The Iconic Murray Princess

Susan Carson • January 14, 2026

All Aboard the PS Murray Princess!

History of the PS Murray Princess

A proud symbol of Australian river cruising and a much-loved icon of the Murray River. the PS Murray Princess was launched in 1986, she was purpose-built to capture the romance of the great paddle steamers while offering modern comfort and style. Today, she remains the largest inland paddle wheeler in the Southern Hemisphere, continuing the tradition of leisurely river travel that once connected remote river towns and carried the lifeblood of trade along Australia’s longest river.

Stepping aboard the Murray Princess

Be swept away to a golden era of travel, where time slows, scenery unfolds gently and every journey becomes part of a living piece of history.
At Villa Carlotta Travel, we provide expertly escorted journeys from Perth to the iconic Murray Princess, ensuring a seamless and relaxed travel experience from start to finish., allowing you to experience this iconic river cruise with complete comfort, care and peace of mind. Our tours are thoughtfully designed and vary in duration and activity level, ensuring there is an option to suit different travel styles and mobility needs.

Murray Princess Tours 2026

South Australia Splendour

Departing 21–30 March 2026, this tour is a 10-day adventure that begins with the vibrant city charm of Adelaide and scenic coastal beauty at Victor Harbor, including a ride on the historic Granite Island Tram and a wetlands cruise through the Coorong National Park. Then it’s off to the wild and wonderful Kangaroo Island to spot sea lions at Seal Bay, explore the Remarkable Rocks and experience breathtaking nature at Flinders Chase National Park. Cap off this unforgettable journey with a three-night cruise aboard the legendary PS Murray Princess, drifting along the majestic Murray River in comfort and style. From gourmet local produce and wildlife encounters to stunning natural scenery, this tour showcases the very best of South Australia.

🔗 Discover full tour details and secure your place here:
South Australian Splendour Tour – March 2026

Christmas in July aboard the Murray Princess

Departing 26–31 July 2026, the tour blends nostalgic river cruising with festive cheer, cosy winter comforts and classic South Australian scenery. From the moment you leave Adelaide and journey to the historic river port of Mannum, the sense of occasion begins as you prepare to celebrate Christmas in the most unexpected and delightful way.

The highlight is, of course, the Christmas in July luncheon, complete with all the trimmings, carols and festive decorations, creating a joyful atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully unique.

Shore excursions add depth and variety to the journey, with visits to historic river towns, scenic lookouts and local attractions that showcase the heritage and character of the Murray River region. You’ll enjoy guided walks, cultural insights and relaxed moments soaking up the charm of life along Australia’s most famous waterway. The tour concludes with a visit to Hahndorf, South Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, where half-timbered buildings, boutique shops and traditional bakeries provide the perfect finishing touch.

Christmas in July on the Murray Princess is more than a cruise – it’s a celebration of history, tradition and togetherness. It’s a chance to slow down, indulge in festive joy, and experience the Murray River in its most magical winter setting. For those who love nostalgia, comfort and unforgettable Australian journeys, this is truly a tour not to be missed.

🔗 Discover full tour details and secure your place here:
https://www.villa.com.au/tours/christmas_in_july_on_the_murray_princess_july2026

NEW TOUR - 7 night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise:

https://www.villa.com.au/tours/murraylands_and_wildlife_cruise_2026

Image credit: South Australian Tourism

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Accessible Holidays For Everyone at Villa

By Susan Carson • July 8, 2026

At Villa, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore new destinations, create lasting memories, and experience the joy of travel with confidence. Inclusive travel is about more than reaching a destination, it's about ensuring every guest feels welcomed, supported and able to participate comfortably throughout their journey. That's why we've created a dedicated Accessibility Information page, providing clear and detailed information about our escorted tours and the accessibility considerations for each experience. We understand that every traveller has unique needs, so we're committed to offering honest, transparent information to help you choose the tour that's right for you and plan your holiday with confidence. Making Group Travel More Accessible No two travellers are the same. Whether you use a mobility aid, have reduced mobility, experience sensory sensitivities, or simply want to understand the physical requirements of a tour before booking, having accurate accessibility information allows you to make informed decisions. Our goal is to provide realistic expectations about each tour rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. This helps you choose an itinerary that matches your comfort level, mobility, and travel preferences. Reliable Accessibility Information Our Accessibility Information page outlines important details that may affect your travel experience, including: Walking distances and daily activity levels Terrain and pathway conditions Stairs, gradients and uneven surfaces Coach accessibility and boarding requirements Accommodation accessibility features where applicable Luggage handling requirements Bathroom facilities during touring Optional activities and their physical demands General mobility considerations for each itinerary Providing this information upfront helps remove uncertainty and ensures you know what to expect before you travel. Designed with Over 55s in Mind Our escorted tours are designed specifically for travellers aged 55 and over who value comfort, connection, and carefully planned itineraries. We understand that accessibility isn't simply about mobility, it's about feeling supported, informed and confident throughout your holiday. Our experienced tour hosts are there every step of the way, offering guidance, assistance and peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the experience. We're Here to Help If you have questions about whether a particular tour is suitable for your individual needs, we encourage you to get in touch with our friendly team before booking. We'll happily discuss the accessibility considerations of our tours, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the itinerary that best suits your abilities, interests, and travel goals. Travel with Confidence One of the biggest challenges for travellers is knowing whether a tour will meet their individual needs. While every destination and itinerary is different, providing clear and honest accessibility information allows you to prepare with confidence and avoid unexpected surprises along the way. We believe informed travellers enjoy better travel experiences, which is why transparency is an important part of how we plan and deliver our escorted holidays. Start Planning Your Next Adventure Before booking your next escorted tour, we recommend reviewing our Accessibility Information page to understand the mobility requirements and accessibility considerations for your chosen itinerary. At Villa, we're committed to creating welcoming, enjoyable travel experiences where every guest feels supported, respected and included. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world with confidence. Please visit our Accessibility Information page to learn more about our tours and the accessibility information available for each journey. https://www.villa.com.au/accessibilityinformation 📞 Call 08 9754 2026 ✉️ Email travel@villa.com.au