7-Night Murraylands and Wildlife 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.

Explore the township of Murray Bridge and enjoy a tour of the historic Roundhouse.

Take the Monarto Safari Wildlife tour around one of the world's largest open-range zoos.

presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, join the Captain for a guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat.

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 and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your 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.

Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s worldrenowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery. Late this afternoon return to the PS Murray Princess at Mannum and cruise towards your overnight mooring at Caurnamont.

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.

As the last rays of the sun fade, visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars.

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.