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Marvellous Murray River - Travel at 60 Community Cruise (October 2021)

  • history
    DURATION
    8 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    8 nights

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.

Photos

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Your cruise at a glance

Inclusions/Exclusions

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Cruise inclusions:

  • 7 nights in an Outside Twin Cabin
  • FREE Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour
  • All meals (table d’hote and a la carte menus)
  • An exciting selection of onshore tours
  • Guided nature walks & eco-excursions
  • Onboard presentations
  • Live entertainment
  • Final night complimentary pre-dinner drinks (sparkling wine and soft drinks) with the Officers
  • Complimentary return coach transfers from Adelaide

Highlights while on the cruise:

  • Explore the township of Murray Bridge or take a tour of the historic Roundhouse
  • Optional Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour on Saturday departing Murray Bridge (optional - extra cost)
  • 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
  • Go on a Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls (optional - extra cost)
  • NEW Dark Sky Night Tour in one of the world’s most pristine areas of night sky (optional - extra cost)
  • Enjoy a Bush Tucker Breakfast (optional - extra cost)
  • Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide
  • Delight in a tender boat ride

Itinerary

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THURSDAY:

Today arrive in Adelaide and make your own way to the Crown Plaza to check-in. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

FRIDAY:

This morning enjoy a scrumptious cooked breakfast at your hotel. This afternoon at at 2.00pm you will be transferred to Mannum to board the PS Murray Princess. This evening get to know your fellow Travel at 60 travelers at the Welcome Dinner onboard. 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.

SATURDAY:

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.

SUNDAY:

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 PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near From ms 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 Officers for complimentary pre-dinner drinks (sparkling wine and soft drinks) before a delicious dinner.

MONDAY:

We head back to Mannum and 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, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery before returning to the PS Murray Princess at Mannum and cruising towards our overnight mooring at Caurnamont. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

TUESDAY:

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 Blanche town 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”.

WEDNESDAY:

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 tranquility 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. 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 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.

THURSDAY:

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 the Officers for complimentary pre-dinner drinks(sparkling wine and soft drinks) before a delicious dinner.

FRIDAY:

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. Your package includes a return transfer to Adelaide. The return arrival time to Adelaide CBD is approximately 11:00am to 11.30am and an option to be transferred to Adelaide Airport is available. Please advise us at the time of booking which drop-off point you would like us to book.

Dates and Prices

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07 to 15 October 2021 - 1 departure only!

  • $2,766 per person twin share Outside Cabin - SOLD OUT!
  • $3,762 single Outside Cabin - ONLY 2 CABINS AVAILABLE

Want to avoid the single supplement? If you're willing to share, we can happily pair you with another solo traveller. Subject to availability of another guest of the same gender willing to share. Call us today on 1300 414 198!

Accommodation

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The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddlewheeler built for the Murray River, with a 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.

Your package includes accommodation in an outside cabin. The majority of these cabins have twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available as an additional charge. Each outside cabin opens onto the outside deck walkway with picture windows to view the passing scenery. All cabins come with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, hairdryers, towels and daily servicing

FAQs

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Willing to share:
One of the advantages of travelling on a Travel at 60 dedicated group departure is that we have the ability to match solo travellers, so that you they can avoid paying the single supplement. Subject to availability of another traveller of the same gender willing to share.

General Health & Fitness:

All passengers are required to complete our Passenger Cruise Contract prior to travel.

A good level of fitness and health is required to participate in Murray Princess cruises. In some destinations there are extensive sightseeing excursions by foot and which includes climbing of stairs. Mobility is needed boarding or alighting coaches, river cruise ships and mooring locations. We require a medical certificate of fitness to travel for passengers aged over 80 years; this is required prior to final cruise fare payment.

Passengers with disabilities or special needs are welcome, provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance. Any disability or medical condition requiring special attention must be reported to your consultant at the time of booking.

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. Free night at the Crowne Plaza with breakfast is valid for 1 night on the 7th October 2021. A minimum number of guests is required for tour to go ahead.

A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due no later than Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Cancellation Fees:

  • More than 120 days prior to sailing = $400 per person (loss of deposit)
  • 90 - 119 days prior to sailing = 25% of booking total
  • 30 - 899 days prior to sailing = 50% of booking total
  • Under 30 days prior to sailing = 100% of booking total
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