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With such sensational rivers of our own to explore, international cruises can wait! From the mighty Murray in the south to the Tweed River in the east, river cruising is a fun way to experience the unique inland wonders of Australia.
Take a walk down memory lane onboard a luxury paddle steamer or go for a fresh take on the traditional road trip and hire your own houseboat to captain along the river, stopping where you please.
All aboard!
Murray River, Victoria
The Murray winds 2570km from the Snowy Mountains all the way to the Indian Ocean, through some of south-eastern Australia's most fascinating towns.
Drifting along in a paddle steamer is a step-back-in-time experience that allows you to slow down and appreciate the sights you see along the way, from red gum forests and sandstone cliffs to farmland and historic towns – this is living! You can book a 2, 5 or 7 night stay on the 18-cabin Proud Mary for a little luxury, or step even further back in time aboard wood-fired paddle steamer PS Emmylou. PS Emmylou was named after American country singer Emmylou Harris (who has taken a trip on the vessel), and starred in legendary Australian TV series All the Rivers Run.
The paddle steamer carries up to 16 passengers in eight ensuite cabins. Cruises range from 1-4 nights up and down river from Echuca, and include shore tours, riverside campfires and gourmet meals. Echuca is two and a half hours' drive north of Melbourne.
Photo credit Getty/fotofritz16
Hawkesbury River, NSW
Just north of Sydney lies Wisemans Ferry, the jumping-off point for your very own river adventure. It's here you can board your own houseboat (no special licence required) for an on-water getaway that really will help you get away from it all.
Treat yourself to a five-star houseboat complete with bedrooms and a heated on-deck spa or opt for a humble but comfortable houseboat the whole family will feel at home on. Swim ladders off the rear make it easy to go in for a dip, and each houseboat comes with its own dinghy to zip to and from shore for supplies and on-land activities – whether a round of golf, a riverside picnic or an outing to a pick-your-own orchard.
Photo credit Getty/Steveo24
Tweed River, NSW
Birdlife abounds along the peaceful Tweed River, which you can navigate from the comfort of your own houseboat. Discover riverside country towns from historic Tumbulgum to beautiful Murwillumbah (have lunch at the art deco-style Imperial Hotel – you can't miss it, it's pink!) or see what's around the next bend from a lounge chair up on deck. Your own dinghy makes it easy to browse the shops and galleries, go mud crabbing or take a nature hike, before heading off down the river once more.
The waters of the Tweed are calmest in winter and the sunsets you'll see from your vessel are sure to be some of the fondest memories of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance Direct covers cruising as a standard inclusion, which means you won't need to fork out for additional premiums.
However, there are a few points to consider before you hit the river:
- Cover is included for travel on scheduled public cruises such as The Proud Mary and the PS Emmylou.
- A houseboat, on the other hand, is not scheduled public transport and certain events are not covered by our policy, such as if severe weather or a natural disaster affects your planned trip going ahead. You could ask your rental provider when you plan your trip about what may happen in this instance.
- For cruises in Australian waters, you'll need an international policy and you'll need to select 'Australian Waters' when purchasing. If you return to port and receive medical treatment in Australia, these expenses are not covered by our policy and should be claimed through Medicare or private health insurance.
This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Please read the PDS when considering travel insurance.