11 Day Adelaide & Upper Murraylands Cruise Experience
Adelaide
Cruise through stunning scenery on the authentic paddlesteamer, the PS Murray Princess
Enjoy spacious cabins, plus delicious meals throughout your journey
3 nights accommodation in Adelaide
Explore wineries, historic townships, sample local produce, see exciting wildlife and more!
From $2,499 Typically $2,659 pp twin share
Book NowDescription
Explore the breathtaking Murraylands whilst cruising through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering and stone cliffs and historic ports, local vineyards and nature trails. Combine this with accommodation and sightseeing in Adelaide, plus a full day indulging in the food and wine of the Barossa region, a perfect way to finish off your South Australian experience.
The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddlewheeler built for the Murray River, with the character and charm of yesteryear. It is the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere, catering for just 120 lucky passengers.
Enjoy comfortable cabins with ensuites, five passenger decks, delightful dining and a range of incredible excursions, stops and day trips, PLUS three nights in Adelaide - you'll be feeling pretty 'cruisy' after this terrific trip.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11
Arrive Adelaide
Check in to your hotel, relax and explore the surrounding city.
Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Meals: None
The PS Murray Princess
Transfer from Adelaide to historic Mannum, where the PS Murray departs mid-afternoon.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow shipmates and meet the crew.
As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Dinner
Murray Princess
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 which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Murray Princess
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. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. 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. 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 (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose-built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats, and owls by powerful spotlights.
Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Murray Princess
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.
We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Murray Princess
We leave Younghusband and back to Mannum. After breakfast, discover Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region – the Barossa. Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, 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 a two-course 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 and re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Mundurra for your overnight mooring.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Murray Princess
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, 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).
Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland.
This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Murray Princess
This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. 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. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges.
The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room.
Accommodation: PS Murray Princess
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Disembark the Murray Princess and head back to Adelaide
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
Take your transfer, or pick up your car and head back to your hotel, where you can check in, relax and enjoy everything the city of Adelaide has to offer.
Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Meals: None
Adelaide
Day at leisure
Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Meals: None
Adelaide
Check out of your hotel, before heading home or onwards on your travels!
Meals: None
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 3 nights accommodation at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in a Superior Room (Room Only)
- Adelaide City Highlights half day tour operated by Adelaide Sightseeing including expert commentary by your local guide.
- Transfers from Adelaide to the port (subject to availability)
- A visit to St Peter's Cathedral (subject to availability)
- Check out the famous Adelaide Oval
- Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre shop visit (except Sundays & SA Public Holidays where a visit to the National Wine Centre^ is included or further time exploring the city)
7 Night Upper Murraylands Cruise on the PS Murray Princess in an inside cabin, and including all meals, entertainment and selection of onshore tours:
- Explore the township of Murray Bridge or take a tour of the historic Roundhouse
- Optional Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour on Saturday departing Murray Bridge (optional - extra cost)
- Enjoy a guided nature walk with expert local guides
- Get up close to the river birdlife on board the 'Dragon-Fly' flat-bottomed boat
- Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
- Visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
- Take a walking tour of the Swan Reach township and visit the Swan Reach Museum (Gold coin donation at entry)
- See the towering sandstone cliffs at the Big Bend
- Watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show & go to the Native Wildlife Shelter
- Enjoy a riverside Aussie Barbecue
- Go on a Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls (optional - extra cost)
- Enjoy a Bush Tucker Breakfast (optional - extra cost)
- Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide
- Delight in a tender boat ride
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. phone, gifts, souvenirs etc.
Need flights?
Contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists for a quote on 1300 893 404 or [email protected]
Important Information
Dietary Requirements: All special dietary and allergy information must be advised when booking. As a guide, the PS Murray regularly cater for Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Diabetic and non-Seafood passengers.
Double Bed Surcharge: A double bed surcharge applies to all Inside Cabins and Outside Cabins with a double bed (No surcharge applies for Staterooms). A $60 per room per night surcharge applies.
Single Supplement: $1050.
Child Policy: Twin share pricing applies to children aged four years and over. Children under 3 years are not recommended on Murray Princess Cruises.
Transfers/Parking: Coach transfers to the port are available but must be booked in advance. There is also limited free parking available, but must also be booked in advance.
Onboard Food and Drinks:
- Menu: Aboard the Murray Princess, you will enjoy a seasonal menu, including local fresh produce. Salmon, scotch fillet, chicken, quiche, lamb shanks - you'll have the option to enjoy them all in the Dining Room on the Stuary Deck. (Each meal is accompanied by coffee or tea).
- Drinks: A wide variety of drinks, including wine, beer, cocktails, aperitifs, and soft drinks are available from the bar. There is a large range of wines from South Australian wineries, including Banrock Station, Burk Salter's Winery, and Yulumba. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available for you to enjoy. Please note drinks are not included in the cost of your cruise.
Accommodation:
- Adelaide: 3 nights’ accommodation at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in a Superior Room (Room Only)
- Murray Princess: 7 Nights/Choice of Inside Cabin, Outside Cabin and Stateroom.
