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This Murray River itinerary is easily one of the most-loved Aussie adventures among our community of over-60 travellers.
Guests come back full of praise for the welcoming on-board atmosphere, the delicious dinners, and the crew who will go out of their way to make you feel like family.
This four-day northward journey will take you from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown.
Along the way you'll sample amazing food and wine, tour the pristine wilderness, encounter thriving wildlife (such as kangaroos and the 350 bird species that inhabit the riverlands), enjoy a good old Aussie BBQ by the river, and so much more.
Cruise Highlights:
While on board, you'll enjoy...
Day 1 - Monday
Cruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum at 4:30pm.
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. The on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Day 2- 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 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 3 - 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.
Day 4 - Thursday
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.
Day 5 - Friday
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf at approx 9am. You will then transferred to Adelaide Central Bus Station or Adelaide Airport.
Post Cruise Optional Tour -Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour (additional cost)
Discover Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region– the Barossa. Depart Mannum by coach to the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. Visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and enjoy a two-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 Mannum. You will then transfer to a luxury coach for your journey back to Adelaide arriving at approximately 5.30pm 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. Murray Princess reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice.
TWIN SHARE (per person)
Inside Cabin - from $1,749 $1,312 (2 x single beds) or $1,869 $1,402 (double bed)
Outside Cabin - from $2,349 $1,762 (2 x single beds) or $ 2,469 $1,852 (double bed)
Stateroom - from $3,049 $2,287 per person
SINGLE TRAVELLER
Inside Cabin - from $2,536 $1,902 (2 x single beds) or $2,776 $2,082 (double bed)
Outside Cabin - from $3,406 $2,555 (2 single beds) or $3,646 $2,735 (double bed)
Stateroom - from $4,421 $3,316 per person
Optional Tours
Barossa Wine & Heritage Tour - $195 per person
Coach Transfers from Adelaide to Mannum (return) - $110 per person
Self Drive - Car Parking (4 days)
Secure parking per vehicle - $60
Outside cabins with twin bedding are located on Randell and Cadell Decks. 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.
While on board the paddlewheeler, you'll enjoy...
Cruise Times
Departs Mannum at 4:00pm. It's recommended to arrive at Adelaide prior to 11:30am and leave after 2pm at the end of the cruise. The journey from Adelaide to Mannum is 1hr 45mins.
Adelaide Transfers
Coach transfers at a cost of $110 per person return. Please advise your pick-up location at time of booking:
- Adelaide Central Bus Station: 1:20pm
- Hilton Adelaide: 1:30pm
- Majestic Roof Garden Hotel: 1:35pm
- Crowne Plaza Adelaide: 1:35pm
- Stamford Plaza Adelaide: 1:45pm
- The Terrace Hotel Adelaide: 2:00pm
Please note there are no pick-ups from Adelaide Airport.
Car Parking
Secure parking is available $20 per day (price subject to change). Please request at time of booking.
Please ensure you arrive at Mannum by 3pm for check in
Facilities onboard include:
- Lift access from Randell Deck to Sturt Deck
- Paddlewheel Lounge
- Sturt Bar
- Sturt Dining Room
- Sun Deck
- Onboard Souvenir Shop
- Public Amenities
What level of fitness is required?
All passengers are required to complete a Fitness to Travel Declaration 60 days 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.
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.
Room imagery is for illustration purposes only, actual room layout, furnishing and design may vary.
This is subject to availability at the time of check in.
A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is due within 7 days of booking.
Supplier Cancellation Fees
- More than 90 days prior to departure - loss of deposit
- 30 - 89 days prior to departure - 50% cancellation fees
- Under 30 days prior to departure - 100% cancellations fees
Amendments
30 days prior to travel - any amendments such as, but not limited to, name changes pick up and drop off location changes will incur a $25 per person fee.