Description
Discover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia’s great inland highway. This seven night cruise is a unique historic and nature based adventure through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering sandstone cliffs and exploring historic ports, local vineyards and nature trails.
Enjoy leisurely cruising 320 kilometres of the heart of the great Murray River between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge and take in the breathtaking Riverland. On the grand paddlewheel vessel the PS Murray Princess, you will experience a great variety of sights and sounds of river life, the beauty of its ever-changing landscape, visit historic places and indigenous sites, enjoy a woolshed and station experience and follow the region’s food and wine trail.
This cruise also includes a complimentary coach tour to the famous Barossa and its wineries.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8
Depart Mannum
Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, 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.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Dinner
Cruising
Daybreak and it’s 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 visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery 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”.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: All meals included
Cruising
After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s, 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 (additional cost). Join a 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. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. 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 by powerful spotlights. Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: All meals included
Cruising
After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, the vessel cruises slowly 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, join your fellow passengers for a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: All meals included
Cruising
We leave Younghusband and back to Mannum. After breakfast, 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 for a light morning tea and wine tasting and enjoy a two-course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. In the afternoon, visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and drive through the picturesque regions of Seppeltsfield and Marananga which is full of history. Return to Mannum and re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Mundurra for your overnight mooring. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: All meals included
Cruising
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 Safari Park (additional cost). Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park 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.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: All meals included
Cruising
This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the 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 a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: All meals included.
Conclude in Mannum
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 7 Night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise on the PS Murray Princess - Inside Cabin TWIN
- FREE Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour
- All meals (table d’hote and a la carte menus)
- Onboard presentations
- Live entertainment
- Explore the township of Murray Bridge or take a tour of the historic Roundhouse
- Enjoy a guided nature walk with expert local guides
- Get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat
- Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
- Visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
- Take a walking tour of the Swan Reach township and visit the Swan Reach Museum (Gold coin donation at entry)
- See the towering sandstone cliffs at the Big Bend
- Watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show & go to the Native Wildlife Shelter
- Enjoy a riverside Aussie Barbecue
- Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide
- Delight in a tender boat ride
Onboard Cabins
The PS Murray Princess has 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, hairdryers, towels, and daily servicing. Each cabin is approximately 12sq meters.
Outside Cabin & Stateroom upgrades available on request - please contact us for a quote!
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Exclusions
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance Accommodation
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. phone, gifts, souvenirs, etc
Important Information:
EBS discount will apply for Inside/Outside Cabins and Stateroom bookings made up to 90 days prior to departure or when allocation is fully sold and standard prices will apply.
Your Vessel:
The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddle wheeler built for the Murray River, with the character and charm of yesteryear. It is the largest inland paddle wheeler in the southern hemisphere. Catering for just 120 passengers, she brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the remarkable setting of Australia’s outback.
Don't be fooled by most modern-day imitation paddle wheelers where the paddle is often on the side and just for show. The PS Murray Princess is an authentic paddle wheeler that is propelled by its massive stern wheel. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and informal by style. The lounge features a majestic view of the paddlewheel in action through the two-story viewing window. Upper and lower lounge areas are accessed by the classic brass and mahogany-style spiral staircase.
The PS Murray Princess cruises between Mannum, Murray Bridge, and Salter's Station down the Murray River. The wetlands in this area provide essential breeding and feeding habitats for many species of waterbirds, fish, invertebrates, and plants, meaning that you'll see the wonderful wildlife in this outback setting.
The PS Murray Princess has 5 passenger decks, Sturt, Randell, Cadell, Chaffey named after the Murray River's great pioneers, plus the Sun Deck.
