4 Night Murray River Cruise

Overview

This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic riverport of Mannum to Blanchetown. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs to expansive wetlands. Along the way you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and many of about 350 bird species that inhabit the riverlands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine-tasting at the cellar door, visit a typical Australian farm and woolshed, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river, visit a wildlife shelter and an aboriginal reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites.

Monday

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 Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.)

Tuesday

Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, blue wrens and black swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. Shortly we reach Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at his cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress night on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our famous musical quiz.

Wednesday

After breakfast join a guided walk along the eco-sensitive wetlands of Salters Station. While we cruise downriver after lunch you can enjoy an afternoon nap, watch the landscape slide by, or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. We arrive at Sunnydale.

All ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light 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. And then, of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. After dinner, join us on a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart.

Thursday

After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream 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 to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area. We return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband.

Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. We pass large billabongs, open expanses of water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

Friday

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.