Adelaide, Kangaroo Island & the Murray River
Ship Cruising
Explore Adelaide, Australia’s garden city and visit the Barossa Valley Australia’s premier wine region. Enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of Kangaroo Island and experience a cruise on the Murray River, the longest river in Australia at bovver 2500kms.
About the PS Murray Princess
The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddle-wheeler built for the Murray River, with a character and charm of yesteryear. It is the largest inland paddle-wheeler in the southern hemisphere. Catering for just 120 passengers, she brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the remarkable setting of Australia’s outback.
Don't be fooled by most modern-day imitation paddle-wheelers where the paddle is often on the side and just for show. The PS Murray Princess is an authentic paddle-wheeler which is propelled by its massive stern wheel. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and informal by style. The lounge features a majestic view of the paddlewheel in action through the two story viewing window. Upper and lower lounge areas are accessed by the classic brass and mahogany style spiral staircase. The PS Murray Princess cruises between Mannum, Murray Bridge and Salter's Station along the Murray River. The wetlands in this area provide essential breeding and feeding habitats for many species of waterbirds, fish, invertebrates and plants, meaning that you'll see the wonderful wildlife in this outback setting.
The PS Murray Princess has five passengers decks, three for accommodation, one for the restaurant, bar and dance floor and a sun deck.
Click here to check out more holidays in Australia.
Your Itinerary
-
Day 1
-
Day 2
-
Day 3
-
Day 4
-
Day 5
-
Day 6
-
Day 7
-
Day 8
-
Day 9
-
Day 10
-
Day 11
Day 1 : Adelaide
On arrival in Adelaide you’ll be met and transferred to your downtown hotel for a three night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure. Gateway to the outback, fabulous wine regions and the Murray River, Adelaide has everything – wildlife, Aboriginal culture, beaches and a great food and nightlife scene. It’s sophisticated in an understated sort of way and generations of Italians have created a Mediterranean style café culture that lends itself perfectly to the Aussie way of life.
Day 2 : Adelaide
Enjoy a morning city tour that will showcase all the highlights. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. See world-famous Adelaide Oval. View the State Library, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Art Gallery of South Australia, SA Museum, the University of Adelaide and many more incredible sights. With its vibrant culture built on world famous festivals, food and wine, Adelaide is an elegant city with a rich past and a passion for fine living. Its historic buildings, gardens, wide boulevards and green parklands circling the city centre make Adelaide truly unique.
Day 3 : Barossa Valley
A full day wine tour today, as your tour leaves the city and travels through the Adelaide Hills to the first winery, Château Yaldara, one of the most photographed historic buildings in South Australia. Continuing through picturesque scenery, cross the world-famous Jacobs Creek towards the heart of the Barossa Valley and the beautiful and historic township of Tanunda. Enjoy some of the Barossa’s most internationally acclaimed wines at the beautiful Peter Lehmann winery with a lunch platter of local Barossa Valley produce. Following a stop at Mengler’s Hill Lookout, head onwards to the next wine-tasting experience at Lambert Estate Wines. The final destination is Wolf Blass Wines, one of the world’s most iconic award winning wine brands with time to explore the state of the art cellar door. The day blends historical wineries, wonderful regional food, beautiful scenery and the people that make the Barossa Valley a truly world class region.
Day 4 : Kangaroo Island
An early morning pick up from your hotel for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula. On arrival, board the SeaLink ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Here you will board your coach and your local driver/guide will take you on a tour of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park to enjoy a guided beach walk with an experienced guide amongst a breeding colony of wild and rare Australian sea lions. Following a 2 course Aussie pub lunch the tour spend the afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park. See the regeneration of the native bush devastated by the January 2020 bushfires. View the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island Koalas while listening to the Keeper talk about the cuddly mammals. If time permits, there may be a photo opportunity to hold a Koala (additional cost). You will then be transferred to your overnight accommodation.
Day 5 : Kangaroo Island
Your first stop will be the fascinating Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain for an educational, interactive, and inspiring experience. Next, travel to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a delicious 2-course lunch followed by an introductory talk about the history of the oil distillery and take a guided tour. The next stop is the Clifford’s Honey Farm shop, home of the famous island homemade honey ice-cream. Here you can see a working beehive where you can try to spot the Queen bee, taste different varieties of pure Kangaroo Island Ligurian honey. This afternoon visit Kangaroo Island Spirits, a local company that specialises in handcrafted premium Australian Spirits and is South Australia’s only boutique distillery. The company operates a micro distillery and the award-winning Gin, Vodka and Liqueurs are all produced on the premises. The last stop the False Cape Wines cellar door which is made from recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone sourced on the property. Here you can take part in a structured wine tasting while enjoying the peaceful views of the surrounding vineyards. Your tour ends at the Penneshaw Hotel where you have ample time to have dinner (own expense) before returning to the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal for your ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide and an overnight stay.
Day 6 : Murray River Cruise
Relax this morning before your coach collets you and takes you to historic Mannum to board the PS Murray Princess for your four night cruise. Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. As you cruise under floodlight to overnight mooring at Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. On-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Day 7 : Murray River
Daybreak and 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. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. This afternoon moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, join a guided tour of Burk Salter Boutique Winery and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join in the fun and excitement onboard and participate in the “Murray River Cup”.
Day 8 : Murray River
After breakfast cruise downriver 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 (additional cost). Join the guided 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. When you arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as locals recreate 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. An optional Nocturnal tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls.
Day 9 : Murray River
After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the captain, slowly cruise downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. 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. Return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular farewell Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance if you wish.
Day 10 : Adelaide
Leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast reluctantly say farewell as you arrive at the Mannum Wharf and join your transfer back to Adelaide for a final night.
Day 11 : Depart Adelaide - UK
Time for last minute shopping or sightseeing before your private transfer to the airport in time to check-in for your homeward flight.
