Paddlesteamer Cruises on Australia's Murray River

8-day/5-day cruises by paddlesteamer along Australia's greatest river or a 3-night weekend cruise including transfers from Adelaide

Book early and save 10%
on 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 departures*

The mighty Murray, the world's fifth largest river, courses more than 3,000 kilometres across one third of the Australian continent. From its source in the Snowy Mountains of NSW it travels to the Southern Ocean near Adelaide, the Murray/Darling Basin. The scenery is some of the most ancient on earth - a place where all the colours of Australia converge.

Cruise through miles of gorges, millions of years old. Discover golden sandstone cliffs towering over blue-green lagoons, majestic red gum forests under endless blue skies and green irrigated farmlands against red desert plains.

The Murray is a haven for over 350 species of birds. It's an outback oasis for a myriad of fascinating wildlife including majestic sulphur crested cockatoos, kangaroos, goannas, black swans, gentle pelicans and the legendary Murray Cod.

A fundamental part of Australia's heritage was founded in the proud paddlesteamer tradition. The Murray was the lifeline to pioneers who lived on the driest continent on earth. Over 200 paddlesteamers plied the river day and night, negotiating hidden reefs, massive sandbars and treacherous passages.

Murray Princess is Australia's largest and most luxuriously appointed paddlewheeler. She represents a new age in inland cruising and an elegant recreation of a bygone era. She was purpose built to offer an indulgent outback river experience. Her graceful stern paddlewheel, antique mahogany furnishings and spiral staircases, reflect the elegance of the grand era of Murray River cruising.

The lounges are spectacular meeting areas, with floor to ceiling windows affording panoramic views of the massive stern paddlewheel. The spacious upper decks offer plenty of sunny and shady retreats to escape with a cool drink and a good book. And for a total river adventure Murray Princess also carries an onboard tender for exhilarating speed boat rides through the 'big bends'.

View information about your paddlesteamer cruise ship, the Murray Princess

View information about your paddlesteamer cruise ship, the Murray Princess

Check availability of this cruise

Check availability of this cruise

Call us to check availability:
UK: 0845 226 2475
Overseas: +44 1756 693609

Itinerary
The Outback Heritage Cruise A 5 day (4 night) paddlesteamer cruise along Australia's greatest river. 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.
MONDAY	Boarding Mondays from 2.30pm At 4:30pm 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 egrets and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.) Coach transfer departs Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide (164 Hindley St) Mondays 2.00pm.
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 at 9.00 am where we reluctantly say farewell. Coach transfer returns Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide Friday 12.00 noon. Optional post-cruise Barossa Valley tour returns Adelaide 5.30pm
The Wetlands Discovery Cruise A 4 day (3 night) cruise through spectacular landscapes Click here for itinerary details
7-Night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise (including Free Barossa Valley Tour) Combined 3 and 4 night cruise with a complimentary Barossa Valley Tour including three premium wineries between cruises. Click here for itinerary details
It may sometimes be necessary to amend itineraries or arrangements due to weather or other operational needs.

This romantic paddlesteamer cruise is perfect for a honeymoon and to help you celebrate in style we have put together some special packages for you. Contact us for details.