Coach transfer departs the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide on Fridays at 2.00pm. At 4.30pm the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads down-river while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundarra you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

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, join a guided tour of the town's historic landmarks and local attractions. This afternoon we begin our journey upriver, mooring at Craignook overnight, where dinner and all the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup awaits.

All ashore for a guided nature walk where your guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It's a great way to get in a little exercise before Murray Princess departs for the big river gorges and 90-metre cliffs of the upper river. At the 207km mark we turn and head down-river to River View Lodge where you discovery vessel awaits for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small groups, we explore the maze of the river. The birdlife includes darters, herons and egrets feeding at the river's muddy edges. Late afternoon, photography enthusiasts have the chance to capture a spectacular river sunset before joining Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the Captain's Dinner and Dance.

After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where you will join our coach tour to the famous Barossa Valley, the beautiful 'valley of the vine' and source of about a quarter of Australia's world-renowned wines. You'll visit three premium wineries and enjoy lunch before returning to the ship at Mannum. Overnight mooring at Caurnamont.

Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, blue wrens and black swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. Shortly we reach Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter's vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at his cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress on board (bring your own or hire one). We also hold our famous musical quiz.

After breakfast we cruise up-river to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area, now home to native flower and fruit growers. The original homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River. Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum. Cruise down-river after lunch and enjoy the tranquil landscape, arriving at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Show and a later visit to the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of the most interesting native animals are cared for. Later, enjoy an Aussie Barbecue cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. An optional nocturnal tour by tractor and cart is available after dinner.

After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. We reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve , one of Australia's mos significant archaeological sites. Take a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and learn about aboriginal history in this area. Adventure-seekers can also take a speed boat ride. Tonight the captain and officers host a Farewell Captain's Buffet.

After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum at 9.00 am where we reluctantly say farewell. Coach transfer returns to the Mecure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide at Friday 12.00 noon.