Murray Princess Christmas In July Cruise

Day 1

Home - Murray Princess
Your tour begins with a flight to Adelaide where on arrival, there will be opportunity to purchase your own lunch. This afternoon, we will transfer to historic Mannum to board the Murray Princess and after settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank.

Day 2

Murray River Cruising
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, you can 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). Join back togther for a special Chrismas themed lunch and activities. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver before mooring at Salt Bush Flat for the night. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by the talented crew. (BLD)
Optional tour available (additional cost):
Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour The wild is calling! This unforgettable tour explores one of the world's largest open-range safari parks outside of Africa. Monarto Safari Park spans more than 1,500 hectares and is home to many exotic and native animals including cheetah, hyena, painted dogs, giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, antelope, bison, Mongolian horses, and Australia's largest lion pride to name but a few. Option includes transfers, entry and guided tour.

Cost: $76 per person
Please note - bookings are essential for this option. If you wish to add this to your tour, we recommend booking and paying as soon as possible as numbers are limited and all bookings are subject to availability at the time of request.

Day 3

Murray River Cruising
This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. Later, continue cruising and near Fromms Landing, we turn and head down-river to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat/Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.

Day 4

Murray River Cruising
Today we head back to Mannum and after breakfast, discover Australia's richest and best-known wine making region, the Barossa Valley. Depart Mannum by coach to the beautiful 'valley of the vine' and the source of about a quarter of Australia's world-renowned wines. Visit Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre for a light morning tea and wine tasting and enjoy lunch at Lambert Estate where you'll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. In the afternoon, visit Seppeltsfield Barossa for a short walking tour followed by a tasting in our own private setting. Return to Mannum to re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Caurnamont for our overnight mooring.

Day 5

Murray River Cruising
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 the river's water. This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, enjoy a visit to Burk Salter Boutique Winery for a wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. This evening, enjoy a Chrismas in July themed dinner and afterwards, Christmas themed music and activities.

Day 6

Murray River Cruising
After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s, 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 (additional cost). 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. 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. This evening, enjoy a Aussie Barbecue, cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River.

Day 7

Murray River Cruising
After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, the vessel cruises slowly 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. Take a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area. Later, return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a delicious farewell dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.

Day 8

Murray Princess - Home
We leave Younghusband and cruise back to Mannum. After breakfast, it's time to farewell our hosts, as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. We then board our transfer coach back to Adelaide Airport, where we will check in for our flight back home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner