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Australia - Murray River Cruises
There’s no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler PS Murray Princess. Our small ship cruises offer a unique historic and nature-based adventure, through some of the driest parts of the driest continent. Cruise through mallee scrub and ancient red gum forests, pass by towering gorges and ochre-coloured limestone cliffs. Along the way visit historic ports and lush vineyards as we navigate the Murray’s big river bends.
PS Murray Princess
PS Murray Princess is purpose built for the Murray River. She is faithfully designed as a modern romantic representative of a time when hundreds of such vessels plied the river. Unlike most modern-day river vessels with imitation paddles, Murray Princess is propelled by an authentic, massive stern paddlewheel. There’s no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler. Accommodating just 120 passengers, Murray Princess brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the Murray River. The Captain and crew know the river intimately and are delighted to share with you their knowledge and stories. The lounges and dining saloon are spacious with a character and charm of yesteryear. Grand in name, yet relaxed and informal by nature, Murray Princess fosters a warmth and friendliness unique to the river.
Facilities include: Two spas, Two saunas, Sun deck, Two bars, Two lounges, Single seating dining saloon, Speed boat, Gift shop, Library & video, Lift, Guest laundry, 24 hour tea & coffee facilities.
Cabins - 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, adjustable air-conditioning, electric blankets soaps, shampoo and towels; serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 12 sq metres. Staterooms (6) on Randell and Cadell Decks open onto the outside deck and have a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. All staterooms have a double and a single bed except rooms 35 & 36. Outside Cabins (45) on Randell and Cadell Decks open onto the outside deck and have picture windows (twin/double). Inside Cabins (9) on Chaffey Deck open onto an inside passageway and have portholes facing the outside.
Includes: Accommodation in a choice of 60 staterooms and cabins. All meals featuring quality fresh produce. An unhurried river experience under the power of an authentic paddlewheel. Extra comforts including saunas and spas. Friendly Australian crew with a wealth of local knowledge. Focus on nature and the wildlife. Spectacular cliffs and gorges. Guided walks, presentations and daybreak photography. Most tours. Scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or car parking at Mannum (pre-bookings essential).
Not Included: Drinks. Personal Expenses. Onboard charges and fuel surcharges. International or domestic airfare. Insurance. Passport and visa fees.
Wetlands Discovery Cruise - 4D/3N
A short introduction to the beautiful and historic Murray River between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge. Aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess, you will cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna.
Departs: Fridays 4:30 pm from Mannum, South Australia through March 31, 2010.
Sample Itinerary:
- Day 1 Friday: Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundarra you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
- Day 2 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. join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions. This afternoon we begin our journey upriver, with a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the river lands. Tonight we moor at Craignook, where dinner and all the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup awaits.
- Day 3 Sunday: All ashore for the guided nature walk where your guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before Murray Princess departs for the big river gorges and 90 metre cliffs of the upper river. At the 207km mark we turn and head downriver to Piggy Flat where your discovery vessel awaits for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of backwaters, creeks and lagoons. The birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. Late afternoon, photography enthusiasts have a great opportunity to capture a spectacular cliff-top river sunset, before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the finale Captain’s Dinner and Dance.
- Day 4 Monday
Outback Heritage Cruise - 5D/4N
This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic riverport of Mannum to Swan Reach. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs to expansive lowlands. Highlights of the cruise include upriver focus through gorges & lowlands, vineyard & cellar door tasting, woolshed sound & light show & BBQ, Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, guided nature walks & eco-tours.
Departs: Mondays at 4:30 pm from Mannum, South Australia through March 31, 2010.
Sample Itinerary:
- Day 1 Monday: Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at River View Lodge (downriver of Piggy Flat), you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.)
- Day 2 Tuesday: Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, blue wrens and black swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Big Bend where we will rendezvous with our vineyard coach tour. This afternoon visit Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door. Rejoin Murray Princess at Swan Reach and cruise upriver to our overnight anchorage. Tonight is fancy dress night on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our famous musical quiz.
- Day 3 Wednesday: After breakfast join a guided nature walk, then cruise downriver to Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel. Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light 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.
- Day 4 Thursday: After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream 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 to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area. We return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. We pass large billabongs, open expanses of water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
- Day 5 Friday: After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell.
Optional Barossa Valley Tour (additional cost) can be added to the Wetlands Discovery Cruise and the Outback Heritage Cruise - Discover Australia’s richest and best known wine making region – the Barossa Valley. Depart Mannum by coach where you will be transferred directly to your Barossa Valley tour at Williamstown. The tour includes three premium wineries, lunch and free time in Tanunda before returning to Adelaide at 5.30pm.
Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise - 8D/7N
Enjoy leisurely cruising 320kms of the heart of the great Murray River, between Murray Bridge and the area around Lock 1, and the breathtaking riverlands of South Australia. Highlights of the cruise include Total Murraylands & wildlife experience, free Barossa Valley tour, spectacular cliffs and gorges, backwater wildlife boat tour, vineyard & cellar door tasting.
Departs: Mondays and Fridays at 4:30 pm from Mannum, South Australia through March 31, 2010.
Sample Itinerary:
- Day 1 Friday: Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundarra you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
- Day 2 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. join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions. This afternoon we begin our journey upriver, with a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the river lands. Tonight we moor at Craignook, where dinner and all the fun and excitement of the Murray
River Cup awaits. - Day 3 Sunday: All ashore for the guided nature walk where your guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before Murray Princess departs for the big river gorges and 90 metre cliffs of the upper river. At the 207km mark we turn and head downriver to Piggy Flat where your discovery vessel awaits for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of backwaters, creeks and lagoons. The
birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. Late afternoon, photography enthusiasts have a great opportunity to capture a spectacular cliff-top river sunset, before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the finale Captain’s Dinner and Dance. - Day 4 Monday: After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where you will join our coach tour to the famous Barossa Valley, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You’ll visit three premium wineries and enjoy lunch before returning to your ship at Mannum. Depart 4.30pm and moor overnight at
Caurnamont. - Day 5 Tuesday: Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, blue wrens and black swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Big Bend where we will rendezvous with our vineyard coach tour. This afternoon visit Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door. Rejoin Murray Princess at Swan Reach and cruise
upriver to our overnight anchorage. Tonight is fancy dress night on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our famous musical quiz. - Day 6 Wednesday: After breakfast join a guided nature walk, then cruise downriver to Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel. Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light 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.
- Day 7 Thursday: After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream 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 to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area. We return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. We pass large billabongs, open expanses of water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
- Day 8 Friday: We leave Younghusband & head home to Mannum. Reluctantly, we say farewell as we
arrive at Mannum Wharf.
Note: Sample itinerary only and subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Captain Cook Cruises reserves the right to itineraries and tours without notice.
Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs
We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.
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Canadian Residents - Download Full Plan Details Here
Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs
We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.
