Suzanne & Terry's Traveller Story
For my husband Terry, a cruise aboard a traditional paddlewheeler on the Murray River had always been on his travel wish list. After hearing glowing recommendations from a friend and spotting the Murray Princess featured in a National Seniors Travel email, we decided it was time to make it happen.
As a National Seniors member, I regularly receive Our Generation magazine and National Seniors Travel emails. One question remained before we booked. I've been an incomplete paraplegic since 2008 and use a wheelchair, so accessibility was essential.
I contacted the National Seniors Travel team to ask whether the Murray Princess had an accessible cabin and suitable facilities onboard. The reassurance I received made all the difference. I was pleased to learn there was an accessible cabin available, along with a lift providing access to the dining room, so we booked our September departure.
A Holiday We'd Been Looking Forward To
We flew to Adelaide the day before our cruise and stayed overnight at the Crowne Plaza. The accessible room suited us perfectly, and the following morning everything had been arranged for us. Our transfer collected us from outside the hotel and took us to Mannum, where the Murray Princess was waiting to begin our journey.
From the moment we stepped aboard, we felt welcomed.
Although the vessel was built in 1986, it beautifully captures the charm and nostalgia of the historic paddlewheelers that once travelled the Murray River. Our accessible cabin was comfortable and practical, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the journey.
That evening we enjoyed a delicious three-course welcome dinner while getting to know our fellow travellers. Most guests were in their seventies, and it didn't take long for conversations to begin flowing around the dining table. Throughout the cruise there was live entertainment, along with trivia and bingo on selected days, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere onboard.
The Beauty of the Murray River
One of my favourite parts of the cruise was simply watching the landscape drift by.
Each morning I loved sitting by the dining room windows during breakfast, enjoying uninterrupted views of the river and surrounding countryside while taking plenty of photographs. Later I'd often relax in the lounge opposite our cabin, where I had a perfect view of the paddlewheel turning through the water.
The scenery constantly changed. Towering orange limestone cliffs reflected beautifully in the river beneath brilliant blue skies, while pelicans glided across the water and wedge-tailed eagle nests could be spotted high among the trees. We were fortunate to enjoy mostly sunny weather, making the scenery even more spectacular.
Exploring Along the Way
The cruise offered an excellent variety of shore excursions, giving guests the opportunity to experience the history, culture and landscapes of the Murray River region. Best of all, you could participate as much or as little as you wished.
We visited Burk Salter Wines, where guests could enjoy a tasting of local wines, and spent an enjoyable evening at Big Bend, exploring a historic woolshed before sharing a relaxed riverside barbecue. The accessible pathway allowed us to join in, and it was wonderful watching everyone singing, dancing and enjoying themselves together.
Another memorable stop was Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Conservation Park, home to ancient rock carvings and an important archaeological site. Guests with suitable mobility could explore the site with knowledgeable guides, while others could simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings and river views.
Relaxing Onboard
The meals throughout the cruise were consistently excellent, and the crew couldn't have been more professional, welcoming or helpful.
Beyond the beautiful scenery, one of the unexpected pleasures was meeting so many interesting people. A river cruise offers plenty of opportunities to share stories, hear about other people's travels and enjoy good company.
Although many guests joined every excursion, we never felt any pressure to do everything. Some afternoons we were perfectly happy relaxing in our cabin or lounge, watching the Murray River slowly pass by.
Suzanne's Tips for Future Travellers
If you're considering a Murray Princess cruise, I'd recommend packing plenty of layers. Although we travelled in September expecting milder weather, we experienced some surprisingly cold days.
If you're travelling with a wheelchair or mobility aid, I'd recommend discussing your accessibility requirements when booking so you can travel with confidence.
Most importantly, don't feel you need to participate in every activity. Some of the most memorable moments came simply from sitting back, watching the paddlewheel turn and soaking up the peaceful beauty of the Murray River.
A Holiday We'll Always Remember
Our week aboard the Murray Princess gave us the chance to experience one of Australia's great river journeys at a wonderfully relaxed pace. From the welcoming crew and comfortable accommodation to the ever-changing scenery and fascinating shore excursions, it was a holiday we'll remember fondly for years to come.
Thank you to Cassandra and the National Seniors Travel team for helping make the experience so enjoyable.
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