Journey through South Australia’s Murray River region on a relaxing and scenic holiday, highlighted by a multi-day cruise aboard the iconic Murray Princess cuise. Enjoy picturesque river landscapes, charming riverside towns, and immersive local experiences, all while travelling in comfort and style.
Welcome to our 10-day tour to South Australia’s Murray River including the fabulous Murray Princess cruise. Making our way to Adelaide (flight details TBA) a local coach operator meets us for the transfer into central Adelaide with a brief sightseeing tour on the way to our hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax and look around the area before meeting again over dinner.
Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Adelaide
Meals: Dinner
Leaving Adelaide, we travel through the Barossa Valley Wine Region and head to Waikerie for our morning comfort stop and take the opportunity to look at the Waikerie Art Silo and the Murray River lookout. Lunch today is overlooking Lake Bonney in Barmera at the Lakes Café, then in the afternoon we take a look at Lock 5 just outside Renmark. Navigating the Murray River wouldn’t be possible without the series of locks and weirs that were built back in the 1920s and 1930s. Lock 5 is one of the best locations to see the control of water along the Murray River. From here we pass the Paringa Art Silo and head to Mildura where we check into our hotel for the next 2-night stay.
Accommodation: Mildura Inlander Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We start our day with a visit to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens just outside Mildura. We are taken on a guided tractor/train tour of the gardens and then enjoy morning tea. Our next visit is to Orange World – a working 50-acre citrus property situated just 8 minutes from Mildura over the Chaffey Bridge. We will enjoy a citrus tour around the picturesque property of avocado trees, numerous citrus varieties and tree grafting areas. There is also an opportunity to travel on the 70-seat tractor train with undercover seating for an informative commentary on a wealth of citrus information with a juicy sense of humour. Back in the centre of town, we now have some free time to explore the shopping area and purchase lunch. This afternoon, we will be taking a river cruise on the Paddle Vessel Rothbury. Built in 1891, the PS Rothbury is one of the last “working” Paddlesteamers on the Murray. Our cruise takes us downstream, through Lock 11. A comprehensive commentary is provided giving us further insight on the Murray Darling River system and the history of the paddleboats. This evening, we cross on to Lock Island to view the spectacular Mildura Trail of Lights. Experience the magic of internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro, as he transforms the stunning Mildura Wentworth landscapes with his latest art installation called the Trail of Lights.
Accommodation: Mildura Inlander Resort
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Re-tracing our steps today, we return to Renmark with a visit to the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery. Located on the banks of the River Murray, Wilkadene was a famous sheep and wheat station that supplied paddle steamers with chaff from the Woolshed down the cliff to the river. The early settlers in this area were dependent on the paddle steamers for everything from food and household goods to their religious requirements. We have a tour and morning tea here, then head into Renmark for a visit to Olivewood Homestead, a homestead and museum containing relics from 1887 and traces of the story of the Chaffey Brothers who were instrumental in introducing irrigation to the area. It also has a heritage listed olive plantation, sweeping lawns and stunning garden beds with old fashioned roses. Lunch today is at the Renmark Club, then we visit Angoves Wines for a wine tasting and history talk. Angoves Wines is the largest privately owned winery in Australia. Established in 1886 and commencing operation in 1910, it is noted for a large variety of premium wines and brandy. From Renmark we now head to Berri for our accommodation overlooking the Murray River.
Accommodation: Berri Hotel Motel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day and some free time to take a walk along the Murray River in front of the hotel. We take a sightseeing drive around Berri and late morning board our lunch cruise on the Murray River from Berri. Fay the cruise boat and floating restaurant travels downstream, past the Booky cliffs en route to Lock 4 where she turns and leisurely makes her way back to Berri, giving cruisers the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Katarapko National Park. Back in Berri we head to the Bella Lavender Farm. Enjoy some Lavender Ice Cream here with time for a walk in the garden and to check out their range of products for sale, such as homemade soap, shampoo lip balm and arthritis cream.
Accommodation: Berri Hotel Motel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leaving Berri, we pass through the Citrus Orchards just outside Loxton and make our way to Karoonda for a brief look at the Karoonda Art Silo. By day, one side of the Karoonda Silos is a magnificent tribute to the heritage of farming in Karoonda. By night, an ever-changing display of art from South Australian artists lights up the main street attraction. Late morning, we arrive in Murray Bridge for lunch at the Murray Bridge Community Club, then in the afternoon we head to Mannum. Here we visit the Mannum Dock Museum and Visitor Centre before checking into The Murray Princess for our 3-night Discovery Cruise. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Murray Bridge, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Enjoy your welcome dinner and the on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Accommodation: Murray Princess Cruise – Outside Twin Cabins
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After breakfast, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Zoo (additional cost). Those who choose to experience Monarto Zoo will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch, then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the South Australian Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver to Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by the talented crew.
Accommodation: Murray Princess Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
All ashore for a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where our discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. We’ll explore the maze of the river and see some amazing birdlife. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before joining the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: Murray Princess Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, The Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where we reluctantly say farewell to the river. We re-board our coach and travel via Strathalbyn to Goolwa, where the Murray River meets the Ocean. We stretch our legs at the Goolwa Wharf, then head to Victor Harbour for some free time to purchase lunch. This afternoon we stop in the township of McLaren Vale before arriving at our Adelaide hotel for the final night of our tour.
Accommodation: Murray Princess Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Saying farewell to newfound friends we make our way to the Adelaide airport for our flights back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Cost is PP in a Double or Twin Room, If Sole Use Room, add $1599.00
This is a Moderate Paced Tour– Medium level of fitness required
Travelers must be able to meet the below fitness level requirements or have a carer who is available to assist. GVH Staff are not able to assist with those who have reduced mobility or other health problems. It is Your responsibility to arrange for such a carer if so required:
GVH reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour or to terminate the travel arrangements during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who is unable to cope with the requirements of the tour, including using coach steps for embarking and disembarking or needing services or facilities that are not available. We will not be held liable for any termination of your travel arrangements or additional expenses incurred. Please be aware that some outback locations may experience high temperatures.
Images supplied by Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
