Discover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia’s great inland highway. This seven-night cruise (bundled with one night pre-tour in Adelaide) offers 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. 

Choose from two great itineraries in January

Both departures offer these wonderful experiences:

• Get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat
• Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
• 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 and visit 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)
• Enjoy a Bush Tucker Breakfast (optional - extra cost)
• Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide
• Explore the Murray's hidden and out-of-the-way delights on a tender boat ride

OPTION 1 - Ideal for wildlife lovers

Choose the 12 January 2023 departure (starting at $3,359pp) for these additional experiences:

• Enjoy a guided nature walk with expert local guides
• 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)
• Visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery

OPTION 2 - Ideal for food and wine lovers

...Or choose the 19 January 2023 departure (starting at $3,529pp) for these alternative experiences.

• Riverland food & wine tasting (A tasting of 2 x reds and 2 x white wines, plus a selection of local produce)
• Visit the picturesque town of Waikerie
• Experience Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre including a delicious lunch followed by wine tastings
• Tour the gardens and orchards and visit the cellar door at Caudo Vineyard
• Take a guided walk of the Morgan township and the Morgan Living History Museum

Inclusions:

• 1 night in a Superior Room at Majestic Roof Garden Hotel with Breakfast (pre-cruise)
• 7 nights in an Outside Twin Cabin
• FREE Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour (12 January 2023 departure only)
• All meals onboard the cruise (table d’hote and a la carte menus).
• An exciting selection of onshore tours
• Guided nature walks & eco-excursions
• Onboard presentations
• Live entertainment
• Complimentary return coach transfers from Adelaide to Mannum

Your package includes:

• One night and breakfast at the 4.5-star Majestic Roof Garden Hotel pre cruise. Located in the heart of Adelaide, exuding a blend of old-world comfort with all the modern essentials. Eclectic and luxury shopping, cafes and restaurants surround this popular Hotel, situated a mere few minutes walk from the city’s most popular events, and boasts picturesque roof top views.
• 7 nights on the PS Murray Princess cruise in an Outside Cabin with twin bedding 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.

FIRST DEPARTURE
12 to 20 January 2023

• Twin Share Outside Cabin $3,359 per person
• Single Traveller Outside Cabin $4,699

SECOND DEPARTURE
19 to 27 January 2023

• Twin Share Outside Cabin $3,529 per person
• Single Traveller Outside Cabin $4,969

Call us today on 1300 414 198 to secure your cabin. Our friendly local consultants can also happily assist with flights and travel insurance.

First departure (12 Jan 2023)

Thursday 12 January 2023

Today arrive in Adelaide and make your own way to the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel 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 13 January 2023

Enjoy a lazy breakfast at your hotel. The morning is at leisure, within an easy 20 min walk from the hotel you have the Adelaide Central Markets or the Adelaide Oval via the River Torrens Footbridge. If you are feeling a little more adventurous 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, 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 14 January 2023

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 15 January 2023

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 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 16 January 2023

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 17 January 2023

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 18 January 2023

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 19 January 2023

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 20 January 2023

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.

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.

Second departure (19 Jan 2023)

Thursday 19 January 2023

Today arrive in Adelaide and make your own way to the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel 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 20 January 2023

Enjoy a lazy breakfast at your hotel. The morning is at leisure, within an easy 20 min walk from the hotel you have the Adelaide Central Markets or the Adelaide Oval via the River Torrens Footbridge. If you are feeling a little more adventurous 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, 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.

Saturday 21 January 2023

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. This morning, 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.

For those who choose to stay on-board, you may wish to partake in a game of bocce or compete in the fishing challenge before we cruise upriver past Walker Flat to Sugar Shack Conservation Park. In the afternoon, join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our on-board entertainer.

Sunday 22 January 2023

Continue cruising upriver this morning as we enjoy breakfast and pass through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. This morning, enjoy some free time and in the afternoon join in the fun playing a few games of bingo. Late afternoon we will secure the vessel at Morgan and after dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

Monday 23 January 2023

Today we are transferred by coach to the Riverland town of Waikerie and Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre near Kingston On Murray. Enjoy some free time in Waikerie and at Banrock Station delight in cellar door wine tastings followed by a delicious lunch and DVD presentation. There will be time to take a stroll around the gardens and orchards enjoying the relaxing scenery. Return by coach to Morgan where we will re-board the Murray Princess and continue our journey upriver and secure at the 329km mark of the Murray River.

Tuesday 24 January 2023

After breakfast, we arrive at the picturesque Caudo Vineyard located at Hogwash Bend. Here we will enjoy cellar door tastings and explore the gardens and orchards. Enjoy a leisurely lunch as we cruise downriver back towards Morgan. Mid-afternoon we join a guided walk of the Morgan township and the Morgan Living History Museum. We depart Morgan late afternoon and secure at Donald Flat Lagoon for our overnight moorage. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

Wednesday 25 January 2023

After breakfast cruise to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and 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 26 January 2023

After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost), we slowly cruise 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 27 January 2023

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.

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.

When should I fly in?

• Flight arrivals on your first day (either 12 or 19 Jan) can be any time, as this is a day at leisure. Simply check in to the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel at your convenience for a night of pre-cruise accommodation.
• Flight departures should be booked after 2pm on the day touring ends (either 20 or 27 Jan) to allow time to return from Mannum to Adelaide Airport.

What level of fitness is required?
All passengers are required to complete a 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. A medical certificate of Fitness to Travel is required from passengers aged over 80 years; this is required prior to final 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.

What clothes should I pack?
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.