Murray River Cruising for the Travel Trade

Murray River Princess

Cruise Australia’s greatest inland waterway aboard the PS Murray Princess – a classic paddlewheeler navigating 320 kilometres of the Murray River through ancient gorges, towering sandstone cliffs, and the South Australian outback. Available as a 3-night discovery or 7-night expedition, with complimentary Barossa Valley wine touring, wildlife encounters, and Aboriginal cultural heritage. A distinctive product for travel agents packaging authentic Australian experiences that go well beyond the usual coastal itineraries.

About This Cruise

The Murray River, South Australia

The Murray River is Australia’s longest river and, for more than a century, it was the country’s great inland highway. Paddle steamers once carried wool, wheat, and supplies along its winding course through the South Australian outback. That history hasn’t faded. It’s still there in the river red gum forests, the crumbling limestone cliffs, and the quiet towns that line the banks.

The PS Murray Princess is a genuine paddlewheeler – the largest operating on inland waters in the Southern Hemisphere. She cruises 320 kilometres of the Murray between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge, departing from the historic port town of Mannum. Two itineraries are available: a 7-night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise covering the full stretch with Aboriginal heritage sites, boutique wineries, nature walks, and a complimentary Barossa Valley wine tour; or a 3-night Discovery Cruise offering a shorter introduction to the river. Both are well suited for Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) itineraries, group series, and as a distinctive inland component in broader Australian touring programmes.

  • 3-night or 7-night cruises departing from Mannum, South Australia
  • Complimentary coach transfers from Adelaide CBD to the vessel and return
  • Complimentary Barossa Valley wine and heritage tour included on 7-night cruise
  • Aboriginal cultural heritage at Ngaut Ngaut Reserve, guided nature walks, wildlife encounters
  • Ideal for FIT itineraries, series groups, and incentive add-ons
The Murray Princess, a multi-deck riverboat, is docked along the Murray River in South Australia. The distinctive yellow and cream-colored paddlewheel vessel features multiple levels with ornate railings and wide viewing decks, characteristic of classic Australian river cruising vessels.

COMPLETE ITINERARIES

Your Murray River Cruise – Day by Day

Board the PS Murray Princess in Mannum

Complimentary coach transfers depart Adelaide CBD at 1:20pm, arriving in Mannum in time for boarding from 2:30pm. The PS Murray Princess departs at 4:30pm, heading upriver as guests settle in and explore the vessel. A welcome dinner kicks things off properly. After dark, the ship cruises under floodlight – and the riverbanks come alive. Kangaroos, wombats, tortoises, and egrets are regularly spotted from the deck.

Mannum is where Murray River trade began. It’s a small town with outsized historical significance, and the departure from its wharf sets the right tone for what follows.

Trade tip: Clients flying into Adelaide can connect easily via the complimentary coach transfer. For those arriving the day before, we can arrange pre-cruise accommodation in Adelaide or the Adelaide Hills. The transfer logistics make this very clean to package into a broader South Australian itinerary.

An elegant formal dining room aboard the Murray Princess river cruise ship, featuring guests enjoying a meal at a long table with fine place settings, white tablecloths, and large windows overlooking lush green landscapes and eucalyptus trees along the Murray River.

Murray Bridge Township & Optional Monarto Safari Park

The first bridge to span the Murray was built at Edwards Crossing in 1879, and the township of Murray Bridge grew up around it. After breakfast, guests can join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks or take a self-guided wander. The alternative is an optional wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park – one of the largest open-range zoos in the world, home to African and Australian species across vast natural bushland.

Back on board, a presentation on Riverland food and wine sets the scene for the region’s produce. The afternoon is spent cruising upriver to the overnight mooring at Salt Bush Flat.

Trade tip: The Monarto Safari Park option is an additional cost but it’s a strong add-on, particularly for families and clients who want that wildlife encounter without leaving South Australia. It pairs well with the nature-focused content later in the cruise.

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Guided Nature Walk & River Birdlife

Morning begins with a guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat, where the ship’s guide shares knowledge of local flora and fauna along the riverbank. The landscape here is quintessentially Australian – dry scrubland giving way to towering river red gums, with birdlife everywhere you look.

Later, guests board the Dragon-Fly – a flat-bottomed boat purpose-built for getting close to the river’s birdlife without disturbing it. Pelicans, cormorants, herons, and kingfishers are common sightings. The afternoon cruise passes through some of the Murray’s most dramatic river gorge scenery, with big sandstone cliffs rising from the water.

Trade tip: The Dragon-Fly experience is one of the quiet highlights that guests mention in feedback. It’s unhurried and intimate. Worth flagging to clients interested in birdwatching or nature photography.

Two glasses of crisp white wine are displayed on a woven placemat alongside fresh green grapes, grapevine leaves, and a rustic straw hat, evoking the classic wine culture of Tuscany. The warm, natural lighting and earthy tones create an inviting scene ideal for wine tourism and culinary travel content.

Riverland Food & Wine Tasting

Today focuses on the produce of the Riverland region. Guests enjoy a curated tasting featuring two red and two white wines from local producers, alongside regional produce. The Murray River irrigates one of Australia’s most productive food bowls, and the quality of what comes from here surprises many international visitors.

The cruise continues through increasingly dramatic scenery as the vessel heads upriver towards the big gorge country. On-board entertainment rounds out the evening.

Trade tip: The food and wine component gives this cruise genuine appeal for clients who are also doing the Barossa or McLaren Vale. It adds a different perspective – Riverland wines are less well known internationally but the tasting is well presented and gives clients a broader understanding of South Australian wine regions.

An idyllic vineyard scene featuring two glasses of red and white wine on a wooden barrel overlooking rolling hills dotted with cypress trees at golden hour. Fresh grapes hang overhead, creating a quintessential European wine country atmosphere with warm sunlight illuminating the landscape.

Big Bend Cliffs, Woolshed Show & Wildlife Shelter

The cruise reaches Big Bend – one of the most photographed stretches of the Murray, where towering sandstone cliffs rise vertically from the water’s edge. The scale is impressive and the colours shift through the day as the light changes.

At Sunnydale, guests disembark for the Woolshed Show – a hands-on demonstration of sheep shearing and outback station life. Adjacent is the Native Wildlife Shelter, where guests can get close to kangaroos, koalas, and other native species. A riverside Aussie barbecue rounds out the day. Optional extras include a nocturnal tour in a purpose-built cart (additional cost) and a bush tucker breakfast the following morning (additional cost).

Trade tip: The Sunnydale stop is the experiential heart of the 7-night cruise. The woolshed show and wildlife shelter deliver the kind of hands-on Australian encounters that international travellers love, without feeling contrived. The nocturnal tour is worth recommending – it’s a genuinely different wildlife experience.

A classic multi-deck paddlewheel riverboat with cream and red exterior navigates calm waters lined with native eucalyptus trees and natural bushland. The vessel features multiple observation decks, a smokestack, and displays what appears to be an Australian flag, suggesting operation on Australia's iconic Murray River.

Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve & Swan Reach

Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve is one of the Murray River’s most significant archaeological sites. The reserve contains rock engravings, ancient camping grounds, and burial sites that tell the story of thousands of years of Aboriginal habitation along the river. Guided visits provide cultural context that adds real depth to the cruise experience.

The afternoon includes a walking tour of Swan Reach township and a visit to the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Swan Reach is a small, quiet river town and the museum does a solid job of documenting the paddlesteamer era and the communities that depended on the river.

Trade tip: The Ngaut Ngaut visit is culturally significant and something you won’t find replicated elsewhere. For clients interested in Aboriginal heritage and Australian history, this is a genuine highlight. It adds a dimension to the cruise that sets it apart from purely scenic river cruising.

An elegant multi-story riverboat with classical colonial architecture and ornate white railings floats on calm blue water under clear skies. The vessel features distinctive mansion-like design with multiple decks, large windows, and a tall antenna, suggesting it serves as a luxury floating accommodation or cruise vessel on a major river system.

Lock #1 at Blanchetown & Complimentary Barossa Tour

The cruise navigates through Lock #1 at Blanchetown – the first of the Murray’s lock system and an engineering landmark. The experience of passing through the lock is surprisingly engaging. Before or after, guests visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery for a cellar door tasting.

The complimentary Barossa Wine and Heritage tour is a major inclusion on the 7-night cruise. Guests are taken by coach to the Barossa Valley for a day of premium wine tasting, heritage sites, and local produce. It’s a full day out, and the Barossa needs no introduction – it’s one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.

Trade tip: The complimentary Barossa tour is a significant value-add and a strong selling point. Many clients would visit the Barossa anyway as part of a South Australia itinerary, so having it integrated into the cruise programme makes packaging simpler and adds genuine appeal. Scenic tender boat rides are also offered during the cruise for those wanting to explore the smaller waterways.

A serene riverside scene at golden hour showing the Murray River with lush green vegetation lining both banks, viewed from a covered deck or balcony of what appears to be a river cruise vessel. The golden sunlight reflects across the calm water, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for river cruise travel.

Disembark in Mannum

The PS Murray Princess returns to Mannum at 9:00am. Complimentary coach transfers deliver guests back to Adelaide CBD by approximately 11:00am to 11:30am, or Adelaide Airport by 12:00pm. That timing works well for afternoon domestic flights or connections to onward touring.

Trade tip: We recommend booking clients at least one night in Adelaide post-cruise. The Central Market, Adelaide Hills wine region, and Kangaroo Island are all within easy reach. This cruise pairs naturally with a broader South Australia programme – or as an inland contrast to east coast and Red Centre itineraries. AABH can arrange all pre- and post-cruise accommodation, transfers, and onward flights.

An aerial view of a multi-deck river cruise ship moored at a sandy riverbank landing with passengers gathered on shore surrounded by golden-lit eucalyptus trees. The vessel features a distinctive white and cream livery with multiple deck levels, connected to the landing via a gangway, on a calm, mirror-like river with dramatic cliff faces visible in the background.

3-Night Discovery Cruise – Friday to Monday

The shorter option for clients with tighter schedules. The 3-night Discovery Cruise departs Mannum on selected Fridays at 4:30pm (boarding from 2:30pm, complimentary coach from Adelaide CBD at 1:20pm) and returns Monday at 9:00am.

It covers the stretch between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge, including the guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat, the Dragon-Fly birdlife boat experience, Riverland food and wine tasting, Murray Bridge township exploration, and the option of Monarto Safari Park on Saturday. An optional Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour is available at cruise conclusion (additional cost).

Friday evening sets the tone with a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises under floodlight to Mundurra, spotting nocturnal wildlife along the banks. Saturday offers Murray Bridge and the optional safari park. Sunday morning features the guided nature walk before the ship cruises downriver.

Trade tip: The 3-night cruise is a practical option for clients who want to experience the Murray River without committing to a full week. It works well as a standalone weekend component in a broader South Australian itinerary or as a taster for clients who may return for the 7-night voyage. The Friday-to-Monday schedule fits neatly into touring programmes.

A classic multi-deck paddlewheel riverboat with cream and dark hull coloring is moored at a historic riverside wharf featuring vintage timber infrastructure, loading equipment, and period buildings. The scene captures the heritage of river cruise tourism on what appears to be the Murray River in Australia.

WHAT’S ON BOARD

Inclusions & The PS Murray Princess

7-Night Cruise Inclusions

  • 7 nights accommodation aboard the PS Murray Princess
  • All meals in the Sturt Dining Room
  • Complimentary coach transfers between Adelaide CBD and Mannum
  • Complimentary Barossa Wine and Heritage tour
  • Guided nature walks, scenic tender boat ride, and Dragon-Fly birdlife cruise
  • Cellar door tasting at Burk Salter Boutique Winery
  • Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve visit, Sunnydale Woolshed Show and Wildlife Shelter
  • Riverland food and wine tasting, riverside Aussie barbecue, on-board entertainment

About the PS Murray Princess

The PS Murray Princess is the largest paddlewheeler operating on inland waters in the Southern Hemisphere. She’s a proper working paddlesteamer – not a replica – and the rhythmic splash of the paddle wheel sets the pace of the whole experience. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed and social. Think country hospitality rather than white-glove formality.

Cabin options range from inside cabins with twin singles or a double bed, through to outside cabins with river views and premium staterooms. The Sturt Dining Room serves all meals, and there’s on-board entertainment each evening from the ship’s crew. It’s comfortable without being pretentious, which suits the character of the river perfectly.

  • Inside cabins, outside cabins with river views, and premium staterooms
  • Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat and scenic tender for off-ship excursions
  • Sturt Dining Room with all meals included
  • Nightly on-board entertainment from the ship’s crew

Ready to Book the Murray River Princess?

Contact our team for trade rates, cabin availability, and help packaging the Murray River cruise into your clients’ Australian itineraries. We handle pre- and post-cruise accommodation in Adelaide, domestic flights, Barossa and Adelaide Hills extensions, and connections across our full range of Australian and New Zealand touring product.

Frequently Asked Questions

The PS Murray Princess operates on selected dates throughout the year. The 7-night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise departs on selected Mondays, while the 3-night Discovery Cruise departs on selected Fridays. The Murray River is navigable year-round, with each season offering something different – winter brings crisp mornings and misty river views, while summer delivers long warm evenings on deck. Availability varies by season, so we recommend booking well ahead for peak periods. Contact our team for the current cruise schedule and departure dates.
Complimentary coach transfers are included with both the 3-night and 7-night cruises. The coach departs Adelaide CBD at 1:20pm on the day of departure, arriving in Mannum in time for boarding from 2:30pm. On return, the coach arrives back in Adelaide CBD at approximately 11:00am to 11:30am, or Adelaide Airport by 12:00pm. For the 3-night cruise, there’s also an option to stay on for the Barossa Wine and Heritage tour, arriving back in Adelaide around 5:30pm or Adelaide Airport at 6:00pm. The transfers make this very straightforward to package – clients don’t need a hire car.
The PS Murray Princess offers three cabin categories: inside cabins (available in twin single or double bed configuration), outside cabins with river views (also twin single or double), and premium staterooms with a double bed. All cabins include private ensuite facilities. The outside cabins and staterooms are popular for their river views, particularly during the scenic gorge stretches. Contact us for specific cabin availability on your preferred departure date.
The 3-night Discovery Cruise covers the stretch between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge and includes the nature walk, Dragon-Fly birdlife cruise, Riverland food and wine tasting, and Murray Bridge township exploration. It’s a solid introduction to the river. The 7-night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise covers the full 320-kilometre stretch between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge, adding the Aboriginal heritage site at Ngaut Ngaut, the Sunnydale Woolshed Show and wildlife shelter, Big Bend gorge scenery, Lock #1 at Blanchetown, cellar door tastings, and a complimentary Barossa Valley tour. For clients with the time, the 7-night cruise is the more complete experience. The 3-night works well when schedules are tighter or as part of a packed broader itinerary.
Yes. The 7-night cruise offers an optional nocturnal wildlife tour at Sunnydale in a purpose-built cart and a bush tucker breakfast – both at additional cost. Both cruise lengths offer an optional Monarto Safari Park wildlife tour departing from Murray Bridge (additional cost). On the 3-night cruise, the Barossa Wine and Heritage tour is available as an optional add-on at cruise conclusion (it’s complimentary on the 7-night voyage). Contact us for current availability and pricing on these optional experiences.
The Murray River cruise is one of the best inland experiences in Australia and pairs naturally with South Australia’s other highlights – the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Kangaroo Island, and the Flinders Ranges. It also works as a distinctive inland contrast for clients doing the classic east coast route or Red Centre itineraries. The Adelaide departure and return makes logistics clean. Australia and Beyond Holidays can build complete itineraries around the cruise – flights, accommodation, touring, and transfers – making it easy for travel agents to package into broader Australian programmes. Early bird discounts apply on selected departures, so get in touch with our team to discuss availability and trade rates at enquiries@aabh.com.au.
A serene scene on the Murray River featuring a houseboat cruising past the dramatic ochre and white striped cliffs of Headings Cliff in South Australia. The landscape showcases striking geological formations, native eucalyptus trees lining the riverbank, and calm reflective waters, exemplifying the natural beauty and recreational appeal of Australia's iconic river system.
A historic paddle steamer named 'Pride of the Murray' navigates the murky waters of the Murray River in Echuca, Australia, surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees lining the riverbank. The vessel features a distinctive yellow upper deck, red-brown lower sections, and displays the Australian flag, characteristic of traditional Australian river cruise tourism.
A serene landscape of the Murray River at golden hour, with gum trees lining the bank and their silhouettes perfectly mirrored in the still water. The sky displays warm pink and blue tones characteristic of an Australian sunset, creating a tranquil scene in the Riverland region.
A stunning panoramic view of the Murray River in South Australia, featuring dramatic golden-orange limestone cliffs on the left side overlooking the calm, mirror-like river waters. Lush green vegetation lines both banks of the river as it meanders through the landscape, with a beautiful blue sky and white clouds reflected perfectly in the water.
The Emmylou, a historic paddle steamer, navigates the Murray River near Echuca, Australia, with passengers enjoying views from multiple decks. The vessel features a distinctive cream and orange exterior with a tall smokestack, set against a backdrop of eucalyptus trees lining the riverbank.
A serene landscape photograph capturing the Murray River at golden hour, with warm orange sunlight illuminating the red sandstone cliffs and their mirror-like reflections in the still water. A gnarled eucalyptus tree stands on the left bank, silhouetted against the luminous sky.
A distinctive multi-deck riverboat with cream and orange/red coloring navigates a serene river lined with native eucalyptus trees and natural bushland. The vessel features multiple outdoor decks, railings, and what appears to be an Australian flag, characteristic of river cruise operations in inland Australia.
A charming paddle-wheeler riverboat named Emmylou moored along the Murray River in Australia, featuring a distinctive yellow and cream-colored two-story design with open deck areas. The vessel is anchored in shallow water surrounded by native eucalyptus trees and arid landscape under clear blue skies.
An aerial drone perspective of the Murray River winding through dense eucalyptus forests at dusk, with expansive agricultural plains visible in the distance under a dramatic golden sunset sky. The river's reflective surface creates a striking contrast against the rich green forest canopy.
A classic multi-deck paddlewheel riverboat with cream and black livery cruises along the Murray River in Australia, surrounded by eucalyptus forests and calm green waters under clear skies.
The authentic paddle steamer Emmylou, a yellow and black historic riverboat, operates on the Murray River near Echuca, Australia, surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees. This vintage vessel represents classic Australian river cruising heritage with its distinctive multi-deck design and working paddle wheel.
A beautifully illuminated multi-level houseboat named Emmylou glows warmly against the twilight sky, its reflection perfectly mirrored in the still, dark waters below. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees along a serene riverbank, the vessel showcases modern architecture with multiple decks, large windows, and outdoor living spaces.
A classic paddle-wheel riverboat with cream and black hull docked at a historic wharf on the Murray River in Echuca, Australia. The scene includes traditional riverside infrastructure with timber loading facilities and eucalyptus trees, capturing the heritage character of this iconic river port destination.
An overhead view of a contemporary cruise ship cabin featuring a queen-sized bed with white linens, sage green accent wall, dark wood cabinetry with decorative botanical artwork, and an ensuite bathroom visible on the right. The compact but well-appointed space exemplifies modern cruise ship interior design with neutral tones and efficient use of space.
An overhead architectural rendering of a modern cruise ship cabin featuring two single beds positioned side-by-side on a green carpeted floor, dark wood furnishings with decorative blue-patterned upholstery, and an ensuite bathroom visible through an open doorway. The compact cabin design demonstrates efficient use of space typical of contemporary river cruise accommodations.
An overhead view of a luxurious king suite cabin aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring a bed with white linens, dark carpet flooring, integrated storage and lighting, and an ensuite bathroom visible on the right. The modern design combines wood accents with contemporary furnishings and natural light from large windows.
A modern, elegantly designed queen cabin aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring warm wood cabinetry, a botanical-patterned headboard panel, neutral bedding with decorative pillows, and a private balcony with river views. The cabin showcases contemporary hospitality design with integrated storage, soft lighting, and a sophisticated color palette of creams, greens, and warm wood tones.
A modern, elegantly appointed queen suite aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring a spacious bed with white striped linens, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river landscape, contemporary wood cabinetry with decorative panels, ambient lighting, and a comfortable seating area. The suite exemplifies contemporary cruise accommodation design with natural light and sophisticated furnishings.
A luxurious modern king suite aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring a spacious bed with white striped bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a private balcony overlooking the river and eucalyptus trees, contemporary furnishings including a cream accent chair, wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and elegant neutral décor throughout.
A sophisticated multi-level houseboat moored on the tranquil River Murray at Walker Flat in South Australia, featuring elegant white railings, expansive windows, and a spacious upper deck. The vessel is framed by golden-hour sunlight reflecting off the water, with eucalyptus-lined hills and native vegetation in the background.
A stunning twilight view of Brisbane's modern city skyline reflecting in the Brisbane River, featuring the iconic Story Bridge, contemporary high-rise buildings illuminated against a vibrant purple and blue sky, with historic riverside landmarks in the foreground including a lighthouse and heritage structures.

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