Luxury Cruises

Australia River Cruises

The ultimate outback riverboat adventure on Australia's greatest river. You'll explore a timeless landscape, observe fascinating native wildlife at close hand, visit historic river ports and ancient Aboriginal sites. Join the fun and a traditional campfire barbecue, a guided riverbank walk and the elegant Captain's dinner. The Murray River is a place where all the colours of Australia converge. Cruise through miles of gorges, millions of years old. Discover golden sandstone cliffs towering over blue-green lagoons, majestic red gum forests under endless blue skies and green irrigated farmlands against red desert plains.

Day 1. Depart Adelaide. Transfer to Mannum. 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 Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.) D

Day 2. Murray River Cruise. 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. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. Shortly we reach Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter's vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at his cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress night on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our famous musical quiz. BLD

Day 3. Murray River Cruise. After breakfast join a guided walk along the eco- sensitive wetlands of Salters Station. While we cruise downriver after lunch you can enjoy an afternoon nap, watch the landscape slide 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. After dinner, join us on a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart. BLD

Day 4. Murray River Cruise. 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. BLD

Day 5. After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell and board the coach for transfer back to Adelaide. B

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