3 Night Murray River Discovery Cruise sailing from Mannum roundtrip aboard Murray Princess.

Indulge in a long weekend where you'll discover the beautiful lower riverlands, between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess. You'll cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna. You'll take a nature walk, get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat, visit the township of Murray Bridge and learn about the food and wine of this famous region.

FRIDAY
Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, 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.

SATURDAY
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 a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of 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 Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

SUNDAY
All ashore for the 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 and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. 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 and Dance.

MONDAY
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

PS Murray Princess is purpose built for the Murray River. She is faithfully designed as a modern romantic representative of a time when hundreds of such vessels plied the river. Unlike most modern-day river vessels with imitation paddles, Murray Princess is propelled by an authentic, massive stern paddlewheel.

There’s no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler.

Accommodating just 120 passengers, Murray Princess brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the Murray River. The Captain and crew know the river intimately and are delighted to share with you their knowledge and stories. The lounges and dining saloon are spacious with a character and charm of yesteryear. Grand in name, yet relaxed and informal by nature, Murray Princess fosters a warmth and friendliness unique to the river.

From the Great Barrier Reef to the bays and beaches of Sydney Harbour to the outback vastness of the Murray River basin, Captain Cook Cruises draws on over 39 years of cruising knowledge to create unique and exciting travel experiences.

Small ship cruising takes you far from the beaten track and close up to places no other kind of cruising can reach. Our ship's small size means it can negotiate narrow waterways, shallow bays and quiet rivers where bigger ships cannot go.

Unlike big ships and large scale international ports, a small ship allows you to experience places where the nature, history and culture remain fresh, where the flood of tourists has not overrun them and will not overrun you. Places where you will meet and interact with the locals and discover how the waterway plays a vital role in their normal day to day lives.

Of course you still enjoy all the comforts larger ships provide: swimming pools, sun decks, bars, quality dining, massage and beauty treatments, entertainment and good company.

We encourage a hands-on approach, but always leave you in charge of your own activity level. If there is a headland to climb or a reef to snorkel, you are invited. If you want to take it easy by the onboard pool, just ask for a towel and maybe grab a thriller from the library.