8 day Upper Murraylands Cruise on the Murray Princess

Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication. Settle into your cabin, and perhaps head to the lounge and join fellow passengers for a relaxing departure drink.

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. For those who choose to stay on-board, you may wish to partake in a game of bocce or compete in the fishing challenge before we cruise upriver past Walker Flat to Sugar Shack Conservation Park. In the afternoon, join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland.

Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through the first of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water on the Murray River. In the afternoon join in the fun playing a few games of bingo.

This morning you will be collected by coach and driven to Paringa, where you will enjoy some free time exploring the Renmark Paringa Community Museum.

Enjoy a casual riverside lunch at the heritage listed Hotel Renmark, soaking in the historic ambience and scenic panorama. There's also free time to explore the Heritage Museum to learn about many fascinating moments from its storied past.

Secure for the night at the 329km mark of the Murray River.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch as you cruise downriver back towards Morgan. Mid-afternoon join a guided walk of the Morgan township and the Morgan Living History Museum. Depart Morgan late afternoon and secure at Donald Flat Lagoon for the overnight moorage.

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. There's free time to visit the Museum or enjoy an ale or cappucino at the original Swan Reach Homestead, now the Swan Reach Hotel.

Later 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, there are two optional onshore tours to choose from (additional cost). A Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose-built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls and the Dark Sky Night Tour where you will be taken to an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve to observe the stars of the Milky Way. Night viewing binoculars and a telescope with a digital control locator are available plus a tablet to locate and name what can be observed with the naked eye.

h 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.

This morning, leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast reluctantly say farewell to the crew as you arrive at the Mannum Wharf, for your coach transfer back to Adelaide.