Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Perth to Adelaide (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to Perth Airport for your midday flight to Adelaide. Come together for your first dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, Adelaide

Day 2. Adelaide and The Murray Princess (BD)
Explore the many plant collections in the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, from the Garden of Health and Mediterranean Garden to the award-winning Rose Garden. Perhaps discover what is housed in the various buildings and conservatories. Enjoy free time in the heart of Adelaide, with the opportunity to explore the city and find lunch at your leisure. This afternoon, travel to Mannum to board the elegant PS Murray Princess, your floating home for an unforgettable journey along the mighty Murray River.
Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of trade and communication on the Murray River, then heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Murray Bridge, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species.
Four nights: PS Murray Princess

Day 3. Christmas in July Dinner (BLD)
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. Tonight enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with festivities such as an Australian Santa, Christmas Carols and Christmas Bingo.

Day 4. Murray River cruising (BLD)
After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area, it is now home to native flower and fruit growers. 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. 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 with Villa Carlotta prior to travel or on board through your Passenger Services Attendant.

Day 5. Murray River cruising (BLD)
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 Conservation Park, 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 passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.

**Optional tour: Bush Tucker Breakfast. Additional cost and bookings can be made with Villa Carlotta prior to travel or on board through your Passenger Services Attendant.

Day 6. Hahndorf and home (BL)
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, bid farewell to the PS Murray Princess and travel towards the historic German-style village of Hahndorf. Wander the town and explore before enjoying a group farewell lunch then transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Perth. Upon arrival we will see you safely home.

Note: The Murray Princess itinerary may change due to water levels. Your daily itinerary will be placed at turn down in the evening in your cabin.

Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.