Murray Princess, Outback Heritage Cruise ex Mannum Return

4 Night Cruise Only

From

Request Price

per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
Cruise Only Map
Cruise Map
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
3 Jan 2022 Mannum, South Australia 4.30pm
4 Jan 2022 Blanchetown, South Australia
5 Jan 2022 Murray River, Australia
6 Jan 2022 Younghusband, South Australia
7 Jan 2022 Mannum, South Australia 9.00am
4 Night Outback Heritage Cruise sailing from Mannum roundtrip aboard Murray Princess.

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.

Sample Itinerary:

MONDAY
Mid-afternoon the PS 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 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 join a guided tour of Burk Salter Wines vineyards and surrounding vineyard 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 the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum – a must for every visitor. 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. An optional Nocturnal tour by tractor and cart is available after dinner (additional cost).

THURSDAY
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 speed boat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

FRIDAY
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. 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.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Tonnage: 1,500 tonnes
  • Length: 67 metres
  • Beam: 15 metres
  • Draft: 1.2 metres
  • Speed: 6 knots
  • Ship registration: Australia
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 129
  • Crew nationality: Australian
  • Officer nationality: Australian
  • Dining nationality: Australian
Ship Amenities
  • Individually Controlled Airconditioning
  • Electric Blankets
  • Private Bathroom Ensuite
Ship Facilities
  • Gift shop
  • Guest laundry
  • Four outside disabled cabins and lift
  • Speed boat
  • Sun Deck
  • Two spas
  • Two bars
  • Single sitting dining
  • Library & Video
  • 24 hour tea & coffee facilities
  • Two saunas
  • Two lounges
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.

Cadell Deck

Chaffey Deck

Randell Deck

Sturt Deck

Sun Deck

Staterooms Plan
Staterooms Photo
Located on Randell & Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with complimentary champagne, flowers, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. There are two (2) double bed staterooms, and four (4) family staterooms with a double bed and a single bed.

All cabins and staterooms are situated on the outside, with private bathroom ensuite, on/off air conditioning, electric blankets, soap, shampoo and towels, serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 120sq.ft

Outside Cabin Double Plan
Located on Randell and Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with generous picture windows. Two (2) have a double bed and three (3) have a double bed and a single bed.

All cabins and staterooms are situated on the outside, with private bathroom ensuite, on/off air conditioning, electric blankets, soap, shampoo and towels, serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 120sq.ft

Outside Cabins Twin Plan
Located on Randell and Cadell Decks, all open onto the outside deck with generous picture windows. Forty (40) have two beds. (3) have a double bed and a single bed.

All cabins and staterooms are situated on the outside, with private bathroom ensuite, on/off air conditioning, electric blankets, soap, shampoo and towels, serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 120sq.ft

Inside Cabins Double Plan
Located on Chaffey Deck, all open onto an inside passageway with portholes. (2) have a double bed.

All cabins and staterooms are situated on the outside, with private bathroom ensuite, on/off air conditioning, electric blankets, soap, shampoo and towels, serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 120sq.ft

Inside Cabins Twin Plan
Located on Chaffey Deck, all open onto an inside passageway with portholes. Seven (7) have twin beds.

All cabins and staterooms are situated on the outside, with private bathroom ensuite, on/off air conditioning, electric blankets, soap, shampoo and towels, serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 120sq.ft