8 day Upper Murraylands Cruise on the Murray Princess

Day 1 Adelaide to Mannum to join the Murray Princess

1. 1

   Mannum

   2 hours

   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.

Day 2 Wildlife and River Cruising

1. 1

   Murray River

   8 hours

   This morning, 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.
   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.

Day 3 Lock #1 and Morgan

1. 1

   Lock 1

   8 hours

   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.
   In the afternoon join in the fun playing a few games of bingo.

Day 4 Waikerie and Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre

1. 1

   60 hours

   This morning you will be collected by coach and driven to Waikerie, where you will enjoy some free time exploring the town.

2. 2

   Banrock Station Wetland Complex

   2 hours

   At Banrock Station delight in the 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.

3. 3

   Murray River

   2 hours

   Return by coach to Morgan where you will re-board the Murray Princess and continue your journey upriver. Secure for the night at the 329km mark of the Murray River.

Day 5 Morgan township

1. 1

   Morgan

   4 hours

   Enjoy a leisurely lunch as you cruise downriver back towards Morgan. Mid-afternoon join a guided walk of the Morgan township and the Morgan Living History Museum.
   Depart Morgan late afternoon and secure at Donald Flat Lagoon for the overnight moorage.

Day 6 Swan Reach & Sunnydale Woolshed Show

1. 1

   2 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Murray River

   5 hours

   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 Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve

1. 1

   Nildottie

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   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.

Day 8 Younghusband to Mannum to Adelaide

1. 1

   Mannum

   2 hours

   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.