Departing from Renmark, South Australia, on Tuesday 23 June 2020, the much-loved paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess,is back cruising the Murray River with a one off, special seven night ‘Welcome Back’ cruise to Mannum.
Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Murray Princess was put into dry dock in Renmark for maintenance and survey work, and is now ready to host 40 passengers on an intimate journey that will follow in the footsteps of the great 19th Century pioneers, along 420kms of the Murray River.
Spend the first night aboard the Murray Princess in Renmark and learn all about the town on a guided walking tour. Enjoy leisurely afternoons exploring Berri and Waikerie and travel back to the early 1800s at Morgan. Once a port to hundreds of paddle steamers carrying cargo and passengers up the Murray-Darling River system, the restored wharf precinct captures the early river trading days and the town’s museums bring to life the stories of the paddle steamer era. That evening join the First Officer for a ‘eerie’ Ghost Tour of Morgan.
Along the river learn about Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years at the fascinating Ngaut Nguat Aboriginal Reserve. At Sunnydale experience a typical Australian woolshed show, followed by a Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia’s most interesting animals are cared for.
An optional Nocturnal Tour or new Dark Night Sky Experience is also available at Sunnydale. Experience the new ‘Dark Sky Night Tour’ and see why the Murray River region has been recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Stretching across 3,200 kms, the reserve is the only one in Australia and one of 15 around the world. Night viewing binoculars and a telescope with a digital control locator are available plus a tablet to locate and name what can be observed with the naked eye. This authentic outdoor bush experience under the stars of the Milky Way will be one to remember and is only $20 per person.
Onboard the Murray Princess sit back on the open top deck or in the air-conditioned paddlewheel lounge and watch the working paddle wheel through a two-story glass window. Join the Captain for a general inspection of the wheelhouse, participate in a lively trivia quiz, participate in fun and exciting “Murray River Cup”, play some bocce on the riverbank or relax with some fishing off the ship.
Prices start from $2099 per person twin share with only outside cabins available. Prices include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, onboard WiFi, use of ship’s facilities including a sun deck, bar, two lounges, dining room and mini gymnasium and complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide to Renmark and post cruise from Mannum to Adelaide. Secure car parking in Mannum is also available including a complimentary pre-cruise coach transfer from Mannum to Renmark.
Private car transfers for up to four people are also available from Mannum to Adelaide CBD for $150 per person each way, based on two people travelling.
