3 Night Wetlands Discovery Cruise

Enjoy a short introduction to the beautiful and historic Murray River between Walkers Flat and Murray Bridge, on this 3 night wetland discovery cruise from Captain Cook Cruises.

Onboard the historic paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess, you will cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of Australian flora and fauna.

Take a nature walk, enjoy a backwater wildlife tour by small vessel, visit a local indigenous aboriginal community, as well as learn about the food and wine of this famous region.

The PS Murray Princess accommodates 120 passengers and brings the unique advantage of small ship cruising to the Murray River. The Murray Princess brings warmth and friendliness to the Murray River with spacious lounges and dining saloon all with the character and charm of yesteryear.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a welcome dinner. As you cruise under floodlight to the overnight mooring at Craignook 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.

Day 2: Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. Reboard and head upriver, past big river cliffs which tower 90 metres above the water - an ever-changing countryside. At the 207km mark, turn and head downriver to Piggy Flat where you'll join the discovery vessel for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, explore the maze of backwaters, creeks and lagoons. The birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river's muddy edges. After dinner enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

Day 3: Bring your camera as you head ashore to capture the dawn light, a special time on the river. As the cruise leaves Piggy Flat, breakfast is served. Enjoy a morning talk about the riverlands' bountiful food and wine trail. After lunch, reach the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Murray Bridge. The river has been a source of life for indigenous people of the riverlands, including Australia's largest aboriginal community, the Ngarrindjeri people. Visit the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you will be treated to a dramatic dance performance and encounter, Ngurunderi - an ancestral being, whose battle with the Murray Cod created the Ngarrindjeri world. Your ship departs for Mundarra. Join the Captain and officers for pre-dinner drinks and then the Captain's Dinner & Dance.

Day 4: After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum.

Accommodation

All 60 cabins and staterooms are approximately 12 square metres.

All Cabins Feature: Private bathroom ensuite Air conditioning Electric blankets Soap Shampoo Towels Serviced daily

Stateroom: Located on Randell & Cadell Decks and open onto the outside deck. Feature a fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Bedding is 1 Double Bed + 1 Single Bed.

Outside Cabin: Located on Randell and Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with picture windows. Bedding is 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed.

Inside Cabin: Located on Chaffey Deck, all open onto an inside passageway with portholes. Bedding is 2 Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed.

Dining

Dining aboard Murray Princess includes delicious table d'hote menus, Captain's Dinner and buffet dining. Breakfasts are buffet style. The Dining saloon is designed to accommodate all passengers at a single sitting.

Vessel Details

Tonnage 1500 tonnes Length 67 metres Beam 15 metres Draft 1.2 metres Speed 6 knots

Facilities

2 Spas 2 Saunas Sun deck 2 Bars 2 Lounges Dining saloon Speed boat Gift shop Library and video Lift Guest laundry 24-hour tea and coffee facilities

Highlights

Spectacular cliffs and gorges Backwater wildlife boat tour Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Food and wine trail tastings Daybreak photography

Inclusions

Shipboard accommodation All meals Onboard facilities Aboriginal archaeological tour Nature walks and speedboat rides Complimentary return coach transfers are available from/to the Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide if booked in advance

Additional Information

Children: 2 years and under are free of charge. Children 3 years and older are charged at the adult rate
Excludes: Drinks, optional tours, personal purchases and fuel surcharges
What to Bring: Soft soles shoes for walking, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, smart casual clothing
Cancellation Fees: Apply for bookings cancelled inside 60 days of travel
Operated By: Captain Cook Cruises