WHEN the PS Emmylou pulls out of Echuca Wharf on a four-night cruise on November 25 there will be a treat onboard for guests.
Noted RACV executive chef Jason Camillo is staging a one-night 'kitchen takeover' dinner for 18 passengers aboard the only wood-fired paddlesteamer in the world today offering regular scheduled accommodated river cruises.
With only nine cabins this boutique steam-powered cruise, which recently underwent a specially designed luxury upgrade and fit-out, is able to moor alongside river wineries, drop in to local producers, pause to explore heritage sites such as the 1860s Perricoota Station, and access ancient Murray River tributaries on the accompanying MV Kingfisher.
Named after the American country singer Emmylou Harris, PS Emmylou has been host to thousands of people, delighting even her namesake. PS Emmylou starred in the TV series All the Rivers Run in which she was renamed the PS Providence.
Powered by a beautifully-restored 1906 Marshall and Sons steam engine, Emmylou was recently relaunched as a luxury boutique inland river cruise after her cabins were refitted with ensuites, including the new Emmylou Suite.
Emmylou departs year-round for one to four-night river cruises leaving and returning form the historic port of Echuca where the largest number of working paddlesteamers in the world are moored.
All accommodated cruises are fully inclusive of all meals and onshore tours and onboard dining, prepared by the Emmylou's chef, features local food and wine from across the Heathcote and Perricoota wine regions.
Riverside campfires are offered in the evenings, along with overnight mooring at historic Perricoota Station with guided tour, and dining in the mansion's Packing Shed.
In the early 1800s, 110 paddlesteamers travelled along the Murray in Echuca. Today, only five wood-fired paddlesteamers remain, with the PS Emmylou the world's only remaining wood-fired paddlesteamer to offer overnight cruises.
For details phone (03) 5482-5244 or visit murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au
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