News for 2009

Recent-opened and notable product and news includes three new luxury on-river accommodation options and a new collaboration between Stefano de Pieri and recently opened Mildura art gallery, the Art Vault.

‘Pure Paradise’, Aaah! Willandra Houseboats (Mildura)

Luxury houseboat operator, Aaah! Willandra, have a new addition to their fleet of big houseboats – ‘Pure Paradise’. A 10-12 berth boat with five bedrooms and five ensuites, Pure Paradise is a luxury-lodge on the water. There’s also a chef’s kitchen with coffee maker and wine fridge, huge TV screen in the lounge and great rear swim deck as well as a 10 person heated rooftop spa. It also features top deck steering, barbecues on the top and bottom decks, a TV in every bedroom, floor heating in the bathrooms and split system reverse cycle air conditioning. www.willandrahouseboats.com.au

New Solar-powered houseboat through Adventure Houseboats

Captain your own journey along the Murray River in style without damaging the planet with the Advantage 1, the latest green innovation in houseboat design from Adventure Houseboats. This solar-powered houseboat’s 240 volt automatic generation system is supported by a high output solar panel bank, providing 24 hour a day power, with reduced fuel cost and lower emissions. Launched in 2009, Advantage 1 is the latest range of houseboat in its class that uses less than half the fuel of a standard automatic power generation system, greatly reducing emissions. www.adventurehouseboats.com.au

120 year old paddlesteamer transformed into Echuca’s latest 5-star attraction / accommodation

Enjoy an unforgettable experience along one of Australia’s greatest rivers in The Hero, Echuca’s new five-star luxury paddle steamer, superbly restored and fitted-out to the finest detail. Originally built in 1874 to cart firewood from Barmah Forest to the Echuca Wharf, The Hero is 28 meters long and fully licensed to carry up to 75 passengers in unequalled comfort. With a cleverly concealed commercial kitchen and bar to allow for high quality catering and a state of the art sound system, The Hero is available exclusively for private charter, overnight accommodation, weddings, events and corporate occasions. www.hero.net.au

New collaboration between Stefano de Pieri and The Arts Vault

In Mildura, Stefano De Pieri and recently opened exhibition / studio space The Arts Vault have collaborated to bring a new program ‘The Long Lunch’ to Stefano’s Gallery 25, at 25 Deakin Avenue (which also shares the space with Stefano’s Cellar Door and Bar). Members of the public who book in for the lunch get the chance to enjoy a delicious three course meal prepared by De Pieri and the chance to meet with current artist in residence at The Arts Vault in a relaxed social environment. Information about the forthcoming Long Lunch dates is available at www.theartvault.com.au.