The mighty Murray, the world's fifth largest river, courses more than 3,000 kilometres across one third of the Australian continent. From its source in the Snowy Mountains of NSW it travels to the Southern Ocean near Adelaide, the Murray/Darling Basin. The scenery is some of the most ancient on earth - a place where all the colours of Australia converge.
Cruise through miles of gorges, millions of years old. Discover golden sandstone cliffs towering over blue-green lagoons, majestic red gum forests under endless blue skies and green irrigated farmlands against red desert plains. The Murray is a haven for over 350 species of birds. It's an outback oasis for a myriad of fascinating wildlife including majestic sulphur crested cockatoos, kangaroos, goannas, black swans, gentle pelicans and the legendary Murray Cod.
A fundamental part of Australia's heritage was founded in the proud paddlesteamer tradition. The Murray was the lifeline to pioneers who lived on the driest continent on earth. Over 200 paddlesteamers plied the river day and night, negotiating hidden reefs, massive sandbars and treacherous passages. Murray Princess is Australia's largest and most luxuriously appointed paddlewheeler. She represents a new age in inland cruising and an elegant recreation of a bygone era. She was purpose built to offer an indulgent outback river experience. Her graceful stern paddlewheel, antique mahogany furnishings and spiral staircases, reflect the elegance of the grand era of Murray River cruising. The lounges are spectacular meeting areas, with floor to ceiling windows affording panoramic views of the massive stern paddlewheel. The spacious upper decks offer plenty of sunny and shady retreats to escape with a cool drink and a good book. And for a total river adventure Murray Princess also carries an onboard tender for exhilarating speed boat rides through the 'big bends'.
Complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or car parking in Mannum
All on-board facilities including the use of spas, saunas and exercise deck, entertainment and 24-hour self-service coffee bar
Guided nature walks & eco-tours
Onboard presentations on a variety of themes including flora and fauna, the Murray's food & wine trail, the river's paddlesteamer heritage and lifestyle themes
Captain's Dinner and cocktail party
Excludes
Travel insurance
Travel to Adelaide
Drinks
Optional shore excursions
Fuel surcharges
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Fri Adelaide (South Australia) - Mannum - Mundarra
Begin with a complimentary coach transfer from selected locations to Mannum. Mid-afternoon PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads down-river while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundarra 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.
SatMurray Bridge
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, or join the optional wildlife tour at Monarto Zoo. This afternoon we begin our journey upriver, mooring at Salt Bush Flat overnight.
SunMurray River
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. Mid-morning, there is a special presentation o the food and wine produced in the riverlands. Just after Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat/Coolcha) where our discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the Captain’s Dinner and Dance.
Mon Barossa Valley
After breakfast, Murray Princess arrives back 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 Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, enjoy a 2-course lunch at Lambert Estate and visit the beautiful Barossa Chateau before returning to the ship at Mannum and cruising to the overnight mooring at Caurnamont. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
TuesBlanchetown
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, wrens and swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. This afternoon we moor opposite the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter vineyards and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner participate in our 'Murray River Cup'.
WedSwan Reach - Sunnydale
After breakfast we cruise 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 (own expense). Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum. Cruise downriver 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 in a purpose-built cart is available after dinner.
ThursYounghusband
After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, 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 most 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 scenic tender boat ride. Tonight the captain and officers host a Farewell Captain's Buffet Dinner.
FriMannum - Adelaide
After breakfast, Murray Princess arrives at Mannum. Disembark and take the return coach transfer to Adelaide.
7-night Murray River ItineraryPlease note this is a sample itinerary. It may sometimes be necessary to amend itineraries or arrangements due to weather or other operational needs.
