3 Night Wetlands Discovery Tour

Captain Cook Cruises offers this Murray River cruise, a short introduction to the beautiful and historic Murray River between Walkers Flat and Murray Bridge. Aboard the historic paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess, you will cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of Australian flora and fauna. You will take a nature walk, 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.

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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 we cruise under floodlight to our 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. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.)

Day 2: Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. We reboard and head upriver, past big river cliffs which tower 90 metres over us, and an ever-changing countryside. At the 207km mark we turn and head downriver to Piggy Flat where we join our discovery vessel for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we 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, we're going ashore to capture the dawn light, a special time on the river. As we leave Piggy Flat breakfast is served. Enjoy a morning talk about the riverlands' bountiful food and wine trail. After lunch we 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 where we reluctantly say farewell.

Accommodation

All 60 cabins and staterooms have a private bathroom ensuite, air conditioning, electric blankets, soap, shampoo and towels, service daily. Each cabin is approximately 12 sq metres.

Stateroom: 4 in total, located on Randell & Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with complimentary sparkling wine, flowers, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Bedding is Double bed and Single bed.

Outside cabins: Total of 47, located on Randell and Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with picture windows. 40 cabins have twin beds, 4 have a double bed and 3 have a double bed and a single bed.

Inside cabins: Total of 9 cabins, located on Chaffey Deck, all open onto an inside passageway with portholes. 7 have twin beds and 2 have a 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

The PS Murray Princess accommodates just 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.

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

Instant Quote: provides rates in Australian Dollars including GST.
Children: at adult rates.
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: Cancellation fees and conditions apply for bookings cancelled inside 60 days of travel.