Our delightful holiday begins as we fly to (or start in) Melbourne to meet the rest of our CFT Family members. Enjoy our first Group Dinner, an opportunity for fellowship and new friendships to blossom.

Overnight: Melbourne

4 NIGHTS

We leave the city behind to drive north to the historic Bendigo, one of the richest goldfields in the world; the economic boom that began with the 1850’s Gold Rush left this beautiful town with a legacy of grand architecture.

Enjoy a coach tour through its fine streets before we visit nearby Bridgeward Grove Farm, once a traditional sheep and grain farm that has now diversified into Olives and the Arts!

Enjoy a unique farm experience with a fabulous marionette performance of “Swagman’s Luck”, based on Bango Patterson’s “Waltzing Matilda”, followed by a Shearer’s Lunch.

We board our wonderful, new vessel, PS Australian Star, in Torrumbarry and enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea as we take in the sights and sounds of the mighty Murray River.

This is the life!

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a drink in the saloon before a Welcome Dinner. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and many species of birds as the stars begin to appear.

Tonight, we moor at Norris Bend where our crew will have a riverside campfire (weather-dependent) ready for us to enjoy after dinner.

Overnight: PS Australian Star

After a hearty breakfast, PS Australian Star cruises to Perricoota Station, a property first settled in 1843 and famous as the filming location for the 1983 TV mini-series “All the Rivers Run”. Our vessel’s smaller “sister” paddle steamer, the PS Emmylou, was renamed PS Providence for this beloved show which starred Sigrid Thornton and John Waters.

We visit the nearby Murray Gums Estate, producers of fine wines and olive oil, where you will meet the owners and enjoy tastings and a fabulous gourmet lunch of local produce.

Walk amongst the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before enjoying a fabulous dinner on the deck of PS Australian Star overlooking the property.

After dinner it’s Movie Night with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered”, a fabulous historical presentation featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River from the early 1900s through to the mid- 1970s.

Overnight: PS Australian Star

For any early risers and keen photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a sight to behold. After breakfast, Australian Star gracefully steams onwards upstream for a full day of cruising towards our riverside mooring, Layfield Lane.

Today we will enjoy lunch on the deck and take time to relax, reflect and connect. Chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about PS Australian Star, and her river history or simply take in the beautiful views. Tonight, savour a special riverbank BBQ (weather dependent), lit up by candles on the tables and stars in the sky. Enjoy fellowship around the campfire (weather dependent) and delight in the live entertainment.

Overnight: PS Australian Star

Established in 1853 at the junction of the Murray and Campaspe rivers, Echuca served as a vital link for transporting wool, wheat, and timber and by the 1870’s was Australia’s largest inland port. Today it is known as Australia’s paddle steamer capital.
A guided Henry Hopwood Town Tour takes us through this charming town, uncovering hidden historical gems like Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge. This bridge, the brainchild of Echuca’s founder Henry Hopwood, marks the initial river crossing in the area.

We will also have some free time to explore the heritage listed Port of Echuca Wharf; learn more about the history of the town at the Discovery Centre with interactive exhibits that bring to life the era of paddle steamers and the booming timber trade.
Then immerse yourself in riverboat heritage as we board the 113-year-old PS Canberra to enjoy Morning Tea aboard. We return to PS Australian Star for lunch and cruise upstream past the imposing Port of Echuca Wharf, once home to over 100 paddle steamers in its heyday. Wow! Our final evening aboard will be celebrated with a special Farewell Dinner as we cruise upriver from Echuca before mooring overnight at riverboat dock.

Overnight: PS Australian Star

2 NIGHTS

After a hearty breakfast we disembark and travel south-east to visit “Sophia”, the breathtaking mural within the Goorambat Uniting Church; Sophia draws from ancient biblical tradition, symbolising wisdom, strength, and grace of the feminine spirit.
Nearby Benalla is a town known for its vibrant arts scene, including its Street Art Festival, and we can admire its many wonderful murals before lunch.

Its beautiful Botanical Gardens are the reason that Benalla is also called the “Rose City”; early flowering varieties like Hybrid Musk and Rugosa roses will be starting to bloom in April. Whilst in the gardens we reflect on the incredible work and sacrifice of local boy, soldier-surgeon and war hero Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop at the Weary Dunlop Memorial.

Our home for the next two nights is Wangaratta; set on the banks of the Ovens River, the town is surrounded by rich agricultural land and close to the Victorian High Country.

Overnight: Wangaratta

“All things bright and beautiful” sums up what will be a truly spectacular day as we drive via the Ovens River Valley and Myrtleford up into the Victorian Alps to visit the towns of Bright and Mt Beauty. This area is famous for the incredible colours of the Autumn foliage, and we arrive in Bright for a morning break followed by a coach tour with a local guide. Take in the vistas of beautiful avenues of autumn trees before we cross the Victorian Alps and head towards Mt Beauty. This well-loved ski resort is situated at the base of the State’s highest mountain, Mount Bogong, and we will stop to enjoy lunch here in the Kiewa Valley. This is truly spectacular scenery so take the time to appreciate the incredible majesty of God’s Creation.

Then it’s off to historic Beechworth, one of Victoria’s best-preserved Gold Rush towns. The discovery of gold in the 1850’s brought with it a flurry of activity and growth and the town’s magnificent buildings, 32 of which are listed by the National Trust, are a legacy of this time. Adding to the town’s beauty are the European gardens, parks and streets lined with deciduous trees, all creating an intensely colourful Autumn display.

Enjoy a guided tour around the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct including the Telegraph Station, Town Hall, Court House and Powder Magazine, all nationally significant buildings. Learn more about the history of Beechworth at the wonderful Burke Museum, named in honour of Robert O’Hara Burke, the famous explorer and former Beechworth Superintendent of Police, after his death at Coopers Creek in 1861 during the Burke and Wills expedition. The museum’s large collection includes Burke’s own Bible, inscribed revolver and saddlebags used in the ill-fated expedition, the “Street of Shops”, a unique recreation of Gold Era Beechworth and much, much more.

Overnight: Wangaratta

We travel to Seymour, on the banks of the Goulburn River, to share Sunday worship with a local congregation.

A delicious lunch awaits at Fowles, a farm and vineyard that prides itself on its ethical and environmental approach to agriculture. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience, showcasing ingredients from the property and other regional producers.

We give thanks to God for His many blessings, including this wonderful opportunity to share a lovely holiday, and make great memories, with like-minded people.

We travel back to Melbourne and bid goodbye to new friends.

Until next time!