Murray River Cruise: 8 Days: From Adelaide
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,597
A picturesque journey along Australia’s longest river takes you to some of the country’s most historic sights.
Like trade along the Murray River itself, this 8-day trip begins in Mannum. First settled by Europeans in 1840, the first ship on the Murray was launched here twelve years later, beginning a thriving shipbuilding industry. On your first night, you’ll have the opportunity to watch for nocturnal creatures on the riverbank, including kangaroos, tortoises, elusive wombats and numerous bird species.
Take a guided tour of Edwards Crossing, home of the Murray’s first bridge, go ashore for a guided daytime nature walk, and pass through spectacular gorges as you cruise down the River. Your itinerary also includes a wine tasting at a boutique vineyard, a visit to a working sheep station and woolshed, and a visit to a native wildlife shelter. Finally, discover the area’s rich indigenous heritage with a guided walk at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve.
Each night, enjoy a first class dinner with entertainment provided by your Captain and crew.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,597
Itinerary View Trip Map
Depart Mannum
Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
Murray River Cruise
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of the town's historic landmarks and local attractions or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Zoo (additional cost).
Those who choose to experience Monarto Zoo will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland.
This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Murray River Cruise
All ashore for the guided nature walk where your guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It's a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver.
Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river's muddy edges.
The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before joining the Captain and Officers for the Captain's Dinner and Dance.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Murray River Cruise
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast you may choose to discover Australia's richest and best known wine making region - the Barossa. Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful 'valley of the vine' and the source of about a quarter of Australia's world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate & a visit to Gully Gardens at Angaston before returning to the Murray Princess at Mannum. Those not wishing to join the Barossa tour have free time in the township in Mannum before a mid-afternoon departure for our overnight mooring at Caurnamont. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Murray River Cruise
Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water.
This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter Boutique Winery and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our "Murray River Cup".
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Murray River Cruise
After breakfast cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers.
The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (own expense). Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by.
When we arrive at Sunnydale, it's all ashore for the Woolshed Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia's most interesting native animals are cared for. And then of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue - cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. An optional Nocturnal tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Murray River Cruise
After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, we slowly cruise downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. We reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia's most significant archaeological sites, for a step back in time - tens of thousands of years - for a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area.
We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular farewell Captain's Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Arrive Mannum and Disembark
Leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. On arrival say farewell as you arrive at Mannum Wharf.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Departs from Mannum (includes coach transfer from Adelaide) on Mondays and Fridays at 4.30pm, returning Mondays and Friday at 9.00am (if taking coach to/from Adelaide the timings will vary)
Note: Friday and Monday itineraries are different, please enquire.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation as indicated
- Meals as indicated
- 24 hours self-service tea and coffee
- An exciting selection of onshore tours
- Onboard presentations
- Use of spa, sauna and gym
- Captains Spectacular Buffet Dinner
- Live entertainment
- Complimentary coach transfers from Adelaide or car parking in Mannum if self-driving
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not specifically mentioned
- Drinks unless indicated
- All international and domestic airfares and airfare taxes
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
2 Oct 2020
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