(Monday) Depart Adelaide on the scenic coach transfer and travel to historic Mannum where your 7 night cruise will depart at 16:30. Learn about the significance of this quaint township as the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication as you head downriver whilst enjoying pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner.

As you cruise under floodlight to the overnight mooring at Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species.

Enjoy the evening entertainment and dance the night away before settling down in your private cabin.

Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific bird life 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 moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for your overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, join a guided tour of Burk Salter Winery and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars.

There is more entertainment to enjoy after another delicious on board dinner.

After breakfast cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and 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 (Gold coin donation at entry).

Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation.

Arrive at Sunnydale where it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show and learn about typical Australian woolshed history. Later 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 a comfortable purpose built cart is available after dinner (additional cost).

After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, the Murray Princess will slowly cruise downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. Arrive at the 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.

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 Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

Today the paddlewheeler will leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, you may choose to discover Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region – the Barossa.

Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre,

Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery before returning to the PS Murray Princess at Mannum and cruising towards our overnight mooring at Mundurra.

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 before a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland.

This afternoon, continue our journey upriver and tonight moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by the talented crew

All ashore for the guided nature walk where your 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 the Murray Princess will head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, 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

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