Adelaide

South Australia

Greater Adelaide

Australia

Discover the unique history and nature of the South Australian outback as you journey along the world's third largest navigable river. This 7-night cruise brings to life the people and places that lie between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge. Follow the region's food and wine trail, get up close to native wildlife and the Big Bend Sandstone cliffs, and find out more about how the first Australians lived.

Day 1

Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication. Settle into your cabin, and perhaps head to the lounge and join fellow passengers for a relaxing departure drink.

Mannum

Day 2

Explore the township of Murray Bridge and enjoy a tour of the historic Roundhouse.

Murray Bridge

Take the Monarto Safari Wildlife tour around one of the world's largest open-range zoos.

Monarto Safari Park

Before lunch, join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special
presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the
Riverland.

This afternoon, join the Captain for a guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat.

Murray River

Day 3

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 PS 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
awaits 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.

Day 4

Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s worldrenowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery.

Late this afternoon return to the PS Murray Princess at Mannum and cruise towards your overnight mooring at Caurnamont. 

Barossa Valley

Day 5

Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through the first of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water on the Murray River.

 As the last rays of the sun fade, visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. 

Burk Salter

Day 6

After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s, was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers. 
There's free time to visit the Museum or enjoy an ale or cappucino at the original Swan Reach Homestead, now the Swan Reach Hotel.


Swan Reach

When you arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show to recreate some typical Australian woolshed history. Later 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, there are two optional onshore tours to choose from (additional cost). A Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose-built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls and the Dark Sky Night Tour where you will be taken to an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve to observe the stars of the Milky Way. Night viewing binoculars and a telescope with a digital control locator are available plus a tablet to locate and name what can be observed with the naked eye.


Day 7

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a 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 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 tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area.

Nildottie

Day 8

This morning, leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast reluctantly say farewell to the crew as you arrive at the Mannum Wharf, for your coach transfer back to Adelaide.

7-Night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise on the Murray Princess

What you'll do

Tour Highlight

What is included?

What is not included?

Additional Information

Meet your host

Itinerary

Adelaide River Cruises Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do

Here is the starting point

Mannum