Discover Adelaide and Cruise the Murray River

Your fare excludes:

D​ay 1: Arrive Adelaide

A​rrive in Adelaide and make your way to the Stamford Plaza Adelaide and check in. The day is yours to explore Adelaide at your own leisure.

D​ay 2: Board the Outback Heritage Cruise

You will be transferred from your hotel to historic Mannum to board the Murray Princess. Historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, head 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.

Day 3: Cruise the Murray River

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 the river’s 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”.

Day 4: Cruise the Murray River

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. 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. Optional tour: Sunnydale Nocturnal Tour. Additional cost and bookings can be made on board through your Guest Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.

Day 5: Cruise the Murray River

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast* or 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 guests for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.

*Optional tour: Bush Tucker Breakfast. Additional cost and bookings can be made on board through your Guest Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.

Day 6: Adelaide

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. Be transferred from Mannum to Adelaide for a two night stay at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

D​ay 7: Adelaide Barossa Food & Wine Experience

This morning be picked up at your hotel for your full day Barossa Food and Wine Tour. Your first stop is Pindarie Wines, a family owned and award winning cellar door. A family winemaker will share the story of this stunning property and will lead you through tastings, with cheese, in the all-charm sandstone stables converted into a cellar door. Then, it’s coffee and cake on the verandah, or in winter, cosied up around the fire. There’s time for fun photos by a haystack framed by bucolic views dominated by shiraz vines.

Provenance Barossa was the original home of Penfolds in the Barossa which played a key role in the local wine industry since the early 1900’s. Provenance Barossa is home to an exclusive collection of food and beverage businesses offering unique experiences, and you will have free time to explore this popular destination.

Lunch is at the beautiful Lambert Estate, with panoramic vineyard views, halls of local art, and a sun-drenched balcony in summer or by a giant crackling fire midyear. It’s a private party where you will be treated to wine tastings along with family anecdotes and wine notes. After a hearty two-course lunch, why not take your coffee and 'a Chocolatier' (chocolate port) out on to that balcony.

A photo stop at Mengler Hill affords fabulous sweeping Valley views, before the next taste-buds-tempting exercise at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.

Sit down to a flight of local Vineyard Road wines and chocolate, with an expert guide revealing why they meld so well. A viewing wall showcases the crafting of more than 250 chocolate products, including the newest ruby flavor. Then, browse the collection for gifts to take home, or will they make it that far?

D​ay 8: Time to Head Home

Time to say farewell, check out of the hotel and make your way home.

This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Cruises reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice. Pre-bookings are essential, additional cost.

T​ravel dates in 2024 and 2025 (*includes Special Event Cruise)

• 21* April 2024
• 19, 26 May 2024
• 2, 9, 16 June 2024
• 7*, 14*, 28* July 2024
• 4, 18, 25 August 2024
• 15, 22, 29 September 2024
• 6, 20 October 2024
• 3, 10 November 2024
• 5, 19, 26 January 2025
• 16, 23 February 2025
• 9, 23 March 2025

Pricing from:

• Inside cabins from $2,374 per person twin share / $3,526 sole use
• Outside cabins from $2,944 per person twin share / $4,353 sole use
• Staterooms from $3,609 per person twin share / $5,317 sole use

C​all 1300 414 198 to book and receive complimentary Return coach transfers between Adelaide and Mannum (Saving $110 per person).

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

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.

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.

S​tateroom:

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.

• 3 night accommodation at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide in a Superior City View Room (Room Only)

Dressing for your cruise: 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.