Embark
The cruise departs from Mannum at 4.30pm and boarding is possible from 2.30pm. Alternatively, a coach transfer to Mannum departs from the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide (125 North Terrace) at 2pm. Reservation is compulsory - please call to book.
Day 1: Mannum
*Sample Itinerary based on Friday Departures. For cruises departing on a Monday, the schedule of the itinerary will change, but all itinerary inclusions remain the same.*
After departing historic Mannum mid-afternoon, the Murray Princess heads upriver while you take time to enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As you cruise under floodlight to tonight's mooring at Mundarra you may see signs of the area's nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Keep an eye out for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray long-necked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. Meanwhile on board, entertainers will provide music for the night-owls.
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Day 2: Murray Bridge - Craignook
The first bridge to span the Murray River was constructed at Edwards Crossing in 1879 and this quickly developed into the township of Murray Bridge. After a full buffet breakfast on board, join a guided tour of the town’s local attractions and historic landmarks. In the afternoon, begin your journey upriver to Craignook, where the ship will moor for the night. On board the ship tonight, all the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup awaits.
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Day 3: Backwater Wildlife Tour
After a hearty breakfast on board, head ashore for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. Reboarding the Murray Princess, continue upriver, past big river cliffs which tower as high as 90 metres, and an ever-changing landscape. During the morning there will be a special presentation on the food and wine of the riverlands. At 205km, the ship turns and heads downriver to River View Lodge. Here you will leave the paddlewheeler and board your discovery boat for a backwater wildlife tour. Travel in small, personalized groups to explore the maze of backwaters, lagoons and creeks. You will marvel at the bird life. Look out for the darters, herons and egrets which feed along the muddy edges of the river. In the late afternoon, keen photographers will have the chance to capture a spectacular river sunset before joining the Captain and crew for a dinner and dance.
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Day 4: Barossa Valley
Today the Murray Princess docks in Mannum so that you can join your excursion to the world-famous Barossa Valley, which produces around a quarter of Australia’s wines. Here you will visit three premier wineries and have lunch before heading back to the ship at Mannum. In the late afternoon, the Murray Princess sets off for Piggy Flat where she will moor for the night.
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Day 5: Blanchetown
At daybreak, keen photographers may want to get out and capture the special light and wildlife, which is particularly active at this time. Look out for pelicans, black swans and blue wrens. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown via one of the 13 locks that maintain the water level. This afternoon visit Burk Salter's vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door. Back on the Murray Princess tonight, you can join the fancy dress night (bring your own costume or hire one on board). There will also be a musical quiz.
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Day 6: Swan Reach - Sunnydale
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board and then continue cruising upriver to Swan Reach. This town grew up in the 1850’s and was previously one of the largest cattle and sheep stations in the area. Today, Swan Reach is home to some native flower and fruit growers. There will be a guided walk to the Swan Reach Museum, an essential stop for visitors to Swan Reach. After lunch, cruise down to Sunnydale, enjoying the tranquil scenery and an onboard presentation en route. At Sunnydale, head ashore for the Woolshed show, a recreation of a typical Australian woolshed. Next is a visit to the Native Wildlife Shelter where you can see some of Australia’s most fascinating native animals being cared for. You will then finish the day in typical Australian style with a barbecue served in a bush setting on the banks of the river. You may also wish to join a night tour by tractor and cart after dinner.
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Day 7: Ngaut Ngaut - Younghusband
This morning, the Murray Princess cruises slowly down the river, passing mighty cliffs carved out by the river over millions of years. At Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, disembark for a visit to one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites where you can see ancient rock carvings and learn about the aboriginal history of the area. Then return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. En route, you can also take an optional speedboat ride on the river. On board the Murray Princess tonight, the Captain invites you to a sumptuous farewell dinner. Feel free to dress up and enjoy some dancing if you wish.
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Day 8: Mannum
After a final breakfast on board, say goodbye to your crew and fellow passengers and disembark in Mannum.
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Disembark
Disembarkation in Mannum is at 9am. Transfers back to the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide are available - please call our agents to book this.
Includes
- 7 Nights' accommodation on board the Murray Princess
- Full Board (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day)
- Sightseeing and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Transfers between Mannum and Adelaide at fixed times only (see embarkation information for details)
Excludes
- International transportation
- Beverages
- Gratuities
- Personal Insurance
- Visas
Sailing dates