3-Night Murray River Cruise on the classic Murray Princess

A Classic Murray River Adventure on the Murray Princess
Imagine drifting along Australia’s longest river aboard a genuine paddle wheeler, the PS Murray Princess. For three nights, you get to see the Murray’s gentle flow, its cliffs, historic towns, and native wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and tortoises. This journey, offered by Captain Cook Cruises, costs around $1,340 per person and typically gets booked about 114 days in advance. It’s a well-paced 4-day experience with round-trip transfers from Adelaide, making it easy to relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about logistics.

What makes this trip stand out? We love how authentic the experience feels—traveling on a paddle wheeler is a throwback to the river’s original way of transport. Plus, the inclusion of native wildlife safaris and wine tastings offers a taste of the local flavors and scenery that many river cruises overlook.

A potential consideration? The tour is primarily geared towards an older crowd, which might mean less energetic evenings or fewer party atmospheres. Also, drinks are not included, so if you fancy a beer or wine outside the scheduled tastings, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

This cruise appeals most to those who enjoy laid-back scenic journeys, are interested in local food and wildlife, and appreciate historic settings. If you’re after an authentic, relaxed experience with plenty of opportunities to learn and observe nature, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

Authentic Paddle Whelers: Traveling on the PS Murray Princess feels like stepping back in time, offering a genuine connection to the river’s past.
Wildlife and Nature: Expect small-boat safaris, nature walks, and sightings of native animals, making this ideal for wildlife lovers.
Local Food and Wine: The tour features a Riverland food and wine tasting, giving a delicious taste of regional produce.
Historic Stops: Visits to Mannum, Murray Bridge, and the Roundhouse highlight the area’s past, culture, and engineering feats.
Relaxed Pacing: The journey emphasizes comfort, scenic views, and on-board entertainment, perfect for a leisurely escape.
Group Size and Comfort: With a maximum of 120 travelers, you’ll find a cozy, friendly atmosphere, especially in the outside cabins.

Exploring the Itinerary in Depth

The Starting Point: Mannum

Your adventure begins in Mannum, a charming town known for its river history and relaxed vibe. The transfer from Adelaide takes about an hour, during which you can soak in the scenery and start to unwind. Once aboard the Murray Princess, you’ll settle into your outside cabin—a good choice for those who love watching the river glide by from their window. The ship’s atmosphere is friendly, with helpful crew members making sure your needs are covered.

Day 2: Murray Bridge and Monarto Safari Park

The second day is packed with a variety of highlights. You’ll explore Murray Bridge, known for its historic Roundhouse, which offers insights into local engineering and river trade history. Then, a visit to Monarto Safari Park (though an optional extra) allows you to see some of the world’s largest open-range animals. The guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat provides a close-up look at native flora and fauna, which is a highlight for nature lovers.

Day 3: Food, Wildlife, and Evening Festivities

If you’re a fan of regional cuisine, you’ll love the Riverland food and wine tasting, where local producers showcase their best offerings. Next, a small boat trip on the ‘Dragon-fly’ will get you very close to birdlife—great for photographers and bird enthusiasts. The evening culminates in the Captain’s Dinner and Dance, a lively way to end the day with good food, music, and a chance to mingle with fellow travelers.

Day 4: Return to Mannum

After breakfast, you’ll disembark and transfer back to Mannum, with time to reflect on the scenic, wildlife-rich journey. The entire experience balances relaxation with enough activity to keep it interesting without feeling rushed.

The Onboard Experience: Comfort and Camaraderie

Staying in an outside cabin means you’ll wake up to views of the river each morning. The ship offers a cozy environment, with optional meals and the ability to join guided excursions or relax on deck. Many travelers mention the helpful crew and friendly guides, which enhance the overall atmosphere.

The wildlife boat tour and nature walk are particularly praised, offering close encounters with native species and scenery that change as you traverse different sections of the river. Reviewers have described the trip as “exellent” and appreciated the two-person team leading the wildlife safari.

While most activities are included, remember that drinks and some optional extras like the safari park visit cost extra, so budgeting accordingly is wise.

Analyzing Value for Money

At just over $1,340, this cruise isn’t cheap, but it offers a package of three nights’ accommodation, all meals, guided excursions, and round-trip transfers—which adds up to significant convenience and comfort. You’re paying for the experience of a historic paddle steamer, the chance to see native wildlife, and sample regional food and wine.

Compared to independent travel, this setup offers peace of mind and a structured, immersive experience. It’s especially attractive if you value guided insights, intimate group sizes, and a scenic escape that requires minimal planning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who enjoy relaxing river journeys, are curious about Australia’s native wildlife, or want to experience the historic significance of the Murray River. It’s well-suited for those who prefer a leisurely pace and appreciate the company of others in a friendly, organized setting.

Given the positive reviews about the knowledgeable guides and the delicious wine tastings, foodies and nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love. But if you’re seeking a party atmosphere or very energetic days, this might not be the best fit.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately four days, with three nights on board.

What is included in the price?
Your fare covers the cruise, three nights’ accommodation, all meals, backwater wildlife boat tour, food and wine tastings, and round-trip transfers from Adelaide.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase onboard, so you should plan to buy your own if you want alcohol or soft drinks outside the tastings provided.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to check with the operator, especially regarding specific excursions like nature walks and boat safaris.

What are the best reasons to book this tour?
You’ll love the authentic paddle steamer experience, the chance to see native wildlife up close, and the regional food and wine tastings.

Is this suitable for families or mostly older travelers?
While most reviews note it’s ideal for an older crowd, the relaxed pace and scenic nature make it a good choice for anyone looking for a calm, scenic break.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked about 114 days ahead, so planning well in advance ensures availability.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 6 days before the start for a full refund. Cancellations less than 6 days prior are non-refundable.

How do I get to the start point?
The tour begins at the Adelaide Central Bus Station. There are nearby public transport options, and parking is available on request.

In essence, this Murray River cruise delivers a relaxing, authentic glimpse into Australia’s riverine landscape. It’s perfect for those who want to unwind, watch wildlife, and enjoy regional flavors aboard a true paddle wheeler. While it may not suit party seekers or those after a vigorous schedule, it offers genuine value for travelers craving a scenic, understated adventure. If you savor calm waters, historic towns, and a touch of wildlife charm, this cruise might just be your ideal getaway.