Murray Princess Cruises

Departs on selected Fridays April 2026 - March 2027

Discover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia’s great inland highway. This seven night cruise is a unique historic and nature based adventure through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering sandstone cliffs and exploring historic ports, local vineyards and nature trails. Enjoy leisurely cruising 320 kilometres of the heart of the great Murray River between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge and take in the breathtaking Riverland. On the grand paddlewheel vessel the Murray Princess, you will experience a great variety of sights and sounds of river life, the beauty of its ever-changing landscape, visit historic places and indigenous sites, enjoy a woolshed and station experience and follow the region’s food and wine trail. This cruise also includes a complimentary Highlights of the Murray coach tour.

Inclusions & Highlights

• Explore the township of Murray Bridge or take a self-guided tour of the historic Roundhouse
• Optional Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour on Saturday departing Murray Bridge (optional - extra cost)
• Enjoy a guided nature walk with expert local guides
• Get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat
• Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
• Visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
• Take a walking tour of the Swan Reach township and visit the Swan Reach Museum (Gold coin donation at entry)
• See the towering sandstone cliffs at the Big Bend
• Watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show & go to the Native Wildlife Shelter
• Enjoy a riverside Aussie Barbecue
• Go on a Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls (optional - additional cost)
• Enjoy a Bush Tucker Breakfast (optional - additional cost)
• Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide*
• Delight in a tender boat ride

Itinerary

DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL

Cruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum on selected Mondays at 4:30 pm and returns to Mannum the following Monday at 9:00 am.

Your Travel Document will include your coach transfer, private transfer or car parking details if arrangements have been made.

MONDAY

Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy 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 the river’s 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 we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. 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. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. 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.

Optional tour: Sunnydale Nocturnal Tour. Additional cost and bookings can be made on board through your Guest Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.

THURSDAY

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast* or bush 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. 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 guests for a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.

*Optional tour: Bush Tucker Breakfast. Additional cost and bookings can be made on board through your Guest Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.

FRIDAY

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre for a light morning tea and wine tasting and enjoy a two-course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard.

Then it’s on to the stunning Seppeltsfield Barossa, where we participate in a short walking tour. Following the tour, a tasting of a fortified wine accompanied by an Owen Andrews Artisan Cuisine chocolate pecan brownie is included in a private setting. For those who choose to upgrade their experience at Seppelstfield, ‘A Taste of History Tour’ (additional cost) is available following the walking tour. Guests will be taken into the historic 1878 Centennial Cellar. Guests will then taste the legendary 100 year old Para Vintage Tawny. This is truly a once in a lifetime wine experience.

Return to Mannum and re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Mundurra for your overnight mooring. Our onboard entertainer provides music for the night owls.

SATURDAY

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 explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park*.

Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

*Optional tour: Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour. Pre-bookings are essential, additional cost.

SUNDAY

This morning, join a 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 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 before a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room.

MONDAY

We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Murray Princess reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice.

*This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather conditions, water levels, operational requirements and availability. Murray Princess reserves the right to amend itineraries and touring without notice.