7 Night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise

Mannum to Mannum

River/Canal Cruising | 7 Nights

Enjoy leisurely cruising 320kms of the heart of the great Murray River, between Murray Bridge and the area around Lock 1, and the breathtaking riverlands of South Australia.

Top▲Highlights

There's no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, it's unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler PS Murray Princess.

The Murray River is to Australia what the Nile River is to Egypt: a great and ancient river system that has shaped the past and the present and will continue into the future as a national icon.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a unique historic and nature-based adventure, through some of the driest parts of the driest continent, past mallee scrub and ancient red gum forests, through towering gorges and ochre-coloured limestone cliffs. Along the way visit historic ports and lush vineyards as we navigate the Murray’s locks and big river bends.

You can hike around a boardwalk trail or take a guided nature walk. Take a small boat safari of the pristine wetlands, visit a riverside village, or take a nocturnal eco-tour before a riverside barbeque. Sample some of the local produce at the cellar door, or take a camera and catch some memorable scenes of the abundant birdlife. You can also choose to extend your cruise with an optional full day tour of Australia’s richest and best known wine making region - the Barossa Valley.

• • Total Murraylands & wildlife experience
• • Free Barossa Valley tour
• • Spectacular cliffs and gorges
• • Backwater wildlife boat tour
• • Vineyard & cellar door tasting

Top▲Itinerary

Total trip is 8 days and 7 nights

The intinerary below includes the standard cruise itinerary and any extras this package includes.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

January to December

Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirements

Pricing

From $1,596  AUD

Per person prices in Australian Dollars (AU$). Special prices, itineraries and conditions apply on selected special event cruises. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of the Passenger Cruise Contract (Terms & Conditions of Booking). Cancellation charges apply. Prices exclude any levies or surcharges such as credit card surcharges and onboard charges such as fuel surcharges as applied from time to time. All rates are inclusive of Australian Goods & Services Tax (GST 10%) at the current legislated rate (July 2007) and may be subject to variation by the Government of the day. Captain Cook Cruises reserves the right to increase fares without prior notice, however fully paid guests will be protected at their booked rate, except for fuel surcharges, government taxes or other surcharges.

A surcharge of $50 per room per night applies to all Inside Cabins and Outside Cabins with a double bed (Note a double bed is standard in all Staterooms except 35 & 36).

The following onboard charges apply to all passengers. These charges are not included in your cruise fare and are payable at the conclusion of your cruise. All amounts are charged to your onboard cabin account, payable at the end of your cruise by credit card, cash or traveller’s cheque. Please note surcharges are subject to change.
• Fuel Surcharge of AU$10 per person per night (under 3 years free of charge)

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

Every cruise includes onboard accommodation, all meals, use of all onboard facilities, most tours, complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or car parking in Mannum, guided nature walks & eco tours, Australian GST at 10%.

Complimentary return coach transfers depart the Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide Fri/Mon at 2.00pm and return Fri/Mon 12noon.

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 2 - Go ashore for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna (Craignook )

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  Day 2 - Take a Backwater Wildlife Tour of Piggy Flat (Piggy Flat )

  At the 207km mark we turn and head downriver to Piggy Flat where we join our discovery vessel for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of backwaters, creeks and lagoons. The birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges.

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  Day 3 - Go ashore to capture the dawn light, a special time on the river (Piggy Flat )

  Morning:

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  Day 3 - Visit the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre (Murray Bridge)

  Afternoon:

  After lunch we reach the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Murray Bridge. The river has been a source of life for indigenous people of the riverlands, including Australia’s largest aboriginal community, the Ngarrindjeri people. Visit the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you will be treated to a dramatic dance performance and encounter, Ngurunderi - an ancestral being, whose battle with the Murray Cod created the Ngarrindjeri world.

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  Day 4 - Barossa Valley Tour (Barossa Valley)

  Join our coach tour to the famous Barossa Valley, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You’ll visit three premium wineries and enjoy lunch before returning to your ship at Mannum.

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  Day 5 - Take a Vineyard Coach Tour in Big Bend (Big Bend)

  Arrive in Big Bend where we will rendezvous with our vineyard coach tour. This afternoon visit Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door.

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  Day 6 - Join a Guided Nature Walk in Moorundie (Moorundie)

  Morning:

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  Day 6 - Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (Moorundie)

  Morning:

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  Day 6 - See the Woolshed Sound & Light Show, Visit the Native Wildlife Shelter and Take a Nocturnal Eco-Tour (Sunnydale)

  Evening:

  We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound & Light Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we 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, join us on a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart.

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  Day 7 - Visit the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve (Nildottie)

  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 to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area.

Top▲What's NOT Included

Prices exclude drinks, personal purchases, onboard charges and / or fuel surcharges.

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Accomodations or Meals: Quality Rockford Hotel

  $75 (Australian Dollar)

  Prices per person valid to 31 Mar 2009:
  Sole Occupancy: 170
  Twin Share: 85
  Triple Share: 75

  The Quality Rockford Hotel is a 4 1/2 star property centrally located at 164 Hindley Street, Adelaide. The ideal start and finish to your Murray River experience, being the departure and return point for our coach transfers. Bookings essential - subject to availability.

Top▲Onboard Activities

Entertainment	Onboard entertainment

Top▲Vessel Information

Murray Princess

Sternwheeler | 120 Passengers | Operated by Captain Cook Cruises,

PS Murray Princess is purpose built for the Murray River. She is faithfully designed as a modern romantic representative of a time when hundreds of such vessels plied the river. Unlike most modern-day river vessels with imitation paddles, Murray Princess is propelled by an authentic, massive stern paddlewheel.

There’s no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler.
Accommodating just 120 passengers, Murray Princess brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the Murray River. The Captain and crew know the river intimately and are delighted to share with you their knowledge and stories. The lounges and dining saloon are spacious with a character and charm of yesteryear. Grand in name, yet relaxed and informal by nature, Murray Princess fosters a warmth and friendliness unique to the river.

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