3 Night Murray River Cruise

Overview

Experience a landscape like no other as you cruise the Australian outback, drifting past golden sandstone cliffs along a great river with a proud history. Witness the prolific birdlife and native animals that flock to its banks and explore old towns, wineries and Aboriginal sites.

As one of a small number of passengers aboard the ship you see the Murray River, Australia's greatest inland waterway, and its ecological marvels close up, in relaxed comfort. Cruises depart from and return to Mannum, 90 minutes from Adelaide.

Itinerary

Friday - Depart Mannum

Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Craignook you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray long necked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.)

Saturday - Local Flora and Fauna

Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. We reboard and head upriver, past big river cliffs which tower 90 metres over us, and an ever-changing countryside. At the 207km mark we turn and head down river to Fromm’s Landing where we join our discovery vessel for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of backwaters, creeks and lagoons. The birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. Back on board, we continue downstream past picturesque cliffs to Piggy Flat. After dinner enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

Sunday - Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Bring your camera, we’re going ashore to capture the dawn light, a special time on the river. As we leave Piggy Flat breakfast is served. Enjoy a morning talk about the riverlands’ bountiful food and wine trail. After lunch we reach the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Murray Bridge. The river has been a source of life for indigenous people of the riverlands, including Australia’s largest aboriginal community, the Ngarrindjeri people. Come with us to the centre for a fascinating insight into these people. Here, too, is a cottage industry hand-making chocolate using native fruits. Your ship departs for Mundarra. Join the Captain and officers for pre-dinner drinks and then the Captain’s Dinner & Dance.

Monday - Return to Mannum

After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell.

Optional Barossa Valley Tour (additional cost)

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.

Further Information

Adelaide Coach Transfers & Mannum Car Parking

Bookings Essential. Complimentary return coach transfers depart the Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide Fri/Mon at 2.00pm and return Fri/Mon 12noon. Optional post-cruise Barossa Valley tour returns Adelaide 5.30pm. Complimentary car parking is also available at Mannum subject to availability.

Double Bed

A surcharge of $50 per room per night applies to all Inside Cabins and Outside Cabins with a double bed (Note a double bed is standard in all Staterooms)

Honeymoon Bonus

Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine in room on arrival

Early Booking Saver (EBS) Availability & Discounts

Enquire about our early booking saver fares which represent a discount of up to 10% on the published fare

Onboard Charges

The following onboard charges apply to all passengers. These charges are not included in your cruise fare and are payable at the conclusion of your cruise. All amounts are charged to your onboard cabin account, payable at the end of your cruise by credit card, cash or traveller’s cheque. Please note surcharges are subject to change.
Fuel Surcharge of AU$25 per person (under 3 years free of charge)

Confirmation of Bookings

Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of a deposit of AU$200 per person, and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Passenger Cruise Contract. Final payment of the cruise fare must be made at least 60 days before sailing otherwise bookings will be cancelled.

Cancellations & Refunds

All cancellations are subject to an AU$50 administration fee per person. Cancellation fees, less the administration fee, may be applied to another cruise if completed within 12 months of original booking. Cancellations received inside 60 days of sailing will be subject to cancellation charges at the following rates:

· within 30-59 days – $200pp deposit
· within 15-29 days – 50% of fare
· 14 days or less – 100% of fare
· no-shows at sailing – 100% of fare

It is strongly recommended that passengers take out cancellation and travel insurance from the time of deposit. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary passports and visas.

For your comfort it may be necessary to amend itineraries or arrangements due to weather or other operational needs.