The PS Murray Princess

The PS Murray Princess is known as the largest inland paddle wheeler in the southern hemisphere. It can currently accommodate up to 120 passengers and was built to be sailed through the mighty Murray River. The PS Murray Princess cruise is an authentic paddle wheeler, propelled by a stern wheel, and unlike most other paddle steamers that only have the paddle wheels for display, making this a unique experience.

The Murray Princess travels through countryside wetlands of South Australia via Murray Bridge, Mannum, and Salters Station. As you cruise through these areas, wildlife can be spotted as you enjoy your morning coffee on one of the 5 passengers’ decks. The Murray Princess offers a variety of different tours that travellers can book, whether it may be a short 3-day tour or a nice long 7-day tour, the PS Murray Princess offers it all.

Enjoy the little luxuries of coffee-making facilities and free wifi. Spacious ensuite rooms, inside cabins and outside cabins are located on the Randell and Cadell Decks.

Visit the idyllic South Australian towns of Swan Reach and the nearby Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, Sunnydale Woolshed and Waikerie. The boat will be mooring at various tourist locations where you can experience nature walks, a native wildlife shelter and wineries that offer gourmet food and wine tasting.

The Top Tours to Book

There are plenty of tours to choose from, depending on which cruise you select, when booking your next holiday on the PS Murray Princess, however, these are our top tours to consider when you’re planning your next trip.

7 Night Cruise, 2 Days & 1 Night On Kangaroo Island Plus 2 Nights In Adelaide

This 7-night cruise, with a 1-night stay on Kangaroo Island and 2 nights in Adelaide, is the perfect getaway for you and your partner or your friend. Enjoy a seven-night cruise on the iconic PS Murray Princess with a 2-day stopover in Kangaroo Island where you will be able to explore some of the Island’s best highlights, such as Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Flinders Chase National Park, and plenty more. This tour is ideal for people who are searching for a relaxing longer holiday, with a variety in the style of activities on offer. Kangaroo Island is a very popular add on tour too.

3 Day / 2 Night Flinders Ranges Outback Tour + 4 Night Murray Princess Cruise

Searching for an exciting holiday? This 8-night tour is the ultimate trip to book for your next mini vacation. This tour starts with a 3-day 2-night stay at the luxury Rawnsley Park Station located in the beautiful Flinders Range Outback. You will be able to explore the history and wildlife Flinders Ranges has in store. After your trip to the Flinders Ranges region, you will be aboard the PS Murray Princess for an enjoyable and peaceful 4-night cruise around the Murray River. All hotel transfers are also organised by the tour, making this trip even more relaxing!

7 Night Renmark To Mannum

Jump aboard the PS Murray Princess and enjoy a 7-night special cruise with those you love. This unique tour takes you on a 7-night journey exploring some of Australia’s best highlights that includes a romantic vineyard wine tour and a traditional Australian barbecue by the Murray River feel connected to the land as you explore through Ngatu Ngaut, an indigenous archaeological reserve. This itinerary is only offered every second year, so make sure you book onto this unique cruise to avoid disappointment. Plus, if you join one of the departures at Christmas time, you will be surrounded by Christmas carols and be able to witness the bright Christmas Loxton Lights during your Christmas cruise. Santa will also visit on Christmas day, giving you that special Christmas joy. So, come along and book your Christmas holiday on the Murray Princess.

The Best Time to Go

When is the best time to travel on the PS Murray Princess? Good news, it’s all year round! One of the best highlights that the Murray Princess offers is the flexibility of being able to book in any season throughout the year, including Christmas! Whether you’re booking a tour for December or June, tours tailored to those seasons are available to suit what you’re searching for.

Summer (Dec-Feb) 28C Max

If you enjoy the Australian heat, booking a tour for the Murray Princess from December to February is the perfect

option for you to soak in that warm summer sun. The temperature during this season is best complemented with a nice drink on the open deck enjoying the breeze from the Murray River cruise or relaxing on the Sun Deck. During the day you can expect the temperature to rise to 28C, making it a perfect day to do some fishing or reading a book on the deck. Cabins are all air conditioned so you will be able to escape the heat if you need to.

 Autumn (Mar-May) Average temperatures 8C min. 27C max.  

Ahh, Autumn. One of the best times to go on holiday as the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to fall. You will need to pack some extra warm socks for this trip as the nights can become quite chilly, however during the day temperatures can rise to 27C, giving you a great opportunity to enjoy a walk during the day or on the shore excursions. As you cruise down the river, be sure to snap photos of the beautiful autumn colours surrounding the river.

 Winter (Jun – Aug) Average temperatures 5C min. 18C max.   

If you’re planning to cruise on the Murray Princess in June-August, preparing some warm clothes is recommended as the nights can become quite cool. As the season gets cooler, you can feel the fresh breeze in the early mornings on the deck as you drink your hot coffee and take in the peacefulness of the river. If you enjoy a less busy holiday, June and August would be the ideal time to visit. You can also join the Christmas in July special event cruises or our Music cruise is a great option too.

Spring (Sept – Nov) Average temperatures 7C min. 26C max.  

If you love and appreciate Australia’s wildlife, hopping on board the PS Murray Princess during Spring is the perfect time for you. As you cruise along the warm waters, make sure to snap a few photos of the native birdlife that fly around the area. The wide range of shore excursions available will provide you with the opportunity to see the wildlife and flora of the area at its best.

Activities to Do

During your stay at the PS Murray Princess, there are many activities you can do to keep yourself entertained. The Murray Princess offers trivia nights, bingo, and many more games that you can play all day. However, if you’re searching for something more exciting to do during your trip, booking an onshore tour is a great way to add a little bit of adventure to your relaxing holiday.

Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour

A popular tour to consider is the Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour. Located in Barossa, Australia’s best-known wine region, this tour offers an in-depth guide through the vineyards and wineries where you learn about the history behind the famous farm. When you hop off the Murray Princess, you will be transported to the farm where you will be able to enjoy a morning tea as you take in the scenery of the vineyards. The next stop will be at Lambert Estate, where you will be treated to a two-course lunch made with fresh local produce. After you finish your delicious lunch, you will make your way to Maggie Beer’s farm shop, where you will learn about the history of the farm and taste the delicious Maggie Beer delights right in her iconic kitchen. This tour is full of history and wine culture, as your next stop is at the scenic Seppeltsfield and Marananga, which is known for its iconic cellar doors. As your day comes to an end, enjoy the magnificent views of Eden Valley as you drive back to board the Murray Princess.

Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour

Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour is the perfect tour to book for the wildlife lovers out there. As you arrive at Murray Bridge, you will be transferred to Monarto Safari Park, known as the largest open-range zoo in Australia. It is home to many exotic and native animals, such as Zebras, Cheetahs, and Elands. You will explore the zoo with your expert guide and learn about all the animals you meet. Make sure to visit the gift shop on your way out to take a little piece of the safari park home with you.

Bush Tucker Breakfast

Looking for a unique experience? Book a special bush tucker breakfast for yourself, or with friends, and enjoy a traditional 3-course breakfast including delicious delights such as kangaroo sausage, Wattleseed pancakes, and Eucalypt flavoured billy tea or coffee. Take in the sound of the native birds chirping and the fresh breeze during your breakfast by the Murray River.

Dining Options

During your stay on the PS Murray Princess, you will be spoiled by the wide range of food and drinks they offer on the cruise. The meals they offer are made with fresh local produce and are of high standard and quality. They offer all different types of meals to suit your appetite including salmon, scotch fillet, chicken, quiche, lamb shanks, pork cutlets and delicious desserts with fresh seasonal fruits. They are also considerate of travellers’ dietary needs and cater to dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian passengers, just let us know when booking. You will meet new people and make great friends while enjoying meals in the Dining Saloon on the Sturt Deck. Each meal is accompanied by coffee or tea.

So what are you waiting for? Book your PS Murray Princess tour today!