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Captain Cook
Cruises
7
Night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise
From $1170 per person
Enjoy
leisurely cruising 320kms of the heart of the great
Murray River, between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge, and
the breathtaking riverlands of South Australia. On the
grand paddlewheel vessel, PS Murray Princess, you will
experience the great variety of sights and sounds of
river life, the majesty of its ever-changing landscape,
visit historic places and indigenous sites, enjoy a
woolshed and station experience, and follow the region’s
food and wine trail, including a visit to the famed
Barossa Valley and its wineries.
Day---By-Day
Day 1
Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic
Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade and
communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy
pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner.
As we cruise under floodlight to our
overnight mooring at Craignook you may see nocturnal
wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for grey kangaroos,
hairy-nosed wombats, Murray longnecked tortoises,
spoon-beaked echidnas and many other species. (Our
on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.)
Day 2
Go ashore after a hearty breakfast for a guided nature
walk to discover the local flora and fauna. We reboard
and head upriver, past big river cliffs which tower 90
metres over us, and an ever-changing countryside.
At the 207km mark we turn and head
downriver to Fromm’s Landing where we join our discovery
vessel for a backwater wildlife tour. Travelling in
small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of
backwaters, creeks and lagoons. The birdlife is amazing.
Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the
river’s muddy edges. Back on board, we continue
downstream past picturesque cliffs to Piggy Flat. After
dinner enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River
Cup.
Day 3
Bring your camera, we’re going ashore to capture the
dawn light, a special time on the river. As we leave
Piggy Flat breakfast is served. Enjoy a morning talk
about the riverlands’ bountiful food and wine trail.
After lunch we reach the Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural
Centre at Murray Bridge.
The river has been a source of life for
indigenous people of the riverlands, including
Australia’s largest aboriginal community, the
Ngarrindjeri people. Come with us to the centre for a
fascinating insight into these people. Here, too, is a
cottage industry hand-making chocolate using native
fruits. Your ship departs for Mundarra. Join the Captain
and officers for pre-dinner drinks and then the
Captain’s Dinner & Dance.
Day 4
After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum
where you will join our coach tour to the famous Barossa
Valley, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and source of
about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines.
You’ll visit three premium wineries, have lunch and
enjoy some free time in Tanunda before returning to your
ship. We moor overnight at Caurnamont.
Day 5
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, blue
wrens and black swans. We cruise upstream to Blanchetown,
through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and
levels of water.
Shortly we reach Salters Station for our
overnight anchorage. This evening, as the last rays of
the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter’s
vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine
tasting at his cellar door. Tonight is fancy dress night
on board. (Bring your own or hire one.) We also have our
famous musical quiz.
Day 6
After breakfast join a guided walk along the
eco-sensitive wetlands of Salters Station. While we
cruise downriver after lunch watch the landscape slide
by, or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation.
We arrive at Sunnydale. All ashore for the Woolshed
Sound & Light Show as we recreate typical Australian
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. After dinner, join
us on a nocturnal eco-tour by tractor and cart.
Day 7
After breakfast the ship cruises slowly downstream 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 to view ancient rock carvings and to
learn about aboriginal history in the area.
We
return to the ship to cruise downriver to Younghusband.
Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speed
boat ride. We pass large billabongs, open expanses of
water, surrounded by cliffs and reeds. Tonight the
Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell
Captain’s Buffet. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
Day 8
We leave Younghusband & head home to Mannum.
Reluctantly, we say farewell as we arrive at Mannum
Wharf.
Cruise Map
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