Murray River: 7-night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise

Friday:

Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner.As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank.Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Saturday

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, choose to join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Zoo (additional cost).Those who choose to experience Monarto Zoo will arrive back onboard the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

Sunday

All ashore for the guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near From ms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups,we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before joining the Captain and Officers for a spectacular Captain’s Dinner and Dance.

Monday

We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, discover Australia’s richest and best known wine making region – the Barossa. Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre,Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery before returning to the PS Murray Princess at Mannum and cruising towards our overnight mooring at Caurnamont. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Tuesday

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, wrens and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water.This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter Boutique Winery and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted outwith beautiful red gum bars.After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

Wednesday

After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach.The town was first settled in the 1850s, was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (additional cost).Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by.When we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed 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. An optional Nocturnal tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos,wombats, foxes, bats and owls.

Thursday

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, the vessel cruises slowly downriver 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 tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area.We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

Friday

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary based on a Friday departure and is subject to change without notice. Should you wish to book a Monday departure, please ask one of the team for the itinerary.

3, 24, 27, 31 May 2019

Inside cabin - Twin share - $1545pp; Single - $2085pp

Outside cabin - Twin share - $2163.75pp; Single - $2925pp

Cruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum

ADELAIDE COACH TRANSFERS
Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential.
Complimentary coach transfers are available to/from the Adelaide
CBD as well as a return to Adelaide Airport. Please refer to the
Adelaide Coach Transfers Map for selected hotel pick-up locations
and times in your Murray Princess Passenger Cruising Guide.

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERS
Additional charges apply and pre-bookings are essential.
Private car transfers are available to/from the Adelaide CBD as well
as a return to Adelaide Airport.

CAR PARKING
Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential.
Complimentary car parking is available at Mannum