Murraylands Cruising
No visit to the Murraylands is complete without a cruise on the Murray River.
From two-hour morning tea jaunts to a week-long expedition along the length of the river in South Australia, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Cruising the Murray is also a great way to gain an insight into the history of the world's fourth largest river system. In the 19th century the Murray River played a vital role in Australian history as a communication and transport link, and hundreds of barges and paddle-steamers plied their trade.
Those with limited time should head for Mannum or Murray Bridge, where you can take a short morning tea cruise.Try Jester Cruises - a 40-seat cruiser that operates two cruises, six days per week, from Mannum's Mary Ann Reserve. For something different, the Paddle Steamer PS Marion is a heritage vessel and fully restored. Throughout the year PS Marion undertakes both limited short cruises and overnight cruises, as well as being available for charter. Her home port is Arnold Wharf at Mannum Dock Museum, which incorporates Mannum Visitor Information Centre.
At Murray Bridge the MV Barrangul operates devonshire afternoon tea cruises most days while the Paddleboat Captain Proud operates sightseeing, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner cruises from the Main Wharf (near the old trains) seven days a week.
PS Murray Princess - Australia's largest and most luxurious paddle-wheeler - runs regular three, four and seven-night cruises. The Princess boasts 60 ensuite cabins, two spas and saunas, bars, lounges, a dining saloon, gift shop and library. Cruises depart from Mannum and coach transfers are available from Adelaide. The Princess also offers side-tours to various attractions within the region, including Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site.
For a special encounter with nature, board the Murray Expedition, operated by River of Australia Expeditions. You can take a two, three or five-night cruises, all with a strong ecotourism flavour. These tours are a great way to learn more about the river environment and include side-trips to secluded lagoons, national parks and indigenous sites -guided by an ecologist. The vessel has 18 ensuite cabins, a bar and lounge, and is renowned for its fresh, modern Australian cuisine.
A combination of river cruising and historic pub accommodation is offered on the Spirit of the Murray for its "Great Murray River Run". The state-of-the-art Spirit of the Murray travels 560 kilometres from Wellington to Border Cliffs. Tours, meals, accommodation and visits to river towns are all
included.For many people, cruising the Murray River means hiring a houseboat and, considering the range and quality of the boats on offer, it's easy to see why. The Murraylands is home to more than 80 commercial houseboats, with many luxuriously appointed and fully equipped.
Perhaps you are after something quite indulgent? On a fully catered Odyssey River Cruise, look forward to having your own captain, housekeeper and chef, who would no doubt ensure your experience will be truly enjoyable and certainly most relaxing.
