7-Night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise on the Murray Princess

Discover the Murraylands and Wildlife on the Murray Princess: a 7-night cruise through South Australia’s famed river landscapes, with guided walks, wine tastings, and charming towns. Priced at around $2,843 per person, this journey offers a mix of natural beauty, local history, and leisurely onboard comfort. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a slow-paced, scenic escape that combines wildlife, wine, and regional stories.

What we particularly like about this cruise is how smoothly it combines onboard comfort with authentic onshore experiences—from guided nature walks to visits to iconic wine regions. Plus, the return transfers from Adelaide make life easier, removing the hassle of booking transport yourself. However, a possible downside is that some reviews suggest the onshore excursions, especially the trip to Barossa Valley, involve lengthy coach rides which might feel a bit long for some travelers.

This experience suits those who love nature and wildlife, are curious about local food and wine, and enjoy relaxed river cruising. If your idea of a good trip involves observing Queensland’s native animals or exploring historic river towns, you’ll find this cruise offers plenty of opportunities to do so in comfort and style.

Key Points

• Scenic River Route: Pass through Lock 13, Big Bend cliffs, and native wildlife habitats.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided nature walks, wildlife shelters, and local history tours.
• Wine & Food: Visits to the Barossa Valley and boutique wineries with tastings.
• Onboard Amenities: Live entertainment, onboard presentations, and meals included.
• Convenient Transfers: Return coach from Adelaide make logistics simple.
• Mixed Reviews: Some guests love the scenery and guides, others find some excursions lengthy and the value a bit high.

A Detailed Look at the 7-Night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise

Starting Point and First Impressions

This cruise begins in Mannum, a historic town recognized as the birthplace of Murray River trade. At around 1:20 pm, you meet at the Adelaide Central Bus Station, then hop aboard the Murray Princess. The ship is a classic paddle wheeler with a friendly, family-like atmosphere, and you’ll find lift facilities onboard, making it accessible for most travelers.

The first afternoon is a relaxed settling-in period. We liked the way the crew welcomed guests, and the sight of the river opening up in front of us hints at the scenic journey ahead. A highlight here is the chance to mingle in the lounge—it’s a good time to start chatting with fellow passengers and get your bearings.

Day 2: Exploring Murray Bridge and Monarto Safari Park

In the morning, the cruise stops in Murray Bridge, a small town with a rich history. The Roundhouse tour is a quick but interesting look at the area’s past, especially if you’re into early Australian industry. The real wildlife highlight comes with the Monarto Safari Park visit—a large open-range zoo where you can see native animals roaming freely, though this excursion isn’t included in the base price.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed the presentation on the Riverland’s food and wine, which set the scene for the upcoming days. The highlight of the afternoon is a guided walk at Salt Bush Flat—a chance to stretch your legs and see native plants and birdlife up close.

Day 3: Nature Walks and River Cruising

This morning’s guided nature walk was a real favorite, offering insights into local flora and fauna. It’s a peaceful way to start the day, and we appreciated how knowledgeable the guides were—many guests, including reviewers, have praised their insights.

The boat then cruises for about 8 hours, providing plenty of time to relax on deck, enjoy the views, and perhaps spot waterbirds or herons. This longer cruise day ensures you experience the changing scenery, with the river passing through lush banks and occasional cliffs. As one reviewer mentioned, “It was a relaxing trip up and down the river exploring and watching the vista pass by.”

Day 4: The Vineyards of Barossa Valley

A highlight for wine lovers is the day trip to Barossa Valley—about an 8-hour excursion that takes you from the river to one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. You visit the Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre and Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where the quality of local produce and wine is evident.

This trip involves a decent coach ride, which some might find long but is often appreciated by those wanting to experience the region without driving. We loved the chance to taste local wines and learn about the area’s viticulture. The scenery on the way is charming and rolling, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Day 5: Cruising and Boutique Wineries

Today, the ship cruises upriver through Lock 13—a fantastic engineering marvel that maintains water levels—and reaches Blanchetown. This section of the river is tranquil and offers a good balance of relaxation and scenery.

An evening visit to Burk Salter Boutique Winery rounds off the day, where you can taste wines in a gorgeous setting with red gum accents. According to reviews, the wine tastings are a standout, especially with the friendly local staff. We found this to be a very relaxing way to end the day, especially after a long afternoon on the coach.

Day 6: Historic Swan Reach and Wildlife Encounters

Swan Reach, settled in the 1850s, still retains a sense of its pioneer past. The town has a quiet charm, and the visit includes a Woolshed Show recreating traditional shearing and wool processing—an authentic taste of rural Australian history.

Later, at the Native Wildlife Shelter, guests can see and learn about native animals such as kangaroos and koalas, which many reviews highlight as a meaningful experience. This day offers a good mix of history, wildlife, and local culture.

Day 7: Scenic Cliffs and Bush Walks

The final full day includes a visit to Nildottie, where you can opt for an early Bush Tucker Breakfast or a walk with the captain. The cruise then passes through some of the river’s most impressive sandstone cliffs—geological formations shaped over millions of years.

The scenery here is stunning, and the slow cruise provides plenty of time to soak it all in. We loved the peacefulness of the river winding past towering rocks and the chance to reflect on the trip’s natural beauty.

Day 8: Wrap-up and Return to Mannum

The journey concludes with a morning cruise back to Mannum. After breakfast, you’ll disembark and transfer back to Adelaide. For those with time, the return journey is an opportunity to chat with fellow travelers about their favorite moments.

What Sets This Cruise Apart

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides, especially on nature walks and at wildlife shelters—these are the moments that bring the landscape and animals to life. The stunning views along the river, with big sandstone cliffs and lush banks, are a key highlight that makes the long days on deck worthwhile.

The wine tastings at boutique wineries like Burk Salter are often praised for their quality and friendly service, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship. The onboard live entertainment and presentations add a lively touch to the relaxed pace.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

Some reviewers feel the value is a bit high, especially considering the long coach rides involved in the Barossa trip. The excursions, while rich in content, can sometimes involve lengthy travel, which might not appeal to everyone. Plus, some guests found onboard amenities a little basic, but for many, the natural scenery and authentic experiences outweigh this.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic tranquility, enjoy learning about regional history, and love wine tastings and wildlife encounters. It’s perfect if you prefer a mix of guided excursions and relaxed days on the river, rather than nonstop activity.

Final Thoughts

The Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise on the Murray Princess offers a gentle, scenic voyage through South Australia’s iconic river landscape, with opportunities to explore historic towns, taste regional wines, and spot native animals in their habitat. It’s a trip that balances relaxation with authentic local experiences, making it ideal for those who want to slow down and truly soak in the scenery.

The journey is especially recommendable for nature lovers and food and wine enthusiasts, who will enjoy the guided walks, wildlife encounters, and vineyard visits. However, if you’re looking for quick-paced action or luxury dining, this might not be your best fit.

All in all, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a peaceful, informative, and scenic river adventure with a touch of regional flavor.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The cruise price includes guided nature walks, wildlife shelters, onboard entertainment, presentations, return coach transfers from Adelaide, and most meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Are the shore excursions optional?
Yes, some onshore excursions, such as the visit to Monarto Safari Park, are not included and may require additional payment. The Barossa Valley trip is included but involves a long coach ride.

How accessible is the ship?
The Murray Princess has lift facilities onboard, making it accessible for most travelers, including those with mobility issues.

Is there a specific start time?
Yes, the cruise departs at 1:20 pm from Adelaide’s Central Bus Station, and the day includes check-in and settling into your cabin.

What is the typical group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 120 travelers, providing a friendly, social atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days before the trip for a full refund. Cancellations less than that may involve partial or no refunds, so plan accordingly.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a realistic picture of what to expect from the 7-Night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise—an authentic, scenic adventure perfect for relaxed travelers eager to enjoy Australia’s iconic river and its surrounds.