7 Nächte Upper Murray All the River Run - PS Emmylou

It was a fantastic experience, easy paced and all the staff were brilliant. A spectacular journey, with the added bonus of the nostalgic 100+ year old wood fired steam engine providing our propulsion. The food was terrific and a big shout out to our chef Greg who was especially accommodating in regard to my wife's dietary requirements. Our two evening riverbank fires will live long in our memories, the final one very special when our skipper Warren showed off his guitar and singing skills.

This was a magical experience - from first to last! Jo. Greg, Scott and Warren were all amazing, as were Ross and Rohan. The teamwork was wonderful. Jo's warmth and caring *and remembering everyone's quirks was perhaps the most exceptional but it was a close race with Greg's amazing, classy and tasty chef's output for all tastes, Scott's brilliant engineering that made the the engine (almost) invisible and inaudible (and his great lecture) and Warren's faultless 'driving' hour after hour (and great singing and commentary) - and Ross and Rohan were pretty cool, too with interesting commentary and several safe and comfortable bus trips to our excursions. Guest comfort, safety and enjoyments was everyone's top priority. It wasn't just the wonderful crew, the grand old-and-newish Emmylou, the excellent excursions, and that magical river but the combination of all of these things - especially the crew. we have been on half a dozen river cruises in Europe, but never felt so 'looked-after or cared-for. Such 'hospitality' in the original and traditional sense of the term meant the experience exceptional. The excursions were all terrific especially the Restdown Heritage trail (which included wetlands and some amazing insights into regenerative farming (BRILLIANT), the trip to the wonderful flying boat museum at Lake Boga and an Eco-cruise on the Barmah wetlands. Other great activities included talks on Torumbarry Weir, on Pericoota Station, on the wonderful workings of paddlesteamers and some tastings and talk from the young free range entrepreneurs at Pacdon Park. The longer walking tours offered lovely opportunities for less mobile to go at their own pace - or explore in different ways. We all (only 13 guests - a kindly, lively and very well travelled group) also enjoyed the wonderful second-last night barbecue and talking etc around an amazing fire pit. And then there was the actual cruising on the mighty Murray river with the great river red gums coming down to the water's edge sometimes. It was magical!

The PS Emmylou is a charming way of relaxing on the Murray. The food was great, the tours were interesting and the staff were very pleasant and helpful. This quirky vessel is not very large and the rooms are very small but they contain everything you need. Book the suite if you can.