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3-night Long Weekend Paddlewheeler Cruise on the Murray River

Last-minute dates - Aug-Sep 2020
  • history
    DURATION
    3 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    3 nights

Departing on selected Fridays in July, August and September 2020, this new 3-night 'long weekend' cruise travels upriver from the historic port of Mannum with overnight stops at Salt Bush Flat, Big Bend and River View Lodge.

During this cruise, you’ll be treated to delicious meals in the dining room prepared by our onboard Chef, join guided nature walks, watch a very entertaining typical Australian woolshed show, partake in a small boat wildlife tour, enjoy a riverside great Aussie Barbecue and much, much more. 

Our new itinerary also offers the option of taking a new Dark Sky Night Tour to the internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve to observe the stars of the Milky Way with night viewing binoculars and telescopes.  An amazing experience not to be missed!

Photos

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Enjoy guided walks

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • Complimentary return coach transfers from and to selected Adelaide CBD Hotels OR complimentary car parking* is available at Mannum (subject to availability – bookings essential)
  • All meals (table d’hote and a la carte menus)
  • Enjoy a Riverside Aussie Barbecue and ‘tall tales’ around the campfire
  • Guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat
  • Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites
  • Sunnydale Woolshed Show and Native Wildlife Shelter
  • Riverland food and wine tasting
  • Get up close to the river birdlife onboard the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat
  • On-board presentations
  • 24-hour self-service tea & coffee bar
  • Final night complimentary pre-dinner drinks with Officers (sparkling wine and soft drinks)

Optional Tours (additional cost applies):

  • Optional Nocturnal Tour at Sunnydale in a comfortable purpose-built cart
  • NEW Optional Dark Sky Night Tour in one of the world’s most pristine areas of night sky

What is not included:

  • Cruise fares exclude drinks, optional tours and services

Itinerary

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This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements.

Friday:

Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, 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 Salt Bush Flat you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets, and many other species. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

Saturday:

This morning join a 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 continues cruising upriver.

After a delicious lunch, we reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites. Step back in time – tens of thousands of years – for a guided boardwalk to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area. Re-board the Murray Princess and we head upriver to secure at the stunning cliffs of Big Bend.

Late afternoon you’ll be treated to a Woolshed Show at Sunnydale 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.

After dinner, there are two optional onshore tours to choose from (additional cost). A Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose-built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls and the new Dark Sky Night Tour where you will be taken to an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve to observe the stars of the Milky Way. Night viewing binoculars and a telescope with a digital control locator are available plus a tablet to locate and name what can be observed with the naked eye.

Sunday:

Daybreak and it’s time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens, and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising back downriver and join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland.

After lunch we secure at 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 onshore bocce or fishing challenges while catching up with friends over a coffee or drink and enjoying the magnificent scenery.

Tonight, join the Officers for complimentary pre-dinner drinks (sparkling wine and soft drinks) followed by a delicious dinner and evening entertainment by our talented crew.

Monday:

After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf at 10:00am.

Dates and Prices

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Cruise departs Mannum on selected Fridays and returns to Mannum the following Monday. Discounted fare applies to new bookings only.

  • 21*, 28 August 2020
  • 04, 18 September 2020

*Special Event 'Hot August Night' Music Cruise

Inside Cabin:

  • EBS from* $836 pp twin share
  • Standard from $1045 pp twin share
  • EBS from* $1137 sole use
  • Standard from $1421 sole use

Outside Cabin:

  • EBS from* $1108 pp twin share
  • Standard from $1385 pp twin share
  • EBS from* $1507 sole use
  • Standard from $1884 sole use

Stateroom:

  • EBS from* $1436 pp twin share
  • Standard from $1795 pp twin share
  • EBS from* $1953 sole use
  • Standard from $2441 sole use

* Early Booking Saver (EBS) fares are based on Off Peak EBS Fares which is a 20% discount on standard brochure fares valid for bookings travelling in July and August 2020 and are made up to 30 days prior to departure. 10% discount applies in peak travel in September 2020. All EBS Fares are subject to availability at time of booking. A select number of cabins have been set aside for this special fare and once these cabins have been sold, prices revert to Standard Fares.

Above fares are based on cabins with 2 x single beds. Inside and Outside Cabins with a double bed incur a surcharge (no surcharge applies for Staterooms).

Accommodation

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Stateroom on the Murray Princess

The PS Murray Princess has 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, towels, hairdryers and daily servicing. Each cabin is approximately 12sq metres. Four of the outside cabins and their ensuite bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Two cabins located on Randell Deck are opposite the lift for easy access to the dining and lounge decks.

Stateroom:

Our spacious Staterooms are located on the Randell and Cadell decks. Each stateroom offers a queen bed (some have an extra single bed) and open onto the outside deck walkway. Mini-bars, fridges and tea and coffee making facilities are also included.

Outside Cabin:

Outside cabins are located on Randell and Cadell Decks and the majority of these cabins have twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available. Each outside cabin opens onto the outside deck walkway with picture windows to view the passing scenery.

Inside Cabin:

Inside cabins are located on the lower Chaffey Deck and open onto a wide inside passageway. Inside cabins offer twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available and have portholes facing the outside. Inside Cabins are accessed via stairs, there is no lift access to this deck.

FAQs

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Cruise departs Mannum on selected Fridays at 4:30pm and returns to Mannum on Mondays at 10:00am.

DRESS:

During the day, sportswear and casual clothing is suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the dining room. Footwear is requested in both the dining room and lounges at all times. During the evening, smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a dress, skirt or pants and blouse for the ladies. At the Captains Dinner on the final night of the cruise, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sun block/sun screen. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on-deck and for onshore excursions.

ADELAIDE COACH TRANSFERS:

Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential. Complimentary coach transfers are available to/from the Adelaide CBD as well as a return to Adelaide Airport. Please refer to the Adelaide Coach Transfers Map for selected hotel pick-up locations and times in your Murray Princess Passenger Cruising Guide.

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERS:

Additional charges apply and pre-bookings are essential. Private car transfers are available to/from the Adelaide CBD as well as a return to Adelaide Airport.

CAR PARKING:

Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential. Complimentary car parking is available at Mannum (advise at time of booking if required)

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

*Early Booking Saver (EBS) fares shown are based on Off Peak Early Booking Saver (EBS) Fares which is a 20% discount on standard brochure fares valid for bookings that are made up to 90 days prior to departure, subject to availability. 10% discount applies in peak travel periods (March, April, May and September to December).

^Outside Cabins and Staterooms can accommodate an extra person based on 1 double bed and 1 single bed, but availability is limited. Outside Cabin Extra Person prices available on enquiry.

Above fares are based on cabins with 2 x single beds. Inside and Outside Cabins with a double bed incur a surcharge (no surcharge applies for Staterooms).

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This holiday deal has expired.

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