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 downriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As you cruise under floodlight to the 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. The on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Day 2: 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 , begin the journey upriver, with a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the river lands. Tonight, moor at Craignook, where dinner and all the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup awaits.

Day 3: All ashore for the 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, turn and head downriver to River View Lodge where your discovery vessel awaits 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. Late afternoon, photography enthusiasts have a great opportunity to capture a spectacular river sunset, before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the finale Captain's Dinner and 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

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

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

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.

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.

Departures

Departs: 4.30pm Fridays from Mannum

Returns: 9.00am Mondays

Coach transfers depart Mercure Grosvenor Hotel 125 North Terrace St at 2.00pm. Returns Mercure Grosvenor Hotel 12noon.

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 Mercure Grosvenor Hotel if booked in advance

Additional Information

Children: 2 years and under are free of charge, however not recommended. 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
Fit to travel: A Certificate of Fitness to travel by the clients doctor is required for passengers over 75 years of age and/or passengers with limited mobility
Operated By: Captain Cook Cruises