Murray Princess Murraylands And Wildlife 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, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, where the Murray Princess departs and after settling in, we will 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). This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver before mooring at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by the talented crew.

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 we continue cruising and near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver 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. Depart Mannum by coach to 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 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 Maggie Beer's Farm Shop and drive through the picturesque regions of Seppeltsfield and Marananga which is full of history. Return to Mannum to re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Caurnamont for your 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 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. After dinner, join in all the fun and excitement of the "Murray River Cup".

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. Join a walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Cruise downriver after lunch to Sunnydale where it's all ashore for the Woolshed Show. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia's most interesting native animals are cared for. Tonight, enjoy 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 if you choose.

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 - for 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 we reluctantly farewell our hosts, as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. We then board our transfer coach back to Adelaide, where we will check in for our flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner