MELBOURNE TO MOUNT GAMBIER

Welcome to our holiday to experience the Murray Princess ‘Hot August Night’ Music Cruise. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Following our morning tea break, we travel to Wickliffe where we stop for lunch at Narrapumelap Mansion, an impressive French Gothic Mansion. This afternoon, our journey takes us across the border into South Australia to Mount Gambier for our two night’s accommodation.

OVERNIGHT:  The Barn Accommodation and Steakhouse, MOUNT GAMBIER

EXPLORING MOUNT GAMBIER AND PENOLA

This morning, we unlock the secrets, folklore and legends of Mount Gambier. Our step on guide will highlight many of the major landmarks including the famous Blue Lake which occupies an extinct volcano and is now used as Mount Gambier’s water supply. Next is Umpherston Cave, a century old sunken garden planted on a series of terraces reflecting a bygone era. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms above, before walking down into the impressive garden with palm trees reaching to the sky and plants hanging over the edges of the sinkhole. 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, we head to Penola, which has a very interesting history. Fortunately, a lot of this history has been preserved and is on display along Petticoat Lane and throughout the Saint Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre. Friendly volunteers will welcome us at the Interpretive Centre, which celebrates the life and legacy of Australia's first Saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Adjacent to the Interpretative Centre is Petticoat Lane. This intriguing heritage site portrays the pioneer living standards of the 1890’s. The story of Christopher Sharam, his wife and 15 children are detailed at a site just behind the original slab hut cottage. After our visit we’ll return to Mount Gambier for dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  The Barn Accommodation and Steakhouse, MOUNT GAMBIER

THE MURRAY PRINCESS

This morning we farewell our hosts and make our way to the Coorong. The whole area is a superb natural bird sanctuary with vast numbers of waterbirds. The remake of 1976 movie Storm Boy, a film about a young boy’s friendship with a pelican, has recently been has recently been shot on the Coorong. Continuing our travels and enjoying lunch along the way, we head to Mannum, arriving mid-afternoon, and ready to board the Murray Princess. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and cocktails (own expense) from the Sturt Bar along with an introduction to our crew who will look after us for the duration of the cruise. We’ll be seated for a fabulous Welcome Dinner as we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Murray Bridge. Tonight’s entertainment will be provided by the talented Dave Freeman.

OVERNIGHT:  The Murray Princess

EDWARDS CROSSING TO SALT BUSH FLAT

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 a hearty breakfast, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour to the iconic Monarto Safari Park (own expense). Shuttle transfers are available to the main street of Murray Bridge for those who may wish to stroll around town, or you may like to take a walk across the bridge or just admire the lovely river front areas. This afternoon there will be a special presentation in the Sturt Dining Room on the bounty of food and wine produced in the local Riverland and Murrayland regions. This afternoon we will moor at Salt Bush Flat for overnight, and following dinner, Dave will return to the stage to perform his much acclaimed “OMG Neil Diamond Sounds Like Me” tribute show.

OVERNIGHT:  The Murray Princess 

SALT BUSH FLAT TO RIVER VIEW LODGE

After a delicious breakfast, join the First Officer at the gangway for a guided nature walk around Salt Bush Flat. We depart Salt Bush Flat late morning and enjoy a leisurely lunch. As we continue cruising downriver there’s time to relax and enjoy the facilities onboard the Murray Princess. 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 who live along the river. Other activities you might like to take part in this afternoon include a fun game of bocce on the riverbank, do a spot of fishing, or just chill out on the lawns. Tonight, join your fellow cruise passengers for a delicious dinner and more great musical entertainment from Dave.

OVERNIGHT:  The Murray Princess

MANNUM TO HORSHAM

We depart Riverview Lodge early in the morning while enjoying breakfast in the Sturt Dining Room before docking at the Mannum Wharf. Back on the coach again we begin our journey to Horsham. Along the way we’ll take a look at the Coonalpyn Silo Art, the breathtaking images of five local children at play, painted on the town’s 30m-high Viterra grain silo by artist Guido Van Helten, before arriving in Bordertown for lunch. We will also see the Kaniva Silo Art and the Pink Lake just outside Dimboola before arriving at Horsham late afternoon.

OVERNIGHT: Horsham International Hotel, HORSHAM

HORSHAM TO MELBOURNE

We make the most of our last day today as we enjoy some more silo art. First stop is Horsham’s own silo art. Artist Sam Bates, aka Smug, completed the Horsham Silo Art in May 2022 The mural is titled The Yangga Dyata which means 'Walking on Country' and it stands proud celebrating the significant story of Yanggendyinanyuk, a Wotjobaluk warrior's story of leadership, resilience and significant legacy. We then drive to Murtoa where a breathtaking mural features a flock of brightly coloured birds. The artwork is inspired by the James Hill taxidermy collection, combined with the discoveries of Dr. John Cade, a psychiatrist who made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder. Next stop is Rupanyup to see the silo art of Julia Volchkova. After receiving an invitation to travel to Rupanyup and be a part of the Silo Art Trail project, the Russian artist says it was “a dream come true.” Her chosen subjects, a pair of young local sportspeople, symbolize the huge role of sport in rural communities. These fascinating projects have changed this remote region, and we can see why, they are awesome to look at. We then make our way to Ballarat where our lunch has been arranged for us at the Flying Horse Bistro at the Ballarat and District trotting Club. From here we make our way home – no need for a taxi as our chauffeurs will be on hand to take us straight to our door – all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service!