Description
Celebrate Christmas like you have never done before in July… with a 4 Night Murray River Cruise aboard the famous Paddle Steamer the Murray Princess.
These “Special Event Cruises” have been very popular in the past with passengers. Not only do you get to experience the lovely Murray River cruising on a Paddle Steamer but you also get a visit from Santa and a delicious Christmas lunch in July. When you add the fun and festivities of cruising the Murray River during “Christmas In July” as well as a lots of new friends then we are sure you will remember this Murray River Cruise for many years to come.
Laugh, Smile and Enjoy a visit by Santa during your Christmas In July Cruise.
Enjoy a traditional Christmas Lunch or Dinner.
Sing Christmas Carols.
Over 4 unforgettable nights, onboard the Paddle Steamer Murray Princess, meet new friends for life and enjoy a very unique “Christmas In July” cruising the Murray River on a Paddle Steamer.
One passenger returning from this Murray River cruise tells of a feeling of “being in touch with the river, the land and its creatures. This was definitely due to the calming of the Paddle Steamer as the P.S. Murray Princess snaked her way along the river. It gave us a wonderful feeling of a bygone era.” The mighty Murray River winds 2570 kilometers through the Australian outback and on it’s banks you will see Australian Native animals, red gum forests and green farming land all protected by the towering sandstone cliffs. With perfect scenery, delicious food, like minded new friends and a small luxury Paddle Steamer you can join a cruise for the ultimate cruise into the unexpected.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
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 a Welcome Dinner. 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.
Blanchetown
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, 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 join a guided tour of Burk Salter Boutique Winery and surrounding vineyard 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”.
Swan Reach - Sunnydale
After breakfast cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. 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 (additional cost).
Join the guided 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.
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.
Younghusband
After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, we slowly cruise 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 the Captain and his officers host a spectacular farewell Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
Return Mannum
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
OPTIONAL
BAROSSA WINE & HERITAGE TOUR (additional cost $170 per person)
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 4 nights in an Inside Cabin (twin share) upgrade available at check-out
- All meals (buffet & a la carte)
- An exciting selection of onshore tours
- Guided nature walks & eco-excursions
- Onboard presentations
- Use of gym
- Captain’s Dinner & Dance
- Live entertainment
- 24 hour self-service tea & coffee bar
- Lift access from Randell Deck to Sturt Deck
- Complimentary return coach transfers from Adelaide or return to the Adelaide Airport or car parking in Mannum (bookings essential)
- Present for guests & egg nog
Onboard Cabins
The PS Murray Princess has 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, hairdryers, towels, and daily servicing. Each cabin is approximately 12sq meters. Four of the outside cabins and their ensuite bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Two cabins located on Randell Deck are opposite the lift for easy access to the dining and lounge decks.
Child Policy/Single Supplement
Please enquire with [email protected] or 1300 893 404 if you would like to travel with a child or are travelling solo.
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. phone, gifts, souvenirs, etc
Important Information:
Your Vessel
The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddle wheeler built for the Murray River, with the character and charm of yesteryear. It is the largest inland paddle wheeler in the southern hemisphere. Catering for just 120 passengers, she brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the remarkable setting of Australia’s outback.
Don't be fooled by most modern-day imitation paddle wheelers where the paddle is often on the side and just for show. The PS Murray Princess is an authentic paddle wheeler that is propelled by its massive stern wheel. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and informal by style. The lounge features a majestic view of the paddlewheel in action through the two-story viewing window. Upper and lower lounge areas are accessed by the classic brass and mahogany-style spiral staircase.
The PS Murray Princess cruises between Mannum, Murray Bridge, and Salter's Station down the Murray River. The wetlands in this area provide essential breeding and feeding habitats for many species of waterbirds, fish, invertebrates, and plants, meaning that you'll see the wonderful wildlife in this outback setting.
The PS Murray Princess has 5 passenger decks, Sturt, Randell, Cadell, Chaffey named after the Murray River's great pioneers, plus the Sun Deck.
