Hosted Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island Christmas in July

On arrival at Adelaide Airport, you will be met by your tour host and transfer to our hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Explore Adelaide's highlights, including North Terrace, Adelaide Oval, St Peter's Cathedral (subject to availability) and the National Wine Centre, before enjoying panoramic views from Mount Lofty Summit.

Travel through the charming Adelaide Hills villages, visit Beerenberg Farm Shop, then spend time in historic Hahndorf with afternoon tea or beer tasting at the Hahndorf Inn and free time to browse the village's unique shops, galleries and cafés.  (B)

This morning we will embark on our Kangaroo Island adventure!  

After the ferry crossing, we will visit Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you’ll enjoy an informative guided tour of the honey room where you will learn about the extraction process, taste a honey soft drink and have the option to sample the Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale. 

Next, travel to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a delicious 2-course lunch followed by a talk about their history and a guided tour of the oil distillery. 

End the day with a guided walk on the beach among a colony of rare and wild Australian sea lions with a National Parks Ranger at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Get up close and see these wild creatures frolic and laze about – a truly amazing and unforgettable experience.  (B,D)

Start your morning with a hearty buffet breakfast before heading off on day 2 of our Kangaroo Island tour. Spend the morning at the Flinders Chase National Park. As you travel through the park, keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Remarkable Rocks provide great photographic opportunities, and the Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery, and a haven for playful long-nosed fur seals.

After a delicious 2 course lunch, see the amazing "Free Flight" Birds of Prey presentation at Raptor Domain, the only one in South Australia and is said by many to be the most interactive display of its kind in Australia!   

Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park before dinner at the Penneshaw Pub.   Transfer to the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal for your return ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide. (B,L,D)

Today we farewell Adelaide for our journey to Mannum to board the iconic Murray Princess, the largest inland paddle-wheeler in the Southern Hemisphere.

The cruise heads upriver while we enjoy a welcome dinner.  (B,D)

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 explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park*.   

Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park 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 on-board musician.  (B,L,D)

This morning, join 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 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 waits 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 a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment. (B, L, D)

We leave River View Lodge and head back to Mannum.

After breakfast, step off the Murray Princess for a coach tour showcasing the iconic sights along the river.  Tour the township and visit the Mannum Dock Museum, before joining the ferry to cross the river and drive through Younghusband to Bowhill, where you will learn about the township while admiring the stunning riverfront homes.  

Head to the Swan Reach Hotel, situated atop golden cliffs with picturesque views, and enjoy a delicious lunch and the warm country hospitality.   Learn about the local farming district on your way to the Big Bend Cliffs, renowned as the tallest river cliffs in Australia. At the lookout marvel at the longest continuous bend along the entire Muray River - a breathtaking sight.   

Return to Mannum and there’s free time to grab some afternoon tea or an ice-cream before you re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Caurnamont for your overnight mooring.  (B,L,D)

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 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”.   (B,L,D)

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. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery.   

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.  (BLD)

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.  (BLD)

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum.

After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell to the Murray Princess as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.    Transfer on to Adelaide Airport for your onward journey home. (B)