MURRAY PRINCESS

Discover the spectacular and awe-inspiring South Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture aboard the authentic paddlewheeler Murray Princess, built specifically for the Murray River. As the largest inland paddewheeler in the southern hemisphere, it is propelled by its massive stern wheel which can be seen in action through the two-storey viewing window in the lounge. The PS Murray Princess has five passenger decks all accessible by stairwells and a lift services three decks.

Catering for 120 passengers, the onboard atmosphere is relaxed and informal by style, bringing the advantages of small group cruising to the remarkable setting of the Australian outback. We can assist with bookings for any group and you may like to travel as a small group or charter the entire boat.

Choose from the 3 night Discovery Cruise, the 4 night Outback Heritage Cruise or the 7 night Murraylands and Wildlife cruise which depart selected Mondays or Fridays. Another exciting cruise option is the 7 night Upper Murraylands Cruise which departs selected Fridays. Each of these cruises offers a different itinerary and different activities, but all allow the passenger to experience the sights and sounds of river life. Visit historic ports like Swan Reach, Murray Bridge or Morgan, enjoy guided river nature walks, learn about Aboriginal history at Ngaut, Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, experience a real sheep station at the Sunnydale Woolshed Show and see rescued animals at a native wildlife shelter.

Follow the food and wine trail for tastings at several vineyards and cellar doors or sample some local food and wine with tastings in the Sturt Dining Room and learn more about the Murray and Riverland regions and their produce.

Get up close to the river, its 20-million-year-old cliffs and amazing plant and birdlife including darters, herons, pelicans and egrets on an eco-excursion aboard the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat cruise.

Bird watchers will love the abundance of Australian birds along the Murray River including Swans, Swamp Hens and Wood Ducks and their young. Led by on-shore guides, passengers can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the thriving ecology of the river.

Join the Captain for a general inspection of the wheelhouse, participate in lively quiz games, play some bocce on the riverbank or relax with some fishing off the vessel.

On-board sit back in one of two air-conditioned paddlewheel lounges and watch the working paddle- wheel through a spectacular two-storey glass window while enjoying the amazing views as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs at Big Bend and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub and red gum forests.

Food is another highlight of the cruise. Enjoy delicious freshly prepared table d’hote and a la carte meals, along with an Aussie- style riverside barbecue one evening. Live entertainment is a highlight and on the final night, enjoy complimentary pre-dinner drinks with the officers.

In addition to the standard cruises there are also Special Event Cruises with various themes or occasions. They may have a different itinerary to the regular departures, or some added bonus experience to enhance the cruise.

Prices for the cruises include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, onboard free Wi-Fi, live entertainment, sun deck, bar, two lounges, single sitting dining room and library. It also includes complimentary scenic coach transfers from and to Adelaide or secure car parking in Mannum and a post cruise coach transfer to Adelaide airport. Set on the broad reaches of the lower Murray, Mannum the township where the PS Murray Princess departs from, is approximately 90 minutes from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway.

Private car transfers for up to four people are also available from and to Adelaide CBD to Mannum and return to Adelaide Airport. Additional charges apply for this service.

A range of onshore tours are available to all cruise passengers, depending on which cruise you decide to do. Optional tours include a visit to the Barossa Valley wine region of South Australia; a Nocturnal Tour which provides you with an opportunity to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat; or why not enjoy a guided coach tour of Monarto Safari Park, one of the largest open- range zoos in the world, home to more than 50 species of exotic and native animals and birds.

There’s no better way to experience the tranquillity and beauty of Australia’s mightiest river than aboard the paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess.