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Murray River Special Event Cruises: Celebrate in Style on the PS Murray Princess

15 June 2026

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Easter, ANZAC Day, Christmas in July, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or a special themed music event? A Murray River Special Event Cruise aboard the iconic PS Murray Princess is one of the most memorable ways to experience South Australia’s beautiful Murray River.

These limited-release cruises combine the relaxed pace of river cruising with themed entertainment, special onboard activities, delicious meals and the incredible scenery of Australia’s most famous river. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family celebration, a group holiday or a relaxing escape with friends, Murray River Cruises offers a fantastic range of special event cruises throughout the year.

Special event departures can sell out well in advance, especially around public holidays and peak travel periods, so it pays to book early through MurrayRiverCruises.com.au.

Why Choose a Murray River Special Event Cruise?

A special event cruise is more than a standard holiday. It gives you the chance to celebrate a favourite time of year while enjoying the comfort, service and scenery of a classic Australian paddlewheeler cruise.

Aboard the PS Murray Princess, you can sit back and enjoy river views, onboard entertainment, hearty meals, historic towns, wildlife, river cliffs, wetlands and friendly Australian hospitality.

Depending on the cruise you choose, highlights may include:

  • Special themed meals and entertainment
  • Onboard celebrations and activities
  • Shore excursions to historic Murray River towns
  • Wildlife spotting along the riverbanks
  • Visits to cultural, heritage and nature-based attractions
  • Relaxed cruising aboard the southern hemisphere’s largest inland paddlewheeler
  • A memorable holiday without the stress of driving, cooking or planning every detail

If you have cruised the Murray River before, a themed cruise is also a great way to return and experience the river in a fresh, fun and seasonal way.

Easter Murray River Cruises

Celebrate Easter on the Murray River with a relaxing cruise aboard the PS Murray Princess. Easter is a wonderful time to travel in South Australia, with milder weather, beautiful river scenery and a festive onboard atmosphere.

Easter cruises are ideal for couples, families and groups who want to enjoy the long weekend or school holiday period without the hassle of organising accommodation, meals and activities separately.

On selected Easter cruises, guests may enjoy themed Easter activities, seasonal dining, onboard entertainment and plenty of time to unwind as the paddlewheeler cruises past spectacular river cliffs, red gums, backwaters and wildlife-rich wetlands.

It’s a fun and memorable way to spend Easter while exploring one of Australia’s most iconic river regions.

ANZAC Day Murray River Cruises

An ANZAC Day cruise on the Murray River offers a meaningful and uniquely Australian way to commemorate the day.

Selected ANZAC Day Murray Princess cruises may include special onboard activities, Australian-themed entertainment and the opportunity to reflect while travelling through the peaceful landscapes of the Murray River.

Guests can enjoy the relaxed pace of river cruising, good company, classic Australian hospitality and the scenic beauty of South Australia’s Murraylands. It’s a thoughtful option for travellers looking for something different over the ANZAC Day period.

Christmas in July Murray River Cruises

If you love Christmas but don’t want to wait until December, a Christmas in July Murray River cruise is the perfect winter escape.

These popular themed cruises bring festive cheer to the cooler months, with Christmas-inspired meals, decorations, entertainment and a warm onboard atmosphere. It’s all the fun of Christmas, without the summer heat or the stress of hosting at home.

Guests can enjoy a traditional Christmas-style lunch or dinner, carols, festive activities and the chance to relax with family, friends or fellow travellers while cruising through the peaceful winter scenery of the Murray River.

A Christmas in July cruise is especially popular with social clubs, Probus groups, seniors’ groups, couples and friends looking for an easy, all-inclusive Australian winter holiday.

Murray River Music Cruises

Love live entertainment? A Murray River Music Cruise is a fantastic way to combine cruising, dancing, good food and great company.

Selected music-themed cruises feature onboard performances, singalongs, music trivia, dancing and entertainment inspired by classic favourites. Past themed cruises have celebrated country music, rock and roll, tribute shows and well-loved Australian and international hits.

During the day, you can enjoy the changing river scenery, shore excursions and time to relax onboard. In the evenings, the cruise comes alive with music, entertainment and a fun social atmosphere.

These cruises are ideal for travellers who enjoy a holiday with a little extra energy and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded guests.

Christmas Cruises on the Murray River

Make Christmas truly special with a Murray River Christmas Cruise.

Instead of spending Christmas Day in the kitchen, you can relax aboard the PS Murray Princess and let the crew take care of the details. A Christmas cruise is a wonderful option for couples, solo travellers, families and groups who want a festive holiday without the stress of planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning.

Depending on the selected itinerary, guests may enjoy a traditional Christmas meal, festive onboard activities, entertainment and time to take in the magnificent scenery of the Murray River.

Cruising at Christmas is a memorable way to celebrate the season while experiencing South Australia’s river landscapes, wildlife, historic towns and warm country hospitality.

New Year’s Eve Murray River Cruises

Welcome the new year in unforgettable style aboard a Murray River New Year’s Eve Cruise.

As the final sunset of the year reflects over the river, guests can enjoy a special celebration onboard, including a festive dinner, entertainment and the relaxed atmosphere of cruising into the new year.

A New Year’s Eve cruise is perfect for anyone wanting something more memorable than a standard night out. There’s no need to organise taxis, restaurants or accommodation separately. Everything is taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy the celebration.

It’s a unique Australian way to say goodbye to the year and start the next one surrounded by river views, good food and great company.

What Will You See on a Murray River Cruise?

One of the best parts of a Murray River cruise is the scenery. The Murray River is one of Australia’s great natural icons, and cruising gives you a front-row seat to its landscapes, wildlife and history.

Depending on your itinerary, you may experience:

  • Towering ochre-coloured river cliffs
  • Peaceful backwaters and wetlands
  • River red gums and native bushland
  • Historic river ports and South Australian towns
  • Kangaroos, pelicans and native birdlife
  • Aboriginal cultural sites and heritage locations
  • Local food, wine and regional produce experiences
  • Classic Australian riverbank barbecues and shore excursions

Every cruise offers a different perspective of the Murray, making it an ideal holiday for both first-time visitors and returning guests.

Who Are Murray River Special Event Cruises Best For?

Murray River Special Event Cruises are a great choice for:

  • Couples looking for a romantic Australian getaway
  • Seniors wanting a relaxed and comfortable holiday
  • Solo travellers who enjoy friendly group travel
  • Families celebrating Easter or Christmas
  • Social clubs, Probus groups and community groups
  • Music lovers and themed-cruise fans
  • Travellers who want an easy holiday with meals, accommodation and touring included
  • Anyone looking for a unique South Australian cruise experience

With a variety of cabin options and cruise lengths available, it’s easy to choose a special event cruise that suits your budget, travel style and preferred date.

Book Your Murray River Special Event Cruise

Special event cruises are only available on selected departures and often have limited cabin availability. Popular cruises such as Easter, Christmas in July, Christmas and New Year’s Eve can book out early, especially for preferred cabin categories.

For the latest departure dates, prices, availability and special offers, visit MurrayRiverCruises.com.au.

Booking through Murray River Cruises gives you access to expert advice, a wide range of Murray River cruise options and helpful support when choosing the right itinerary.

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, commemorating ANZAC Day, enjoying Christmas in July, dancing along on a music cruise or welcoming the New Year on the river, a Murray River Special Event Cruise is a holiday you’ll remember for years to come.

Ready to Cruise?

Explore current Murray River Special Event Cruises and secure your preferred cabin today with Murray River Cruises.

Book early to avoid missing out on these limited themed departures.