cruisemurray

Heritage cruise (4 nights)

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One passenger returning from this Murray River cruise tells of a feeling of "being in touch with the river, the land and its creatures. This was definitely due to the calming of the Paddle Steamer as the P.S. Murray Princess snaked her way along the river. It gave us a wonderful feeling of a bygone era." The mighty Murray River winds 2570 kilometres through the Australian outback and on it's banks you will see Australian Native animals, red gum forests and green farming land all protected by the towering sandstone cliffs. With perfect scenery, delicious food, likeminded new friends and a small luxury Paddle Steamer you can join a cruise for the ultimate cruise into the unexpected.

P.S. Murray Princess departs Mannum Monday 4.30pm (self drive can board from 2.30pm or a free coach departs the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, 125 North Terrace, Adelaide at 1.30pm).

P.S. Murray Princess returns to Mannum Friday 9.00am (the return free coach drops passengers at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel at 12 noon. If you take the optional after cruise Barossa Valley tour, you will be dropped back at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel at 5.30pm).

Monday

Late afternoon the paddle wheeler the P.S. Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, Australia, which was the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication. Take time to relax as the paddle boat cruises up the mighty Murray River allowing you to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a welcome aboard dinner. During the evening the Murray River boat will cruise under floodlight to an overnight mooring on the Murray River at Caurnamont. Keep your eyes peeled on the Murray River bank as you may see nocturnal wildlife including grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray River longnecked tortoises and spoon-beaked echidnas. Settle in for a night's entertainment by an on-board entertainer who will provides music for those of you who wish a late night.

Tuesday

Daybreak comes on the Murray River and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific bird life can be seen from the decks of the P.S. Murray Princes and includes pelicans, blue wrens and black swans. After breakfast it's time to cruise the Murray River again, this time the paddle steamer will cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow of the Murray River and levels of water. Shortly the river boat will reach Salters Station for overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, you can join one of expert guides for a tour of Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the Murray River, there is even time for a little wine tasting at the cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress night on board the P.S. Murray Princess, (bring your own or hire one) as well as the boats famous Murray River musical quiz.

Wednesday

After breakfast join a guide for a walk along the eco-sensitive wetlands of Salters Station on the banks of the Murray River Australia. Back onboard the paddle steamer will cruise down the Murray River, after lunch many passengers enjoy an afternoon nap, watch the Australian landscape slide by, or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. During the afternoon your Murray River cruise will arrive at Sunnydale, here it's all ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light Show that recreates typical Australian woolshed history. Later that day a visit is made to the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia’s most interesting native animals are cared for. That evening your chefs will prepare a great Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River Australia. After dinner you will be treated to a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart.

Thursday

After breakfast the P.S. Murray Princess slowly cruises downstream along the mighty Murray River past magnificent cliffs scoured by the Murray River over millions of years. The next stop for the paddle boat is Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites. Take a step back in time – tens of thousands of years – and join a knowledgeable guide for a boardwalk view of ancient rock carvings and learn about aboriginal history in the area. Back onboard the paddlesteamer the boat will cruise down the Murray River to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. The P.S. Murray Princess will cruise past large billabongs, open expanses of water and cliffs amazingly high. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular farewell dinner onboard the Murray Princess.

Friday

After breakfast, P.S. Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where all new friends and crew reluctantly say farewell.

Cruise includes:

All meals, an exciting selection of shore-side tours. guided nature walks & eco-excursions, onboard presentations, use of spas & saunas, Captain’s Dinner & Cocktail Party, live entertainment and 24 hour self-service tea & coffee bar.

Optional Barossa Valley Tour (additional cost $145)

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 Adelaide at 5.30pm.

Getting To Your Departure Point

A complimentary return coach picks up at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, 125 North Terrace, Adelaide at 1.30pm and on your return you are dropped off at 12.30pm or complimentary car parking is available at Mannum.

Accommodation in Adelaide

Optional extra

Double Bed $25 per person per night.

Map

Click here to see a map of this Murray River cruise route

Extra information