MELBOURNE TO HORSHAM

Welcome to our Christmas in July cruise aboard the stunning Murray Princess. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. We travel to the ‘Spa Centre of Australia’, Daylesford, for our morning break with time for a wander through the delightful boutiques and shops of the main street, before heading to Ballarat where we stop for lunch. This afternoon we drive along the Western Highway to Ararat for our afternoon break and a walk around Lake Alexandra. Our overnight stay is in Horsham.

OVERNIGHT: Horsham International Hotel, HORSHAM

SOUTH AUSTRALIA—MANNUM—MURRAY PRINCESS CRUISE

Before leaving Horsham this morning, we take a look at their silo art. “Walking on Country” artwork celebrates the life of a Wotjobaluk warrior, Yanggendyinanyuk. World renowned street artist Sam Bates 'Smug' was commissioned to transform Horsham's silo with the image of Yanggendyinanyuk. His totem, the Black Cockatoo, has been painted on the adjacent flour mill. After a photo opportunity, we travel through Nhill into South Australia. We arrive in Mannum where we board the Murray Princess. Mannum became a major port in the years of river trade, transporting wheat from the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges upstream to New South Wales and Victoria. We board the 67 metre (200 ft) luxury paddlewheeler for seven nights of sheer bliss and relaxation. Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs Mannum and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Piggy Flat/Coolcha, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess 

PIGGY FLAT/COOLCHA TO SUGAR SHACK - CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Daybreak and it’s time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. This morning, your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. For those who choose to stay on-board, you may wish to partake in a game of bocce or compete in the fishing challenge before we cruise upriver past Walker Flat to Sugar Shack Conservation Park. This afternoon, enjoy an Aussie Style Christmas in July lunch with all the trimmings, Christmas table decorations and themed music – plus Ho Ho Ho, a special Christmas guest! What a lovely way to spend an afternoon on the river!

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

CRUISE TO MORGAN

We continue cruising upriver this morning as we enjoy breakfast and pass through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of the river’s water. Enjoy some free time and in the afternoon join in the fun playing a few games of bingo. Late afternoon we will secure the vessel at Morgan and after dinner, join the ‘Morgan by Night’ historic walk of the township.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

WAIKERIE TO THE 329KM MARK

Today we are transferred by coach to the Riverland town of Waikerie and Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre near Kingston On Murray. Enjoy some free time in Waikerie and at Banrock Station delight in cellar door wine tastings followed by a delicious lunch and DVD presentation. There will be time to take a stroll around the gardens and orchards enjoying the relaxing scenery. Return by coach to Morgan where we will re-board the Murray Princess and continue our journey upriver and secure at the 329km mark of the Murray River.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

MORGAN TO BLANCHETOWN

We continue upriver to our turnaround point, picturesque Hogwash Bend. Enjoy a leisurely lunch as we cruise downriver back towards Morgan. Mid-afternoon we join a guided walk of the Morgan township and the Morgan Living History Museum, before continuing to our mooring at Blanchetown. Visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door, which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

SWAN REACH AND SUNNYDALE

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. When we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we 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 (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls by powerful spotlights Special stops are made along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

NGAUT NGAUT CONSERVATION PARK TO YOUNGHUSBAND

After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, we slowly cruise downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. We reach Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, 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. We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

THE COORONG TO MOUNT GAMBIER

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum where after breakfast, we farewell our hosts and board the coach. Our travels today take us along the Coorong and into South Eastern South Australia, visiting Kingston S.E. and the holiday villages of Robe and Beachport on our way to Mount Gambier.

OVERNIGHT:  The Barn Accommodation, MOUNT GAMBIER

EXPLORING MOUNT GAMBIER

Unlock the secrets, folklore and legends of Mount Gambier when we visit the Blue Lake Pumping Station to hear the fascinating story about the unique Blue Lake and its mysterious annual colour change. At the Mount Gambier Old Courthouse, we discover the galleries of information and interpretive banners which tell the stories of some of the people who worked or whose crimes were judged here. Next is Umpherston Cave, a century old sunken garden planted on a series of terraces reflecting a bygone era. There’s now a bit of time for us to wander town. Why not take a look through the Riddoch Art Gallery or just stroll through the main shopping precinct? The choice is ours. We end our day with a tour, tasting and afternoon tea at the friendly Caroline Hills Winery. The small batch wines are made with minimal intervention, using open fermentation, hand plunging and minimal filtration. While here, roam the peaceful 3-acre garden and meander through the art gallery.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: The Barn Accommodation, MOUNT GAMBIER

MOUNT GAMBIER TO MELBOURNE

It’s time to head for home as we travel the very picturesque area of Victoria’s Western District via Casterton and Coleraine to Hamilton, the “wool capital of the world”. Continuing on, we stop for lunch before driving through the great volcanic plain of Victoria’s Western District. We arrive back in Melbourne late afternoon after a wonderful time away. As always our limousines will be on hand to transfer us home - all part of the superior O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours service!