE IS OUR PRIORITY

Mildura Cruises was born out of the love of living by the Mighty Murray River and the experiences that the McLaughlan family grew up with. Back in December 2016 the husband and wife team purchased the Riverqueen Voyager from the ‘River King’ Wayne Roberts and Gayle Kennedy who were the founding operators for over 17 years.

Dennis and Veronica embraced this newfound adventure due to the many water cruises they had experienced with Wayne and Gayle. They enjoyed the pleasure of getting on the boat, having a sip and enjoying a nibble whilst they floated along the Mighty Murray River. An extremely relaxing way to see this local beauty.

We now fast forward to 2024 and the McLaughlan family have now grown their business and expanded their fleet to THREE vessels operating throughout the year.

WHAT WE OFFER

Mildura Cruises offers serval different  experiences  across all three vessels from our smallest vessel holding up to 12 guests to our largest vessel holding up to 80 guests.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

HIGH TEAS 

CORPORATE EVENTS 

WINERY CRUISES

 SUNSET CRUISES

CARAVAN PARK  CRUISES 

PRIVATE EVENTS 

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

BAR AND CAFE ON THE RIVER 

       AND SO MUCH MORE.....

Testimonials

Did a Sunset Cruise with Mildura Cruises. 

Had a fantastic time and our hosts were great!!!!

Would definitely recommend this as a great experience for young and old

Annette -facebook

100% recommend Mildura Cruises for any party or function you may be having.  

Great friendly team, awesome catering and  Great boat. 

Jayson -facebook

We had a lovely day cruise to Trentham winery. Dennis was super friendly and helpful in every way. Even came and picked us up & dropped us off at the caravan park. Will definitively go again and highly recommended to anyone else visiting the region

Jan -facebook

Home – Murray River Paddlesteamers

View next departures.

And upcoming availability

Daily Sightseeing Cruises

10.15 - 11.30 - 13.15 - 14.30

Lunch & Dinner Cruises

Thursday to Sunday

Multi-Day Cruises

PS Emmylou 3, 4 or 7 Nights

PS Australian Star 3, 4 or 7 Nights

View Next Daily Cruise Departures

Welcome to murray river paddlesteamers.

Step aboard our iconic paddlesteamers, now including the exquisite PS Australian Star available from June 2025, for an elegant journey back in time along the winding Murray River. Bask in breathtaking views of landscapes and wildlife, whether you opt for PS Canberra’s daily sightseeing and lunch cruises or PS Emmylou’s multi-day 3, 4 & 7 night voyages – each promises an unforgettable experience.

Our dedicated crew is poised to cater to your desires, whether it’s a leisurely river trip or a special event. As pioneers of Echuca’s river cruising, we take pride in sharing the river’s stories and preserving its rich heritage. Join us for an adventure through history, guided by passionate storytellers, leaving you with cherished memories. 

PS Australian Star Opening Special - Save 10%

 Save 10% on all departures from September 1st, 2025, to May 31st, 2026!

Step aboard the PS Australian Star and secure your voyage now to enjoy exclusive savings on all departures during this special period. Don’t miss the chance to experience the ultimate in Australian River Cruising. Book by 15th May 2024

Sightseeing lunch & Dinner Cruises

Ps canberra 1 hour cruise.

Step aboard the 110-year-old paddle steamer with a wood-fired steam engine.  Not operating due to maintenance 1st – 14th May 2024

Wharf to Winery Lunch

Enjoy in a return paddlesteamer cruise to Morrisons Winery, including a delectable two-course lunch, glass of wine and tastings. Not available 1st – 15th May 2024

Wharf to Winery PREMIUM

Indulge in our new Wharf to Winery PREMIUM package and savour complimentary wine onboard your cruise. Not available 1st – 15th May 2024

Port to Plate Lunch/Dinner

Discover Echuca’s finest attraction – Port to Plate! Indulge in a delectable meal at Bar Lee, then cruise aboard PS Canberra. Not available 1st – 14th May 2024

Emmylou & Australian Star Multi-day Cruise Experiences

3 Night Discovery Cruise

Embark on a captivating 3-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou for a journey through the heart of the Australian outback. Step back in time and indulge in the charm and romance of a bygone era.

4 Night Explorer Cruise

Experience the beauty and history of the Murray River with a 4-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer doing overnight cruises. A unique way to explore the Australian outback.

7 Night All the Rivers Run

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure aboard the PS Emmylou for a 7-night Murray River cruise. Enjoy the ultimate riverboat experience as you explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of Australia’s iconic river

PS Australian Star

Bookings are now open for PS Australian Star for departures from June 2025. Don’t miss our opening special 10% discount to secure your cabins on Australia’s first 5-star river cruise experience.  

Upcoming Daily Cruise departures & availability

Ps canberra not operating 1st - 14th may, ps emmylou cruise reviews.

Caravan World Magazine

We recently had Janet Howe from Explore Magazine aboard for a 4 night winter cruise. Read her Poetry in Motion review in this article.

Chugging Along the Heartbeat of Australia: Our Journey on the PS Emmylou

Embark on a captivating journey with us aboard the PS Emmylou, the last surviving woodfire paddle steamer on the Murray River. Discover the beauty, history, and soul of Australia through our four-day adventure, exploring local wineries, historical sites, and the serene landscapes that define the Murray’s winding path. Join us as we uncover the charm of river life and the rich tapestry of Australian culture, all while ‘chugging along’ the heartbeat of this magnificent land.

The Cruise Guy

We recently hosted “The Cruise Guy” Adrian Tassone aboard a 3-night Discovery Cruise. Take a look at his video review. You maybe surprised!

We pride ourselves on our guest's satisfaction

@murrayriverps

Murrayriverpaddlesteamers

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Office Open 7 Days, 9am – 5pm

[email protected] 03 548 25244

57 Murray Esplanade Echuca Victoria 3564 Australia Get directions

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Mildura Cruises

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mildura Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Mildura Cruises

Mildura wharf, mildura vic 3500.

0477 932 789

Mildura Cruises

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MILDURA CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE MURRAY RIVER

We are a local family business providing cruises on the Murray River. We are committed to catering to all needs to provide an amazing experience for any occasion. There are many options to explore with Mildura Cruises. We tailor cruises for all occasions including Christmas parties, birthdays, sporting groups, corporate functions, footy nights, weddings and reunions. Contact: 0477 932 789 [email protected]

Location & Directions

Mildura Wharf Mildura

We pick up from Mildura Main Wharf, Hugh King Drive Mildura. IF you need further details for departure location call us on 0477932789.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will forfeit fare. Cancellations received more than 24 hours of departure will attract full refund.

Mildura Cruises

• See all photos

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mildura Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Welcome to Discover our great Murray River Cruises

Visit Discover Murray River for all our great Murray River cruising options

• Discover Murray River Road Trail
• A River Worth Saving
• Murray-Darling Basin
• Locks, Weirs, Dams & Barrages
• Water Use & Consumption
• River Red Gums
• Murray River Maps
• About Discover Murray River
• Discover Murray River Media
• Murray River Facebook Page
• Murray River Photos
• Murray Bird Aerial Videos
• Murray Mallee Stories
• Digital Museum
• Murray River Timelines
• Murray River History
• Aboriginals and the Murray
• Hovell & Hume and the Murray
• Captain Charles Sturt
• The First Paddlesteamers
• The Mary Ann Boiler
• The Chaffey Brothers & Irrigation
• Explorers, Bushrangers & Legends
• ACARA - Australian Curriculum
• Murray River Education Index
• About the Murray River
• Pre-historic Mega Fauna
• Murray River Locks & Weirs
• Free Educational Photos
• Snowy Mountains Scheme
• Murray-Darling Basin Authority
• Murray-Darling Association
• Water Authorities
• The Living Murray
• Local Councils & Shires
• Regional Development Bodies
• Australian Government
• New South Wales Government
• South Australian Government
• Victorian Government
• Associations & Community Groups
• Water Trading
• Boating the Murray River
• Boats for Sale - Trader
• River Cruises
• Houseboat Hire & Rentals
• Locks & Weirs Information
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Water Skiing Safety
• Water Update Information
• Murray Shop
• All Murray River & Mallee Towns
• Corryong (VIC)
• Albury (NSW) Wodonga (VIC)
• Yarrawonga (VIC) Mulwala (NSW)
• Echuca (VIC) Moama (NSW)
• Swan Hill (VIC)
• Robinvale (VIC) / Euston (NSW)
• Mildura (VIC)
• Wentworth (NSW)
• Renmark / Paringa (SA)
• Loxton (SA)
• Morgan (SA)
• Mannum (SA)
• Murray Bridge (SA)
• Tailem Bend (SA)
• Goolwa (SA)
• Accommodation
• Big Murray Houseboat Guide
• Houseboat Packages & Deals
• Murray River Houseboat Regions
• Houseboating Landscapes Guide
• Houseboat Frequent Questions
• South Australian Houseboat Map
• Steep Banks & River Gums (VIC/NSW)
• Cliffs & Outback River (SA/VIC/NSW)
• Golden Limestone Cliffs (SA)
• Lower Murray & Cliffs (SA)
• All Murray River Accommodation
• Accommodation Packages & Deals
• Caravan Parks
• RV Murray River Experiences
• Historic Properties
• From the Mountains (VIC/NSW)
• Plains, Lakes & Lower Murray (SA)
• Paddlesteamers & Paddleboats
• PS Cumberoona (Yarrawonga/Mulwala)
• Kingfisher Cruises (Barmah/Echuca)
• MV Mary Ann (Echuca/Moama)
• Murray River Paddlesteamers (Echuca)
• Echuca Paddlesteamers (Echuca)
• Mildura Paddleboats (Mildura)
• Rivergum Cruises (Waikerie)
• Four Knots Cruises (Mannum)
• Murray Princess (Mannum)
• PS Marion (Mannum)
• Proud Mary Cruises (Murray Bridge)
• Cruise the Coorong (Goolwa)
• Spirit of the Coorong (Goolwa)
• Attractions & Activities
• Aboriginal Experiences
• Bird & Birdwatching Trail
• Canoeing & Kayaking
• Drives along the Murray
• Historic Experiences & Museums
• National Parks
• Romantic Getaways
• Slow Food & Flavours
• Wine Regions
• Promote your Event for Free
• All Murray River Events
• Food & Wine Events
• Markets & Shows
• Music Events
• Motor & Automotive Events
• Sport Events
• Christmas & Easter Events
• New South Wales Events
• Victorian Events
• South Australian Events
• Murray River Distance Chart
• Murray River RV Trail
• Murray River RV Dump Points
• Murray River War Trail
• Murray River Heritage Trail
• Visitor Centres
• Travel Tips
• Plan Your Trip
• Regional Weather
• Fruit Fly Quarantine Zones
• Murray River Tourism Links

Victoria / NSW

• Albury / Wodonga
• Corowa / Wahgunyah
• Yarrawonga / Mulwala
• Cobram / Barooga
• Echuca / Moama
• Barham / Koondrook
• Robinvale / Euston

South Australia

• Renmark / Paringa
• Murray Bridge
• Customs House
• Kingston on Murray
• Blanchetown
• Murray River cruising
• Specials & packages
• Paddlesteamer cruises

Mildura River Cruises

Mildura town guide, mildura accommodation, mildura houseboats, mildura restaurants & food, mildura wines & wineries, mildura heritage & historic, mildura tours & touring, mildura attractions and activities, mildura arts & culture, mildura paddlesteamers, mildura council, mildura cafe, mildura visitor information centre, murray river book : one river, many lands - now only $39.95, the murray river's largest online community and information guide.

MILDURA PADDLE STEAMERS

Leave the road, take the River!

(03) 5023 2200

2 HOUR CRUISE

Tuesday/Wednesday/Saturday

10.50am to 1pm 1.50pm to 4pm

Thursday/Sunday 10.50am to 1pm 

No Cruise Sunday 12th of May (Bookings for Mothers Day via JoyStar Promotions) Cruising 10.50am to 1.00pm Monday 13th of May.  CURRENTLY ON BOARD THE PADDLE BOAT ROTHBURY (No longer a steamer).  This cruise offers a relaxing two hour cruise down through Mildura's Lock 11 (and return).

A comprehensive live commentary is provided, providing an educational insight on the Murray Darling River system and their environs, and the history of the paddle boats. This cruise has been running continuously for over 45-years and suits all ages. Air-conditioned, heated, all weather boat.

A light lunch - sandwiches, cakes, tea/coffee and cool drinks are available on board and the vessel is fully licenced.

Adults - $40.00

Student (14-17) - $25.00

Children (5-13) - $20.00  

Please note: The Paddle Vessel Rothbury will be operating this cruise in place of the Paddle Steamer Melbourne until further notice, since COVID shutdown.

Bookings Essential (03) 5023 2200 or (03) 5018 8380

Your Personal Guide To The Mildura Region

• River Cruises

Mildura Area: River Cruises On The Murray

There are a number of cruises that depart from the Mildura wharf. Paddle boats of course, but they aren't the only ones. Unfortunately, not all cruises or boats are in operation at this time... Covid 19 and ensuing travel restrictions have seen to that.

But the ones below are still going, and I will update this page as and when the rest of them return. Fingers crossed that it is in the very near future.

For those that want to know more about the Mildura Waterfront area , we have a page just for you. It's a great place to explore on a weekend, I highly recommend you check it out if you are a visitor to our area.

Rothbury | Melbourne | Mundoo | River Queen | Island Hopper

PV Rothbury

The PV Rothbury, built in 1881, 88 feet in length (27 metres). Weight 90 tons (approx 88 tonnes) and licensed to carry 175 passengers.

The P.V prefix stands for P addle V essel, and that indicates she is no longer powered by her original steam engine. Currently she is the vessel used in the twice daily river cruises through lock 11.

PS Melbourne

Launched in 1912, the PS Melbourne is probably the most well known Paddle Steamer on the Murray.

Still using the original wood powered steam engine, the PS Melbourne is 98 feet in length (30 metres), and licensed to carry up to 300 passengers. She has a maximum speed of 11mph (almost 18kph).

The PB Mundoo was originally fitted with a 1892 Garrett & Sons steam engine, but this was just not powerful enough for the Murray river currents around Mildura. So the decision was made to re-fit the vessel with a Cummins diesel hydraulic engine.

Steel hull construction, the PV Mundoo is 34.9 metres in length and is licensed to carry 180 passengers.

River Queen

The River Queen is owned by local couple Dennis and Veronica McLaughlan. They also own the "Island Hopper".

Available for party hire, the River Queen is the perfect boat for a group of friends that want to get out on the water and just have fun. They have an excellent sound system on board, and it's BYO.

The Island Hopper

What a great little boat this is. Catering for up to 12 passengers, you can either get a group together (min 6 people) and cruise anywhere you like, or join one of their package cruises.

Have an afternoon of cruising, swimming on isolated sand beaches, relaxing with drinks and music. Or join one of their regular excusions to places like Trenthams Winery.

Two Hour River Cruise Onboard PS Rothbury

This is a two hour cruise down the Murray. A feature of the trip is passing through lock 11 (twice, you have to come back again), and a close up view of the weir.

WHEN: Currently, this cruise operates Tue, Wed, Thur, and Sat. There is one morning cruise on Tuesday at 10.50am. The other days have the morning cruise in addition to an afternoon one at 1.50pm.

COST: $35 adult fare, with discount rates for students and children.

BOOKINGS & INQUIRIES: Ph (03)5023 2200

Three Hour Dinner Cruise

Take a 3hr spit roast carvery dinner cruise onboard either the Rothbury or the Mundoo , complete with live music. The Murray looks completely different after dark, you will get a totally new perspective on the river. The boats are fully licensed and have EFTPOS available onboard.

WHEN: This cruise is once weekly on Thursday nights, 7-10pm

COST: $75 adult fare, with discount rates for seniors, students and children.

Special Event Cruises Onboard PB Mundoo

The Mundoo is sometimes used as a substitute for some of the other cruises (such as the 3hr dinner cruise), but her primary role is for special functions. Weddings, events, conferences, etc.

You will also see the Mundoo out on the water when there is a special cruise organised to coincide with a local event, such as the Country Music Festival.

INQUIRIES: If you want to find out more about the Mundoo, just get in touch. Ph (03)5023 2200 . There is also more information on the Paddle Steamers website .

Two Hour Sunset Cruise Onboard The River Queen

Possibly Mildura's most well known "party boat", the River Queen does a 2 hr sunset cruise on Sunday evenings. Great on-board sound system, air conditioned, and licensed for BYO, this is a fantastic way to relax with a few drinks and watch the sun go down behind the river gums.

WHEN: This cruise is once weekly on Sunday nights, 5-7pm

COST: $30 adult fare, with discount rates for family groups.

BOOKINGS & INQUIRIES: Ph 0477 932 789 Ask about group charters, they cost less than you might think.

5 Hour Winery Cruise Onboard The Island Hopper

This is a 5hr cruise, departing Mildura Wharf at midday on Fridays. Wine tasting and live entertainment onboard as you make your way up the river to Trentham Estate winery.

There is a light lunch provided at the winery, and of course you will be able to purchase some of the bottles that you tasted on your way up here.

WHEN: This cruise is once weekly on Fridays. 12pm - 5pm

COST: $60 adult fare.

BOOKINGS & INQUIRIES: Ph 0477 932 789

Other Cruises

There are a number of other cruise options that are currently not operating. I'm sure these will be back on the water in the near future, and I will update this page at that time.

For current Covid numbers in Mildura, visit the CovidLive website

For the past 2 years, most businesses around Australia had to adjust and make cancellations etc, due to constantly changing COVID requirements. While the details given on this site are for normal service (pre covid), be aware that those could change at any time, and often at short notice. We suggest you visit the Victorian govt CoronaVirus website to get up to date information regarding the current covid situation and/or requirements.

You should also visit the links of any websites facebook pages that we provide for confirmation of schedules, hours of business and so on, rather than relying on information that we give on this website. While we do our very best to give you the most up to date information possible, situations can change day to day, so please... do your own research first, before making any plans.

Stay safe everyone, and take care. Let's all do what we can to look after our friends families and the vulnerable in our community.

This article was printed from ExploreMildura.com