Classic Paddlewheeler Cruise on the Iconic Murray River

The Murray River: home to winding waterways, local wildlife and towering sand cliffs and lined by vineyards, historic towns and beautiful scenery. Experience it all aboard the PS Murray Princess, a charming paddlewheeler that will transport you back to the times of Rudyard Kipling and Ernest Hemingway. Spend your days reading on the sundeck before enjoying land excursions and settling in for an evening meal with like-minded explorers.

What You’ll Love…

The Boat – A classic paddlewheeler

Travel aboard the PS Murray Princess staying in an upgraded Outside Cabin. This true inland river paddlewheeler was purpose built for the Murray River with all the character and charm of yesteryear and is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Soak up the scenery from the boat’s sun deck or unwind with a drink at the bar or in one of the two lounges. The boat also features 24-hour tea and coffee facilities, a gym, gift shop and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Journey – Enjoy guided nature walks and a wine tasting

Explore the township of Murray Bridge on a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions. Located in the heart of the Murraylands, this town is considered the crown of the Murray region and attracts over 1 million visitors every year.

Enjoy guided nature walks through Salt Bush Flat, big river gorges and towering sandstone cliffs which rise 90 metres above the river.

Sample the region’s famous fare with a Riverland food-and-wine tasting featuring two red and two white wines, paired with fresh local produce.

Travel in July aboard a Christmas in July cruise and enjoy the same itinerary plus special Christmas-themed bonus inclusions such as a traditional Christmas dinner/lunch, Christmas activities, Christmas-themed ‘Murray River Cup’, Christmas carols, Christmas presents and eggnog.

Your Package Includes

• A three-night Discovery Cruise aboard an authentic paddlewheeler staying in a twin bed outside cabin with two single beds, private en suite, air-conditioning, electric blankets, daily servicing, picture windows and direct access to the deck
• Complimentary return coach transfers to and from selected Adelaide CBD hotels and Adelaide Airport or complimentary secure car parking is available at Mannum (subject to availability – bookings essential)
• All meals including daily buffet breakfasts, daily à la carte lunches and nightly à la carte dinners. Enjoy delicious dishes such as Moroccan spiced lamb fillet with a honey mustard sauce, Atlantic salmon fillet with béarnaise sauce and New York cheesecake served with berry compote.
• An exciting selection of onshore tours including a guided tour of Murray Bridge and Salt Bush Flat
• Guided nature walks and eco-excursions including a flat-bottomed boat river birdlife experience
• Onboard presentations including a special Riverland presentation showcasing the region’s delicious food, wine and local produce with the opportunity to taste two red and two white wines
• A special captain’s dinner and dance. This three-course dinner menu changes seasonally but can include such delights as garlic prawns, roast rump of lamb, grilled barramundi and more
• Live entertainment each night including live music, dancing and more
• Access to onboard facilities include a bar, restaurant, two lounges, dance floor, gym, sundeck, free Wi-Fi, gift shop, library and 24-hour tea and coffee facilities

Extended Cruises

4-Night Outback Heritage Cruise: Upgrade to the four-night Outback Heritage Cruise and travel north along the great Murray River from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown, as you follow in the wake of great Australian pioneers along the outback river highway.

7-Night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise: Spend seven nights on the river and discover the South Australian outback sailing through ancient gorges, red gum forests, nature trails and local vineyards with a complimentary coach tour of the Barossa Valley included.

7-Night Upper Murraylands Cruise (departs on Friday): Discover the Upper Murraylands as you travel from Mannum to Morgan, with visits to local wineries, wetlands, wildlife shelters and walks around historic towns - plus a traditional Australian BBQ by the river.

Your cruise starts and ends in Adelaide. Getting to Adelaide is easy, flights depart regularly from all Australian capital cities with Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia and more.

Flights depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx 7 hours), Hong Kong (approx 9 hours), Bangkok (approx 10.5 hours) and Dubai (approx 12.5 hours).

Convenient return transfers from a central Adelaide location are included in your package.

Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.

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DAY 1: Depart Mannum

After arrival in Adelaide, you will be transferred to Mannum, where your cruise starts.

Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, 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.

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DAY 2: Murray Bridge

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 Zoo (additional cost). Those who choose to experience Monarto Zoo will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch. this afternoon, as we continuing cruising upriver to our overnight mooring at Salt Bush Flat; you will have the opportunity to inspect the wheelhouse with the Captain. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

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DAY 3: River Cruise

All ashore for the 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 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. Just after Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where our 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 joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the Captain’s Dinner and Dance.

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DAY 4: Cruise ends

The river cruise comes to an end today, as we head back to Mannum and disembark the vessel after breakfast.

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For the 4-night Outback Heritage Cruise, 7-night Murraylands and Wildlife and 7-night Uppermurraylands cruise itineraries, please visit the PS Murray Princess website.