7 Night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise

Enjoy leisurely cruising 320kms of the heart of the great Murray River, between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge, and the breathtaking riverlands of South Australia. On the grand paddlewheel vessel, PS Murray Princess, you will experience the great variety of sights and sounds of river life. On this Murray River cruise you will witness the majesty of its ever-changing landscape, visit historic places and indigenous sites, enjoy a woolshed and station experience. Follow the region's food and wine trail, including a visit to the famed Barossa Valley and its wineries.

Itinerary

Day One: 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, hairy-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.)

Day Two: 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 Three: 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 Four: After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives 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 three premium wineries and enjoy lunch before returning to your ship at Mannum. Depart 4.30pm and moor overnight at Caurnamont.

Day Five: 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 we will rendezvous with our 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 our overnight anchorage. Tonight is fancy dress night on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our famous musical quiz.

Day Six: 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. We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia's most interesting native animals are cared for. And then, of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue - cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. After dinner, join us on a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart.

Day Seven: After breakfast 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, 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. We return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. We 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, if you wish.

Friday: We leave Younghusband & head home to Mannum. Reluctantly, we say farewell as we arrive at Mannum Wharf.

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) located on Randell & Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with complimentary sparkling wine, flowers, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. All staterooms have a double bed and a single bed.

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

Inside cabins: (9) located on Chaffey Deck, all open onto an inside passageway with portholes. Seven (7) have twin beds and two (2) have a double bed.

Dining

Dining aboard Murray Princess includes delicious table d'hote menus, Captain's Dinner and buffet dining with a special campfire barbeque. 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

Two lounges Dining saloon Speed boat Gift shop Library and video Lift Guest laundry 24-hour tea and coffee facilities

Highlights

Total Murraylands and wildlife experience Captain's Dinner and Seafood Buffet Unpack and relax to a new destination every day Bonus Barossa Valley tour and wine tastings Two sailings weekly Combined 3 and 4 night cruise

Inclusions

Shipboard accommodation All meals Onboard facilities Aboriginal archaeological tour Nature walks and speedboat rides Barossa Valley tour 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.
Ca Parking: available rates on application from $29
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