Call 1800 688 222
0800 805 265 New Zealand
Having left his home in England at the tender age of seventeen, Edward Eyre conducted many small expeditions in New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. Travelling with his Aboriginal friend Wylie, he was the first man to cross South Australia from east to west from Adelaide to Albany across the Nullarbor Plain.
The Murray River is to Australia what the Nile River is to Egypt: a great and ancient river system that has shaped the past and the present. The perfect way to experience this national icon is on board the authentic PS Murray Princess. Propelled by a massive stern paddlewheel, she is designed as a modern romantic representative of a time when hundreds of such vessels plied this mighty river.
After your South Australian Adventure, why not relax on a cruise up the mighty Murray River on board the majestic Murray Princess? Purpose built for the Murray, she's a modern romantic representative of a time when hundreds of such vessels plied the river. There's plenty of water in the river, so come on board!
Early this afternoon you will be transferred from your city hotel to Mannum, the departure point for the majestic Murray Princess Paddlesteamer. Head up river and enjoy pre-dinner drinks before a sumptuous Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at 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.)
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 the Murray Princess 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.
After breakfast we cruise upriver 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.
After lunch we cruise downriver. Take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation.
All ashore at Sunnydale 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. An optional Nocturnal tour is available after dinner.
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. Step back in time and take a guided walk 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 and 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.
After breakfast the PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell. You will be transferred back to Adelaide mid morning.
Please note: This cruise is only available in conjuction with a reservation made on an Outback Spirit Tour.
Departs Mondays. Price on application.
Have you travelled with Outback Spirit before? We'd love to hear from you.
