MELBOURNE TO HORSHAM

Welcome to our tour which features a 3 day 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 travel 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 three nights of sheer bliss, relaxation and some great country music! Mid-afternoon, the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum and heads downriver. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and cocktails (own expense) from the Sturt Bar along with an introduction to your crew who will look after you for the duration of your cruise. Also meet our guest entertainer Dave Freeman and enjoy his music during your Welcome Dinner as we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess 

MUNDURRA TO SALT BUSH FLAT

Departing Mundurra early, we head downriver where we moor alongside the township of Murray Bridge. In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built here at Edwards Crossing which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After breakfast, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour to Monarto Safari Park*. A shuttle bus is available to the main street of Murray Bridge or if you’d prefer, take a walk across the bridge or a leisurely stroll along the pleasant river front lawns and area. Tonight, we will moor at Salt Bush Flat and after dinner, Dave will thrill you with his Country Cruisin’ Music Show which includes hits from Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, John Denver, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and many more!

*Optional tour: Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour at own expense.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

SALT BUSH FLAT TO RIVER VIEW FLAT

After a delicious breakfast, join the First Officer at the gangway for a guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat. Depart late morning and enjoy a regional Riverland/Murrayland local food and wine tasting presentation in the Sturt Dining Room. During lunch we will continue cruising downriver with time to relax and enjoy the on-board facilities. Catch up with friends over a coffee or a drink and reminisce about last night’s entertainment whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. This afternoon we will moor at River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat/ Coolcha) where the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat awaits you. Travel in small, personalised groups and explore the river, getting up close to the 20-million-year-old limestone cliffs and view the amazing birdlife, including darters, herons and egrets that inhabit the areas along river’s edge. We can enjoy a fun game of bocce on the riverbank or try your hand at fishing. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a delicious final night dinner on board and more great music and songs from Dave.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

THE COORONG – MOUNT GAMBIER 

We depart River View Lodge early in the morning while enjoying breakfast in the Sturt Dining Room before docking at the Mannum Wharf, where 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. We take a look around Mount Gambier before retiring to our accommodation with time to relax before dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Presidential Hotel, MOUNT GAMBIER

MOUNT GAMBIER TO MELBOURNE

This morning we travel the very picturesque area of Victoria’s Western District via Casterton and Coleraine to Hamilton. Hamilton is set among the rolling hills which produce some of the finest merino wool in the world. The town has therefore adopted the slogan “wool capital of the world”. Heading for home we travel to Mortlake where we stop for our lunch. Continuing on, we cross to the Princes Highway through Camperdown. Camperdown sits on the great volcanic plain of Victoria’s Western District and is surrounded by crater lakes and volcanic cones. As we cross the “great volcanic plain” we travel alongside miles of fascinating dry-stone walls which are a feature of the countryside and known as the stony rises. The walls were built in the 1860s by highly skilled “wallers” from Ireland and Scotland. We also pass by many crater lakes, some more salty than the sea. We arrive at Geelong mid-afternoon and continue on to Melbourne to complete 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!