Murray River Heritage Discovery Cruise
This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown. Follow in the wake of great Australian pioneers on a 4 night cruise along the outback river highway. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery from towering cliffs to expansive farmlands. Along the way, you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and many of the 350 bird species that inhabit the riverlands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine tasting at a cellar door, visit a typical Australian farm, woolshed and wildlife shelter, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river and visit an aboriginal archaeological site.
About The Cruise
- Depart historic Mannum
- Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
- Visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
- Take a walking tour of the Swan Reach township and visit the Swan Reach Museum (Gold coin donation at entry)
- See the towering sandstone cliffs at the Big Bend
- Watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show & go to the Native Wildlife Shelter
- Enjoy a riverside Aussie Barbecue
- Go on a Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose-built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls (optional – additional cost)
- Enjoy a Bush Tucker Breakfast (optional – additional cost)
- Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide*
- Delight in a scenic tender boat ride
- Optional Highlights of the Murray Tour at the conclusion of the cruise (additional cost)
While on board, you’ll enjoy…
- Relaxing in one of the two lounges, with spectacular scenery views
- Hanging out on the Sun Deck at the top of the vessel
- Breakfast each morning
- Delicious à la carte lunches
- Dining each evening with fellow passengers
- Onboard entertainment
Cruise departs from Mannum on selected Mondays at 4:30pm
Pricing – 4 May 2026 to 31 March 2027
Low Season: May, Jun, Jul, Dec 2026 & Jan 2027
- Inside Cabin – $1,999 pp (twin share) / $3,198 pp (single)*
- Outside Cabin – $2,569 pp (twin share) / $4,110 pp (single)*
- Stateroom – $3,349 pp (twin share) / $5,358 pp (single)*
High Season: Apr, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 2026 & Feb, Mar 2027
- Inside Cabin – $2,129 pp (twin share) / $3,406 pp (single)*
- Outside Cabin – $2,799 pp (twin share) / $4,478 pp (single)*
- Stateroom – $3,699 pp (twin share) / $5,918 pp (single)*
* Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
Cruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum on selected Mondays at 4:30 pm and returns to Mannum the following Friday at 9:00 am.
Monday
Mid-afternoon, the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Tuesday
Daybreak and it’s 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 the river’s water.
This afternoon, we moor opposite the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage.
As the last rays of the sun fade, we visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door, which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.
Wednesday
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.
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 a 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 we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed 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.
Optional tour: Sunnydale Nocturnal Tour. Additional costs and bookings can be made on board through your Passenger Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.
Thursday
After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast* or 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 Conservation Park, 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.
We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride.
Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.
*Optional tour: Bush Tucker Breakfast. Additional costs and bookings can be made on board through your Passenger Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.
Friday
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
Post-Cruise Optional tour: Highlights of the Murray Tour. Pre-bookings are essential, with an additional cost. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.
This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels, and other operational requirements. Murray Princess reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice.
Highlights
- Explore remote landscapes and historic riverside towns along the Murray River
- Enjoy modern accommodations aboard the Murray Princess with delicious onboard dining
- Immerse yourself in local culture, wildlife, and scenic river views at every stop
This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown. Follow in the wake of great Australian pioneers on a 4 night cruise along the outback river highway. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery from towering cliffs to expansive farmlands. Along the way, you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and many of the 350 bird species that inhabit the riverlands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine tasting at a cellar door, visit a typical Australian farm, woolshed and wildlife shelter, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river and visit an aboriginal archaeological site.
About The Cruise
- Depart historic Mannum
- Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown
- Visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
- Take a walking tour of the Swan Reach township and visit the Swan Reach Museum (Gold coin donation at entry)
- See the towering sandstone cliffs at the Big Bend
- Watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show & go to the Native Wildlife Shelter
- Enjoy a riverside Aussie Barbecue
- Go on a Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose-built cart where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls (optional – additional cost)
- Enjoy a Bush Tucker Breakfast (optional – additional cost)
- Explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide*
- Delight in a scenic tender boat ride
- Optional Highlights of the Murray Tour at the conclusion of the cruise (additional cost)
While on board, you’ll enjoy…
- Relaxing in one of the two lounges, with spectacular scenery views
- Hanging out on the Sun Deck at the top of the vessel
- Breakfast each morning
- Delicious à la carte lunches
- Dining each evening with fellow passengers
- Onboard entertainment
Inclusions
- All meals (table d’hote and a la carte menus)
- An exciting selection of onshore tours
- Guided nature walks & eco-excursions
- Onboard presentations
- Live entertainment
Facilities
- Lift access from Randell Deck to Sturt Deck
- Paddlewheel Lounge
- Sturt Bar
- Sturt Dining Room
- Sun Deck
- Onboard Souvenir Shop
- Public Amenities
- Mini Gym
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- Airfares to and from Adelaide
- Transfers to and from Adelaide (can be purchased as an optional extra)
- Onboard drinks, optional tours and services and any personal purchases aboard the Murray Princess.
FAQs
Inside Stateroom
Cozy and comfortable, the Inside Stateroom offers a peaceful retreat with all the essentials for your journey. Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing space without windows, this accommodation features modern amenities, ample storage, and a private bathroom.
Outside Stateroom
Enjoy natural light and scenic views from your Outside Stateroom. Equipped with a private window or porthole, this cabin combines comfort and convenience, letting you wake up to the ever-changing river landscapes.
Stateroom with Balcony (or Stateroom with Private Veranda)
Step out onto your private balcony and soak in uninterrupted views of the Murray River. These staterooms offer extra space, modern comforts, and a serene spot to unwind, sip your morning coffee, or watch the sunset over the water.
Private car transfers are available from and to Adelaide CBD as well as return to the Adelaide Airport. Additional charges apply and pre-bookings are essential – Find out more.
Optional post-cruise Highlights of the Murray Tour. This Tour returns to Adelaide at approximately 5.30pm.
Provided by: SeaLinkFine Print
CONDITIONS
- Above fares are based on cabins with 2 x single beds. Inside and Outside Cabins with a double bed incur a surcharge of $80 per room per night (no surcharge applies for Staterooms).
- Prices exclude onboard drinks, optional tours and services and any personal purchases aboard the Murray Princess.
- The Fitness to Travel Declaration and acceptance of the Standard Fares and Travel Terms and Conditions must be completed at least 60 days prior to travel or with final payment, whichever occurs first.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.