The Murray River
The mighty Murray River carves its way some 650 kilometres through South Australia before it enters the Southern Ocean at Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula. With more than 40 national parks located along the river, the region is rich in wildlife with many species of birds, fish and native animals. The golden age of the paddle steamer, when there were dozens plying the waters of the Murray carrying passengers and goods, have long departed but there are still a few grand old ladies on the water and they’ re a great way to absorb the landscape and history of this region. Spend some time exploring the Riverland region’ s orchards and wineries; it produces almost all of Australia’ s citrus fruit and stonefruit. It’ s also a great family destination; hire a houseboat and explore the river, or just find a favourite sandy beach on the riverbank and spend a few lazy days fishing, swimming, canoeing and waterskiing.
© SATC Photography / Adam Bruzzone
Captain Cook – PS Murray Princess 4 days / 3 nights
Discover the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic South Australian Outback, its unique flora and fauna, the legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture aboard the paddle wheeler PS Murray Princess. Experience a unique historic and nature based adventure, through some of the driest parts of the driest continent, past mallee scrub and ancient red gum forests, through towering gorges and ochre coloured limestone cliffs.
Along the way visit historic ports and lush vineyards as you navigate the Murray’ s big river bends. You can hike around a boardwalk trail or join a guided nature walk. Take a small boat safari, visit a riverside village and enjoy all the fun of a riverside BBQ. Sample some of the local produce at the cellar door, or take a camera and catch some memorable scenes of the abundant birdlife.
Take a 3 night cruise for an indulgent long weekend. Discover the beautiful lower riverlands, a guided nature walk and backwater wildlife tour, visit Murray Bridge markets, historic houses and art galleries and taste the food and wine of this famous region. The 4 night cruise follows in the wake of great Australian pioneers along the Outback river highway, discovering towering sandstone cliffs and ancient gorges along the way. Enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door and an Aussie riverside bush BBQ at one of the most spectacular sites along the river.
A 7 night cruise is a combination of the 3 and 4 night cruises and includes a free side trip to the Barossa valley.
2017 will see the launch of the new 7 night upper Murraylands river cruise. As well as our Early Booker Saver Fares – ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
Unforgettable Houseboats 8 days / 7 nights
Imagine tying up at the riverbank for a walk, gathering some firewood then settling in around the campfire to watch the stars. Unforgettable Houseboats have 10 luxury vessels to choose from, sleeping between 2- 12 passengers, so you can take the whole family or enjoy an intimate cruise.
Day 1: Embark The instructor will take you through the boat and teach you how to drive.
Day 2: Bowhill – Walker Flat Travel to Bowhill, stop for lunch and continue to Walker Flat for the evening.
Day 3: Day at leisure at Walker Flat Hop off the boat and enjoy the day experiencing South Australia at its best.
Day 4: Walker Flat – Big Bend Leisurely make your way from Walker Flat to Big Bend.
Day 5: Big Bend – Swan Reach Travel up to Swan Reach, stop at Swan Reach for lunch or dinner.
Day 6: Day cruising between Walker Flat – Bowhill Cruise back downstream and find a mooring between Walker Flat and Bowhill.
Day 7: Mannum Continue downstream to Mannum and moor overnight in the town or at a secluded spot.
Day 8: Disembark
Departures: Fri & Mon at 4.30pm
Inclusions: Based on 3 night Discovery Cruise( Inside Cabin), all meals including Captain’ s Dinner, live entertainment, excursions as per itinerary, use of mini gym and sauna, tea and coffee bar, return coach transfers from Adelaide or car-parking in Mannum
Price Guide From: $ 1095
Departures: Mon and Fri
Inclusions: Based on a 8 berth boat for 7 nights, all linen & towels, kitchen utensils, crockery & cutlery, fresh drinking water, safety jackets and river maps. Note: Houseboat driver must have full car or boat drivers license and be over 21 years
Price Guide From: $ 305( Unforgettable 1 – sleeps 8)
12
The price guide shown is per adult for twin share, based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.