Captain Cook Cruises - PS Murray Princess South Australia Australia

Luxury cruising the River Murray on Australia’s largest inland paddlewheeler. Top quality food, entertainment and service in elegant surroundings.

Touring Options

Barossa Wine and Wetlands Cruise – SAH05

Join Captain Cook Cruises’ PS Murray Princess for a five night cruise on South Australia’s largest paddlewheeler. Take one of the exclusive optional tours to Barossa wineries, Banrock Station, a local woolshed or play golf on one of the region’s golf courses. The Murray Princess offers two lounge areas, spas, saunas, lift, bar, souvenir shop and table d’hote dining. Cabins can accommodate one to three people.

. Operates:
. From Mannum on Sunday at 1630, disembark Mannum on Friday at 0900.

Seven Night Wildlife and Barossa Cruise – SH06

Join Captain Cook Cruise’s PS Murray Princess for a seven-night cruise on South Australia’s largest paddlewheeler. Enjoy a complementary Barossa Valley tour, visit two Aboriginal cultural sites, see our native wildlife shelter and take a tour to the Woolshed ‘Light & Sound’ show before the bush barbecue.

Three Night Wetlands Discovery Cruise – SH06

Three night cruise with nature walks, backwater wildlife tours, food and wine tastings, daybreak photography session and Pomberuk Cultural Centre visit.

2006 Outback Heritage Cruise Four Nights, Five Days

This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic riverport of Mannum to Blanchetown. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs to expansive wetlands. Along the way you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and many of about 350 bird species that inhabit the riverlands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine-tasting at the cellar door, visit a typical Australian farm and woolshed, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river, visit a wildlife shelter and an Aboriginal reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites.

. Day One – Monday – 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 cinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls).

. Day Two – Tuesday – 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, blue wrens and black swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. Shortly we reach Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, we 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 night on board. (Bring your own or hire one). We also have our famous musical quiz.

. Day Three – Wednesday – After breakfast join a guided walk along the eco-sensitive wetlands of Salters Station. While we cruise downriver after lunch you can enjoy an afternoon nap, watch the landscape slide by, or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound and 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.

. Day Four – Thursday – After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream 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 to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area. We return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed boat ride. We pass large billabongs, open expanses of water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

. Day Five – Friday – After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell.

. Operates:
. Cruise departs from Mannum on Monday at 1630.
. Cruise returns to Mannum on Friday at 0900.
. Coach transfer departs from Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide (164 Hindley Street, Adelaide) on Monday at 1400 and returns to Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide on Friday at 1200.

2006 Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise including Barossa Seven Nights, Eight Days

Enjoy leisurely cruising 320 kilometres of the heart of the great Murray River, between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge, and the breathtaking riverlands of South Australia. On the grand paddlewheel vessel, PS Murray Princess, you will experience the great variety of sights and sounds of river life, the majesty of its ever-changing landscape, visit historic places and indigenous sites, enjoy a woolshed and station experience, and follow the region’s food and wine trail, including a visit to the famed Barossa Valley and its wineries.

. Day One – 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 we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Craignook you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our on board entertainer provides music for the night owls).

. Day Two – Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. We reboard and head upriver, past big river cliffs which tower 90 metres over us, and an ever-changing countryside. At the 207 kilometre mark we turn and head downriver to Fromm’s Landing 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. Back on board, we continue downstream past picturesque cliffs to Piggy Flat. After dinner enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

. Day Three – Bring your camera, we’re going ashore to capture the dawn light, a special time on the river. As we leave Piggy Flat breakfast is served. Enjoy a morning talk about the riverlands’ bountiful food and wine trail. 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. Come with us to the centre for a fascinating insight into these people. Here, too, is a cottage industry hand-making chocolate using native fruits. Your ship departs for Mundarra. Join the Captain and officers for pre-dinner drinks and then the Captain’s Dinner and Dance.

. Day Four – After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where you will 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, have lunch and enjoy some free time in Tanunda before returning to your ship. We moor overnight at Caurnamont.

. Day Five – 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, blue wrens and black swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown, through one of 13 locks, which maintain the flow and levels of water. Shortly we reach Salters Station for our overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of the sun fade, we 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 night on board. (Bring your own or hire one). We also have our famous musical quiz.

. Day Six – After breakfast join a guided walk along the eco-sensitive wetlands of Salters Station. While we cruise downriver after lunch watch the landscape slide by, or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed Sound and Light Show as we recreate typical Australian 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.

. Day Seven – After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream 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 to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area. We return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speedboat ride. We pass large billabongs, open expanses of water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

. Day Eight – We leave Younghusband and head home to Mannum. Reluctantly, we say farewell as we arrive at Mannum Wharf.

. Operates:
. Cruise departs from Mannum on Mondayand Friday at 1630.
. Cruise returns to Mannum on Monday and Friday at 0900.
. Coach transfer departs from Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide (164 Hindley Street, Adelaide) on Monday and Friday at 1400 and returns to Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide on Monday and Friday at 1200.

2006 Wetlands Discovery Cruise Three Nights, Four Days

A short introduction to the beautiful and historic Murray River between Walkers Flat and Murray Bridge. Aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess, you will cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna. You will take a nature walk, a backwater wildlife tour by small vessel, visit a local Aboriginal community, as well as learn about the food and wine of this famous region.

. Day One – Friday – 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 we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Craignook you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray long-necked tortoises, spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our onboard entertainer provides music for the night owls).

. Day Two – Saturday – Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature walk to discover the local flora and fauna. We reboard and head upriver, past big river cliffs which tower 90 metres over us, and an ever-changing countryside. At the 207 kilometre mark we turn and head downriver to Fromm’s Landing 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. Back on board, we continue downstream past picturesque cliffs to Piggy Flat. After dinner enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup.

. Day Three – Sunday – Bring your camera, we’re going ashore to capture the dawn light, a special time on the river. As we leave Piggy Flat breakfast is served. Enjoy a morning talk about the riverlands’ bountiful food and wine trail. 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. Come with us to the centre for a fascinating insight into these people. Here, too, is a cottage industry handmaking chocolate using native fruits. Your ship departs for Mundarra. Join the Captain and officers for pre-dinner drinks and then the Captain’s Dinner and Dance.

. Day Four – Monday – After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell.

. Operates:
. Cruise departs from Mannum on Friday at 1630.
. Cruise returns to Mannum on Monday at 0900.
. Coach transfer departs from Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide (164 Hindley Street, Adelaide) on Friday at 1400 and returns to Quality Rockford Hotel Adelaide on Monday at 1200.

Website: www.captaincook.com.au