MELBOURNE TO HORSHAM

Welcome to our Christmas in October 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 before continuing on to our first night’s accommodation 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 downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, 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

CAURNAMONT TO BLANCHETOWN

Daybreak and it’s time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of the river’s water. This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we 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 we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (additional cost). Some may like to join a walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. 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.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

NGAUT NGAUT AND YOUNDHUSBAND

Today, we cruise slowly 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.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

MANNUM AND THE BAROSSA VALLEY

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre for a light morning tea and wine tasting and enjoy a two-course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Then it’s on to the stunning Seppeltsfield Barossa, where we participate in a short walking tour. Following the tour, a tasting of a fortified wine accompanied by an Owen Andrews Artisan Cuisine chocolate pecan brownie is included in a private setting. For those who choose to upgrade their experience at Seppelstfield, ‘A Taste of History Tour’ (additional cost) is available following the walking tour. Passengers will be taken into the historic 1878 Centennial Cellar. Passengers will then taste the legendary 100 year old Para Vintage Tawny. This is truly a once in a lifetime wine experience. Return to Mannum and re-board the Murray Princess and cruise towards Murray Bridge for your overnight mooring. Our onboard entertainer provides music for the night owls.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

SALT BUSH FLAT

In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built 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 at Monarto Safari Park (additional costs). Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our on-board musician.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

RIVER VIEW

This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where 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. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room. 

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

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!