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7-Night Murray River Wetlands & Wildlife Cruise
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(Photo provided by Captain Cook Cruises)
Adelaide
A combination of the 3- and 4-night cruises, this leisurely cruise travels 200 miles (320 km) down the heart of the great Murray River. Journey between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge, including the breathtaking river lands of South Australia.
More details below
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Details
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 present and will continue into the future as a national icon. There’s no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the dramatic Australian Outback, the legacy of riverside ports, and indigenous cultures than to drift through under the power of the paddle wheeler PS Murray Princess.

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

Climb aboard a small-boat safari of the pristine wetlands. Visit a riverside village, or take a nocturnal eco-tour before feasting on a riverbank barbeque. Sample some of the local produce at the Cellar Door and grab a camera to capture scenes of the abundant birdlife.


Sample itinerary:
Friday:
In mid-afternoon, the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum—birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication—and heads upriver while you enjoy drinks and a welcome dinner. As you cruise under floodlight to the overnight mooring at Craignook, be on the lookout for the nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Keep your eyes peeled for such native creatures as grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets, and many other species. An onboard entertainer will provide music for the night owls.

Saturday:
Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. Re-board and head upriver, past an ever-changing countryside and big river cliffs towering 295 feet (90 meters) overhead. At the 130-mile (209-km) mark, the ship turns and heads downriver to Fromm’s Landing. Here, join the discovery vessel for a backwater wildlife tour. Traveling in small, personalized groups, explore the maze of backwaters, creeks, and lagoons. Have a gander at the amazing birdlife. Watch for darters, herons, and egrets feeding right alongside the river’s muddy edges. Back onboard, continue downstream past picturesque cliffs to Piggy Flat. After dinner, enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

Sunday:
Don’t forget your camera as you go ashore to capture the light of dawn—a magical time on the river. After lunch, reach the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Murray Bridge. The river here has been a source of life for indigenous people of the river lands, including Australia’s largest aboriginal community, the Ngarrindjeri people. At the cultural center, gain fascinating insight into this community. Also, indulge in a peek at the cottage industry process of creating handmade chocolates combined with delicious native fruits. The ship departs for Mundarra. Join the captain and officers for pre-dinner drinks and the Captain’s Dinner & Dance.

Monday:
After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum. Board the 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. Visit three premium wineries. Lunch and enjoy some free time in Tanunda before returning to the ship to moor overnight at Caurnamont.

Tuesday:
Daybreak is the perfect time for photographers (amateur and advanced alike) to get out and capture the magical wildlife activity in the early morning light. The prolific birdlife includes black swans, blue wrens, and pelicans.

Cruise upstream to Blanchetown through one of the 13 locks that maintain the flow and level of the waters. Shortly thereafter, reach Salters Station for overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade away, join a guided tour of Burk Salter’s vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at his cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress costume night onboard (bring your own or rent). Don’t miss this cruise’s famous musical quiz.

Wednesday:
After breakfast, take a guided heritage walk along Salter’s Station. Cruise downriver after lunch and take a siesta, watch the landscape slide by, or participate in a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. Then, head ashore at Sunnydale for the Woolshed Sound & Light Show. Watch as typical Australian woolshed history is spun before your eyes.

Later, visit the Native Wildlife Shelter, where some of South Australia’s most interesting native animals are cared for. Feast on a great Aussie barbecue, cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. When you can’t eat another bite, hop aboard a tractor and cart for a nocturnal eco-tour.

Thursday:
After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream, 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 to tens of thousands of years ago. A guide takes you over the boardwalk to view ancient rock carvings and learn about ancient aboriginal history in the area. Return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. Pass large billabongs—open expanses of water—surrounded by cliffs and reeds. That night, the captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, or spend the evening chatting with fellow cruisers.

Friday:
After breakfast, the Murray Princess arrives at Mannum, where your crew bids you farewell.

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, water levels, and other operational requirements.

Onboard Facilities:
Two spas, two saunas, sun deck; two bars, two lounges, single-sitting dining saloon; speed boat; gift shop, library, and video; lift; guest laundry and 24-hour tea and coffee facilities.

Accommodation:
Cabins are approximately 40 square feet (12 sq m), each with private bathroom, adjustable air conditioning, and electric blankets; soaps, shampoo, and towels are provided. Rooms are serviced daily. Cabins open onto the outside deck, and have picture windows and twin single beds.

Dining:
Dining aboard the Murray Princess includes delicious table d'hôte menus, Captain's Dinner, and buffet dining. Breakfasts are buffet-style.

Inclusions :
  • Guided nature walks & eco-tours
  • Onboard presentations on a variety of themes
  • Aboriginal Cultural Tour
  • Captain’s Dinner
  • Shipboard accommodation
  • Dining
  • Use of all on-board facilities

Duration:
7 nights

Available:
Cruise departs on Mondays and Fridays

Departure time and location:
Check-in and boarding begin at 2:30 PM on Mondays and Fridays; Maryanne Reserve. Depature at 4:30 PM.

Return time and location:
9 AM Mondays and Fridays; Maryanne Reserve

Exclusions:
  • Drinks
  • Personal Purchases
  • Optional tours
  • Fuel surcharges

Note:
Children under 3 cruise for free, but the cruise is not recommended for this age group. There is a fuel charge of AUD 40.00 per person that is payable at the end of the cruise when settling your room account. Please note that this cannot be prepaid. Group accommodations are on a request-only basis. Complimentary transfers from Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide are available as well as complimentary car parking. Please contact cruise line for more information or to reserve these in advance.

Redemption instructions
After you book your activity, follow these 3 easy steps:
1. Print your voucher; locate the voucher in your travel confirmation e-mail or in the My Trips/My Itineraries link on the site.
2. Follow the redemption instructions on your voucher; it iscritical to do this before you depart.
3. Take all vouchers with you; you must redeem one voucher per person.

Exchange your voucher for activity:
Confirmation is required. Contact Captain Cook Cruises at least 48 hours before your trip date to ensure your reservation. Reservations made more than 28 days in advance are automatically confirmed for availability. If there are less than 28 days until sailing, please contact the cruise line as soon as possible to confirm space. Upon arrival, present your voucher and photo ID in exchange for service. If you require the complimentary hotel transfers or car parking, please reserve these when confirming your cruise date.
Terms and conditions
Cancellations and Changes: This Activity can be changed or cancelled without penalty at any time prior to two days before the scheduled start of your trip. The scheduled start of your trip is defined as your hotel check-in date, your departure date of the originating flight, or the date of the Activity if the Activity was booked without a flight or a hotel.
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