Murray River 7 Night Wetlands & Wildlife Cruise

Additional Information

PRICE IS PER PERSON TWIN SHARE IN OUTSIDE CABIN ACCOMMODATION (single occupancy available).

ADELAIDE COACH TRANSFERS: Bookings Essential. Complimentary return coach transfers depart the Quality Rockford Hotel, 164 Hindley St Adelaide, Friday at 2.00pm and return Monday 12noon.

MANNUM CAR PARKING: Bookings Essential. Limited complimentary car parking is also available at Mannum subject to availability.

MID CRUISE BAROSSA VALLEY TOUR (complimentary): Discover Australia’s richest and best known wine making region – the Barossa Valley. Depart Mannum by coach where you will be transferred directly to your Barossa Valley tour at Williamstown. The tour includes three premium wineries, lunch and free time in Tanunda before returning to the Murray Princess at Mannum.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - Monday departure (itineraries subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements)

Monday: 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 Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (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, blue wrens and black swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. Shortly we reach Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at his cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress night on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our famous musical quiz.

Wednesday: After breakfast join a guided walk along the eco-sensitive wetlands of Salters Station.
While we cruise downriver after lunch you can enjoy an afternoon nap, watch the landscape slide 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.

Thursday: 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.

Friday:
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, have lunch and enjoy some free time in Tanunda before returning to your ship. We moor overnight at Craignook.

Saturday:
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 Fromm’s Landing 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. Back on board, we continue downstream past picturesque cliffs to Piggy Flat. After dinner enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

Sunday: 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. Come with us to the centre for a fascinating insight into these people. Here, too, is a cottage industry hand-making chocolate using native fruits. Your ship departs for Mundarra. Join the Captain and officers for pre-dinner drinks and then the Captain’s Dinner & Dance.

Monday: After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell.