Murray Princess 4 Night Outback Heritage Cruise (Outside Cabin)

SAMPLE ITINERARY: (4 Night Outback Heritage Cruise)

Monday: Mid-afternoon the 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 kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Tuesday: 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”.

Wednesday: 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 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.

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.

Thursday: 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, join your fellow passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.

Friday: We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.

OPTIONAL BAROSSA WINE & HERITAGE TOUR (additional cost):

Depart Mannum, and travel into the famous Barossa, Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region.

Your first stop is at Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, where you will enjoy a light morning tea while taking in the breath-taking views over the vineyards. You will have the opportunity to participate in a structured wine tasting before departing and heading to Lambert Estate in Angaston for lunch.

Enjoy a two-course lunch at Lambert Estate, incorporating fresh regional produce available in season. Pair this with a glass of wine (own cost) and take in the magnificent outlook from the deck of this popular vineyard.

Next visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, and learn about Maggie and her story, as well as the history behind the Farm. You’ll have an opportunity to taste some delicious Maggie Beer and Pheasant Farm products and take a photo in her famous kitchen. If time permits, purchase some afternoon tea from the cafe (own expense) and take in the peaceful surrounds of the lake and resident birdlife.

Following Maggie Beer’s, you’ll make your way by coach through the picturesque regions of Seppeltsfield and Marananga which is home to many iconic cellar doors. No trip to the Barossa is complete without visiting Seppeltsfield Road which is full of history and lined with distinctive palm trees.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel back through the picturesque Eden Valley. View the Murrayland flats from atop Palmer hill as you descend into Mannum where you will re-board the Murray Princess, or journey back to Adelaide arriving at approximately 5.30pm or Adelaide Airport at approximately 6.00pm.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.

The Fitness to Travel Declaration must be completed at least 60 days prior to travel or with your final payment, whichever occurs first.

Please refer to the Passenger Cruising Guide for more information.