In a first for the region, Local Way Tours will begin operating small group bus tours of 15 people to Echuca in collaboration with Murray River Paddlesteamers.
The 11-hour itinerary will also take in the painted silos at Rochester and wildlife at the Kyabram Fauna Park.
MRPS director Craig Burgess said he was delighted by the new tour, allowing more guests to experience the company’s historic paddlesteamer for a one-hour ride.
“We think this exciting new tour, which is currently the only regular day trip from Melbourne to the Murray, should appeal to travellers seeking to experience the true essence of the Australian countryside,” he said.
The full-day tour is designed primarily for international travellers, but will have appeal domestically as well.
Mr Burgess said it would provide a boost to the local economy, and he expected other tour operators to follow.
Local Way Tours managing director Ray Staindl said day tours from Melbourne to Phillip Island and Puffing Billy were busy, so the company wanted to offer something new.
“We decided to feature a destination no other day tour included, and that was the beautiful Murray River,” he said.
“The romantic river boats operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers are the stars of our tour and should prove a powerful allure for travellers from across the world and also interstate.”
The tour first heads to Hanging Rock, and ends with wine-tasting at Mitchelton Winery on the way back to Melbourne, with local attractions in-between.
The first tour departs on Sunday, June 1, and will run every week from Wednesday to Sunday afterwards.
For more information, visit mrps.com.au
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