Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Perth to the Murray River (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to Perth Airport for your morning flight to Adelaide. After arrival to Adelaide, we travel through the Adelaide Hills to Mannum to board the PS Murray Princess. Settle into your cabin before departing historic Mannum — the birthplace of Murray River trade and communication. Cruise under floodlights to your overnight mooring at Piggy Flat (Coolcha), where you might spot kangaroos, wombats, egrets and other nocturnal wildlife. Enjoy your Welcome Dinner and onboard entertainment to mark the start of your cruise.
Seven nights: PS Murray Princess.

Day 2. Murray River wildlife (BLD)
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, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park*. Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our on-board musician.

*Optional tour: Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour.
Pre-bookings are essential, additional cost. Please ask Villa Carlotta.

Day 3. Discovering bird life (BLD)
This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel waits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.

Day 4. River cliffs and farming history (BLD)
We leave River View Lodge and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, step off the Murray Princess for a coach tour showcasing the iconic sights along the river. Tour the township and visit the Mannum Dock Museum, before joining the ferry to cross the river and drive through Younghusband to Bowhill, where you will learn about the township while admiring the stunning riverfront homes. Head to the Swan Reach Hotel, situated atop golden cliffs with picturesque views, enjoy a delicious lunch and the warm country hospitality. Learn about the local farming district on your way to the Big Bend Cliffs, renowned as the tallest river cliffs in Australia. At the lookout marvel at the longest continuous bend along the entire Muray River - a breathtaking sight. Return to Mannum and there’s free time to grab some afternoon tea or an ice cream before you re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Caurnamont for your overnight mooring. Our onboard entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Day 5. Burk Salter Boutique Winery and Murray River Cup (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. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

Day 6. Swan Reach and Sunnydale (BLD)
After breakfast, cruise 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 and 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. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. At Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as you recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later you 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: Join the Sunnydale Nocturnal Tour (additional cost $20 pp, bookable on board)

Day 7. Ngaut Ngaut and Cliffs of the Murray (BLD)
Start your day with an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast or a walk with the Captain before cruising past the spectacular ochre-coloured river cliffs. At Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, step back tens of thousands of years with a guided boardwalk tour featuring ancient Aboriginal rock carvings and archaeological insights. Continue cruising to Younghusband, with the option for adventure seekers to take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.
Optional: Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost $40 pp, bookable on board)

Day 8. Hahndorf and Home (BL)
Disembark in Mannum and visit the Mannum Dock Museum to learn more about riverboat history. Travel through the Adelaide Hills to the charming village of Hahndorf for a hearty farewell lunch. After some leisure time to browse the quaint shops, transfer to Adelaide Airport for your evening flight to Perth. On arrival, we will see you safely home.

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