8 Day Murray River & Wildlife Cruises

, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundarra you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

, which quickly became the

bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, join a guided tour of the town's historic landmarks and

local attractions. This afternoon we begin our journey upriver. Tonight we moor at Craignook, where after dinner you

can enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

.

It's a great way to get in a little exercise before Murray Princess departs for the big river gorges and 90 metre cliffs of

the upper river. Mid morning join us in the Sturt Dining room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and

wine produced in the riverlands. At the 205km mark we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge where your

discovery vessel awaits for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of

the riverand the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river's muddy edges. The

afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks

and the Captain's Dinner and Dance.

, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where you will join our coach tour to the famous

Barossa Valley, the beautiful 'valley of the vine' and source of about a quarter of Australia's world-renowned wines.

You'll visit three premium wineries and enjoy lunch before returning to your ship at Mannum. Depart 4.30pm and

moor overnight at Caurnamont.

movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, blue wrens and black 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 near Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. 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 enjoy

all the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

. The town was first settled in the 1850s

and 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. Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum - a must

for every visitor. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle

and info-cruising presentation. We arrive at Sunnydale. 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. 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. An optional Nocturnal tour by tractor and cart is

available after dinner.

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. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular

Farewell Captain's Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

& head home to Mannum. Reluctantly, we say farewell as we arrive at Mannum

Wharf.