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.
Inclusions:
Highlights while on the cruise:
Thursday 13 January 2022:
Today arrive in Adelaide and make your own way to the Crown Plaza to check-in. The day is yours to explore at leisure. Within an easy 10 min walk from the hotel you have the Adelaide Art Gallery, Museum, Botanic Gardens, State Library and Rundle Mall.
Friday 14 January 2022:
Enjoy a lazy breakfast at your hotel. The morning is at leisure, within an easy 10 min walk from the hotel you have the Adelaide Central Markets. If you are feeling more adventurous it's only 20 mins to the Adelaide Oval via the River Torrens Footbridge. Or why not jump on the tram to Glenelg and explore the waterfront.
At approx 1.30pm you will be transferred from your hotel to Mannum to depart on the PS Murray Princess. Historic Mannum is the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. 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 15 January 2022:
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 16 January 2022:
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 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 dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.
Monday 17 January 2022:
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 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 Caurnamont for your overnight mooring. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Tuesday 18 January 2022:
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 19 January 2022:
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.
Thursday 20 January 2022:
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 final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.
Friday 21 January 2022:
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. Please ensure flights are book for after 2pm departure.
Please note: Itinerary is subject to change due, this is a guide only.
13 to 21 January 2022 - 1 departure only!
Call us today on 1300 414 198 to secure your cabin!
Your package includes:
1 night and breakfast at the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza Adelaide pre cruise. Located on the doorstep of North Terrace and just off Rundle Street with the best boutiques, bars and cafes.
Enjoy 7 nights on the Murray Princess cruise in an outside cabin. These cabins have twin bedding. 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.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. 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 Thursday 28 October 2021.
Flight arrivals on 13 January 2022 can be anytime as this is a day at leisure
Flight departures on 21 January 2022 should be booked for after 2pm to allow time to return from Mannum to Adelaide Airport.
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.