Murraylands and wildlife cruise 2023/2024
iscover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia’s great inland highway.
Members from: $2,789 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $2,809 P.P Twin ShareSolo traveller from: $4,059
Type
River Cruising
Destination
Australia
Cruise Line
Murray Princess
Supplier
Sealink
Booking Code
SEA/MWC
Departs
Multiple departures available. Enquire for more details.
Depart historic Mannum
Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
Cellar door tasting at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
Walking tour of the Swan Reach township and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry)
Big Bend towering sandstone cliffs
Sunnydale Woolshed Show and Native Wildlife Shelter
Riverside Aussie Barbecue
Optional Nocturnal Tour at Sunnydale in a comfortable purpose-built cart (additional cost)
Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites
Scenic tender boat ride
Complimentary Barossa Wine & Heritage tour
Free time to explore the township of Murray Bridge or take a tour of the historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat & see big river gorges & towering sandstone cliffs
Riverland food & wine tasting (A tasting of 2 Reds & 2 White wines & local produce)
Get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat
Discover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia’s great inland highway. This seven-night cruise is a unique historic and nature-based adventure through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering sandstone cliffs and exploring historic ports, local vineyards, and nature trails. Enjoy leisurely cruising 320 kilometres of the heart of the great Murray River between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge and take in the breath-taking Riverland. This cruise also includes a complimentary coach tour to the famous Barossa and its wineries.
Cruise Details:
- Day 1: Selected Mondays - Cruise Departs Mannum at 4:30pm (Boarding from 2:30pm) Coach Transfers depart Adelaide CBD from 1:20pm
- Day 8: The following Monday – Cruise returns to Mannum at 9:00am- Coach Transfers arrive back in Adelaide at approx. 11:00am – 11:30am or Adelaide Airport 12:00pm
PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
7 Night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise - Departing Monday
Monday
Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont 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.
Tuesday
Daybreak and it’s 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 visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars.
After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.
Wednesday
After breakfast cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and 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 (own expense). Join a 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. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery.
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 by powerful spotlights. Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.
Thursday
After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, we slowly cruise 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, join your fellow passengers for a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.
Friday
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, you may choose to 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 for morning tea and wine tasting and enjoy a two-course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. In the afternoon, visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and drive through the picturesque regions of Seppeltsfield and Marananga which is full of history before returning to Mannum.
Those not wishing to join the Barossa tour have free time in the township in Mannum before a late-afternoon departure for our overnight mooring at Mundurra.
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 Safari Park (additional cost).
Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board 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 your guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the Murray Princess departs and cruises a little further upriver.
Near forms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel waits 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 a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room.
Monday
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
Upper Murraylands Cruise on Murray Princess 2023/2024
Members from: $3,029 P.P Twin Share
Murray River Outback heritage on Murray Princess 2023/2024
Members from: $1,759 P.P Twin Share