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Unforgettable Highlights of the 7-Night Upper Murraylands Cruise
21 May 2024Embark on a unique journey with the Upper Murraylands Cruise aboard the majestic paddle wheeler, the Murray Princess. This exclusive 7-night itinerary, available just once a month, begins in the historic town of Mannum. You can opt for a convenient coach transfer from Adelaide (available at an additional cost) or drive yourself and utilize the car parking facilities (also at an additional cost). In this blog, we will explore the top highlights of the 7-night Upper Murraylands Cruise, showcasing the must-see experiences that await you on this remarkable voyage.
The Upper Murraylands Cruise departs from Mary Ann Reserve in Mannum on selected Fridays at 4:30 pm, offering passengers a seamless start to their adventure. Over the course of the week, guests will experience a captivating journey along the Murray River, returning to Mannum the following Friday at 9:00 am. This carefully timed schedule ensures that travelers can make the most of their week, enjoying all the unique highlights and experiences the cruise has to offer.
Once on board, you will be able to meander up the mighty Murray River you will pass by ancient gorges, red gum forests, and pass towering sandstone cliffs. Stopping off at historic ports, and local vineyards and exploring nature trails.
Highlights include cellar door tastings at Caudo Vineyard, a visit to the well-known Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre, guided walks around historic towns, an Aussie barbecue beside the river; a visit to a wildlife shelter, sheep shearing demonstration, and a guided walk through one of Australia’s most significant aboriginal archaeological sites at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.
See what you will enjoy on a day-to-day basis, this is one of the most popular cruises on offer. Here is a sample itinerary.
FRIDAY Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets, and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
SATURDAY 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. This morning, your discovery vessel awaits 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. For those who choose to stay on board, you may wish to partake in a game of bocce or compete in the fishing challenge before we cruise upriver past Walker Flat to Sugar Shack Conservation Park.
In the afternoon, join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our onboard entertainer.
SUNDAY Continue cruising upriver this morning as we enjoy breakfast and pass through one of 13 locks that maintain the flow and levels of water. This morning, enjoy some free time and in the afternoon join in the fun of playing a few games of bingo. Late afternoon we will secure the vessel at Morgan and after dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.
MONDAY Today we are transferred by coach to the Riverland town of Waikerie and Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre near Kingston on Murray. Enjoy some free time in Waikerie and at Banrock Station delight in cellar door wine tastings followed by a delicious lunch and DVD presentation. There will be time to take a stroll around the gardens and orchards enjoying the relaxing scenery. Return by coach to Morgan where we will re-board the Murray Princess and continue our journey upriver and secure at the 329km mark of the Murray River.
TUESDAY
After breakfast, we continue upriver to our turnaround point, picturesque Hogwash Bend. Enjoy a leisurely lunch as we cruise downriver back towards Morgan. Mid-afternoon we join a guided walk of the Morgan township and the Morgan Living History Museum. We depart Morgan late afternoon and secure at Donald Flat Lagoon for our overnight moorage. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.
WEDNESDAY 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 (at 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.
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.
THURSDAY After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost), we slowly cruise 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. 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.
FRIDAY We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. From here you can head back to Adelaide on your coach transfer (prebooking required) to explore the city of churches at your leisure or get dropped off at Adelaide Airport to fly home.
The 7-night Upper Murraylands Cruise offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of one of Australia’s most picturesque regions. From the historic charm of Mannum to the serene beauty of the Murray River, each day presents new and exciting highlights. Whether you’re exploring the rich history of paddle steamers, enjoying guided nature walks, or simply relaxing aboard the majestic Murray Princess, this cruise promises a blend of adventure and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories on this unique and enriching experience. Book your journey today and discover the magic of the Murraylands for yourself. If you decide to stay on for a few days, we can recommend the best day-tours or a visit to Kangaroo Island.