Murray River New Years Cruise  

PS Murray Princess River Cruise
+
Barossa Day Tour
29th Dec 2021

7 Days / 6 Nights

As the Admiral says, "Always start the way you plan to finish". What better way to bring in the New Year than aboard the Princess Murray Princess.

Overview:

Travel to Adelaide to explore the South Australian stretch of the great Murray River, we arrive in Adelaide for a night at the beautiful Crown Plaza before heading to the historic river port of Mannum. Experience the spectacular scenery on a 4 night cruise along the outback river highway. Take in the beautiful bird species that inhabit the riverlands, visit a vineyard and wine tasting along the way, learn the stories and visit an aboriginal archaeological site and enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river. 

Bonus - On December 31 there is a spectacular New Year’s Eve Party including Dinner and Entertainment planned on the ship. You will end your cruise with a full day trip to the famous Barossa Valley where you’ll get to visit Jacob’s Creek, Maggie Beer’s and many more.

Day 1 - 2: Adelaide -Mannum, South Australia

Check into the beautiful Crown Plaza Hotel. The evening is your own to relax or explore in the City.

We’ll coach from Adelaide to Mannum, checking into PS Murray Princess arriving at 4.30pm. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner as we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, where 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.

Day 3 - 4: Blanchtown & Swan Reach

Today (day 3) 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 water. This afternoon we moor opposite to 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”.

Day 4 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 tranquility 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. An optional Nocturnal Tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose-built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats, and owls by powerful spotlights. Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 5 - 6: Ngaut Ngaut - Younghusband - Barossa Valley

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a 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 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 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.On day 6 we leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

Barossa Wine & heritage Tour
Available on conclusion of the 4 Night Outback Heritage Cruise Depart Mannum, and travel into the famous Barossa, Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region. Your first stop is at Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, where you will enjoy morning tea, followed by a structured tasting of five wines. Next visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, and learn about Maggie and her story, as well as the history behind the Farm. Enjoy a short cooking demonstration, and taste a range of her produce, including any new products that are in development. Lunch is a two course gourmet feast at Lambert Estate, incorporating fresh regional produce available in season. Pair this with a glass of wine (own cost), and take in the magnificent outlook from the deck of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery. Enjoy a short video that showcases the fruits that are grown at Gully Gardens, the cutting and drying process and how they create tasty and unique confectionery products. Tasting samples will be offered whilst browsing the shop before heading back to Mannum. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel back through the picturesque Eden Valley. View the Murrayland flats from atop Palmer hill as you descend into Mannum where you will transfer to a luxury coach for your journey back to Adelaide. Concludes 5.30pm in Adelaide to enjoy your 1 night at the Crown Plaza

Day 7: Adelaide - Check-out at 10am