4 Night Outback Heritage Cruise

This 4 night cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic riverport of Mannum to Blanchetown. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs to expansive wetlands.

Along the way you'll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and about 350 different bird species that inhabit the riverlands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine tasting at the cellar door.

Enjoy a visit to a typical Australian farm and woolshed, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river, visit a wildlife shelter and an aboriginal reserve, one of Australia's most significant archaeological sites.

There's no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, than on this 4 night Outback Heritage Cruise. Drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler PS Murray Princess and enjoy the scenery of South Australia.

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. Cruise under floodlight to the overnight mooring at River View Lodge (downriver of Piggy Flat). Here, 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: 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. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Big Bend where you will rendezvous with the vineyard coach tour. This afternoon visit Burk Salter's vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door. Rejoin Murray Princess at Swan Reach and cruise upriver to the overnight anchorage. Tonight is fancy dress night onboard. (Bring your own or hire one.) There is also the famous musical quiz.

Day 3: After breakfast join a guided nature walk, then cruise downriver to Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel. Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. Arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light Show as you recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later, visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia's most interesting native animals are cared for. Enjoy a great Aussie Barbecue - cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. After dinner, join in for a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart.

Day 4: After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. Reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia's most significant archaeological sites, for a step back in time - tens of thousands of years - for a guided boardwalk to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area. Return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. Pass large billabongs, open expanses of water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain's Buffet. Dress up and dance the night away.

Day 5: After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum.

Accommodation

All 60 cabins and staterooms are approximately 12 square metres in size.

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

Stateroom: (4) Located on Randell & Cadell Decks, all opening onto the outside deck. Features a fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Bedding is 1 Double Bed + 1 Single Bed.

Outside Cabin: (47) Located on Randell and Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with picture windows. Bedding is 2 Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed.

Inside Cabin: (9) 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 with a special campfire barbeque on the Heritage Cruise. Breakfast 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

Upriver focus through Lock 1 and gorges Vineyard and cellar door tasting Woolshed sound and light show and BBQ Wildlife shelter and nocturnal eco-tour Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park Guided nature walks and eco-tours

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