This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery from towering cliffs to expansive farmlands. Along the way, you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and many of the 350 bird species that inhabit the river lands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine tasting at a cellar door, visit a typical Australian farm, wool-shed and wildlife shelter, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river and visit an aboriginal archaeological site.
Cruise Highlights:
MONDAY
Mid-afternoon the PS 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.
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 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”.
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 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.
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 the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
FRIDAY
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
BAROSSA WINE AND HERITAGE TOUR
Available on conclusion of the 4 Night Outback Heritage Cruise Depart Mannum, and travel into the famous Barossa, Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region. Your first stop is at Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, where you will enjoy morning tea, followed by a structured tasting of five wines. Next visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, and learn about Maggie and her story, as well as the history behind the Farm. Enjoy a short cooking demonstration, and taste a range of her produce, including any new products that are in development. Lunch is a two course gourmet feast at Lambert Estate, incorporating fresh regional produce available in season. Pair this with a glass of wine (own cost), and take in the magnificent outlook from the deck of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery. Enjoy a short video that showcases the fruits that are grown at Gully Gardens, the cutting and drying process and how they create tasty and unique confectionery products. Tasting samples will be offered whilst browsing the shop before heading back to Mannum. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel back through the picturesque Eden Valley. View the Murrayland flats from atop Palmer hill as you descend into Mannum where you will transfer to a luxury coach for your journey back to Adelaide.
Departs at 9.30am on selected Fridays from Mannum and concludes 5.30pm in Adelaide or Adelaide Airport at approximately 6.00pm.
*This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Captain Cook Cruises reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice.
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4 NIGHT CRUISE - Departs Monday - 26 Oct 2020 & 09 Nov 2020
Twin share cabin prices:
Sole use cabin prices:
*All 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.
The PS Murray Princess
The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddle-wheeler 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.
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 which 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 along 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.
Cruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum on selected Fridays at 4.30pm and returns to Mannum the following Monday at 10.00am.
ADELAIDE COACH TRANSFERS: Bookings are essential. Complimentary Adelaide coach transfers to Mannum on selected Fridays will depart and return from the following locations:
The Murray Princess arrives back into Mannum at 10.00am on the following Monday and the coach transfer return arrival time toAdelaide is approximately 12pm to 12.30pm – pre-bookings are essential.
PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERS: Additional charges apply and pre-bookings are essential. Private car transfers are available to/from the Adelaide CBD.
CAR PARKING: Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential. Complimentary car parking is available at Mannum.
Your Travel Document will include your coach, private transfer or car parking details if arrangements have been made. Please check your Travel Document or Itinerary for full information.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
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