Murray River 2 Night River Discovery Cruise

Australia’s River Murray is one of the world’s legendary rivers, in fact, the fourth longest river system in the world. Mysterious, massive and meandering 3,700 kilometres, it ranks with the Mississippi, the Nile and the Amazon. Boasting some of the most spectacular and rugged Australian landscapes, the River Murray is home to an array of abundant wildlife and birdlife. It is aboard River of Australia Expeditions intimate cruising vessel, Murray Expedition, that you can discover the River Murray's eco-system at its best.

Operating 2 & 5 night cruises 365 days of the year, departing from Murray Bridge, just one hour out of Adelaide, The Murray Expedition caters for a maximum of only 40 passengers, this boutique product provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover. The well appointed bar, lounge and dining area provides the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Friday (S)

Your weekend cruise departs from Murray Bridge, just 45 minutes from Adelaide. Connecting coach transfers depart from the Central Bus Station in Adelaide or if you prefer to drive, lock up garaging is available for your vehicle. At 8pm you are welcomed aboard by the friendly Expedition Crew.

Having settled into your accommodation, you may like to enjoy a pre-dinner drink before a delicious supper is served. Murray Expedition cruises to her overnight mooring point and your Captain introduces the Expedition crew. Night cruising is a feature of all Proud Australia cruises and this evening Murray Expedition’s powerful flood lights illuminate the graceful willows and dark waters as you cruise.

This is an excellent opportunity to see the River environment in a different perspective and may allow you to view of some of the nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls and coots. Later, Murray Expedition ties up for a night of peace and tranquillity in the Australian Bush.

Day 2 - Saturday (BLD)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast while cruising as Murray Expedition continues upstream today through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire River Murray system. The inland lagoons are so immense that in the early riverboat days, Captains could not find true channels. In the early 1900’s riverboat Captain’s planted willow trees along the banks to clearly mark the main river channel. Today the willows provide the perfect haven for the prolific birdlife. There are some 320 species of birdlife in this area and with the aid of binoculars and your well informed guide, you will study at close range the prolific birdlife. The Murray Expedition berths in Mannum allowing time for a stroll through this historic town. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Murray Expedition chefs as you cruise upstream. Late afternoon your vessel ties along side the towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. Here you will also enjoy a guided cruise led by an ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of the River Murray, a highlight of your journey. This evening there is a traditional Australian barbecue on shore followed by Aussie entertainment around a blazing campfire.

Day 3 - Sunday (BL)

This morning there will be time for further exploration of the tranquil Australian bush. Enjoy a hearty breakfast as Murray Expedition cruises downstream, before a mid morning arrival in picturesque Mannum. Here you can board the waiting coach for a tour to Reedy Creek Environmental Park. Your guide will provide you with information to enable you to identify significant rock formations and the abundant native vegetation and birdlife. Lunch is a superb buffet with fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before a late afternoon arrival in Murray Bridge.

Shore Excursions

Join our resident ecologist to explore the River Murray at its best through our nature based cruise highlights.

Abundant wildlife will be seen throughout your entire expedition cruise. River Gums and Willows line the banks of this famous river and provide a perfect safe haven for birds and wildlife. Take a closer look with the aid of binoculars. Not only by day but also by night, the Murray Expedition’s powerful floodlights illuminate the graceful willows and dark waters as you cruise. View nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls and coots.

Some of the informative tours include:

• A journey aboard a small boat to cruise the River’s secluded lagoons and inlets, here you will view some of the 320 species of birdlife in this region and discover the intricacies of the ancient cliff face.
• The Nocturnal Discovery is an insight to abundant wildlife, including the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat, floodlights illuminate the secluded outback enabling you to easily view the native flora & fauna.
• Murray Aquaculture, one of the most ambitious aquaculture projects undertaken in Australia. With a local guide visit the interpretation centre, ponds and nurseries, which house the yabby, a uniquely Australian freshwater crustacean.
• Take a fascinating guided nature walk through Reedy Creek Gorge more commonly known as Mannum Waterfalls. Discover this permamnet water course from waterfalls, through swamps and wetlands.
• Aboriginal Dimension - Journey into history at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Conservation Park, one of the oldest archaeological digs in Australia. In 1929, burial grounds, tools and art were discovered revealing facts about life on the River over 8,000 years ago. Here you are met by a local Aboriginal Guide and will discover galleries of cave art and smoke stains from ancient fires and artifacts uneartherd by archaeologists.
• Australian Theme - As dusk falls, enjoy and evening around a blazing campfire. A delicious bush barbeque is prepared using local produce, including billy tea and damper. Along with evening entertainment under the stars on the golden sands of the river bank.

The Vessel

The Murray Expedition boasts 18 spacious riverview rooms, a lounge, dining area and well appointed bar.

Order a drink and venture out onto Murray Expedition’s spacious open decks or enjoy the intimate lounge and dining area. The captains commentary may spark an interest to peruse the vessel’s resource centre and learn more from one of the many books available.

You may like to enjoy a cuppa from the continuous tea and coffee available in the dining room or browse the souvenirs available for purchase.

Explore at your leisure any of the spectacular mooring locations; enjoy a walk through the bushland or discover the backwaters in one of the available canoes. For those who like a spot of fishing, reels and bait are available, simply ask one of the Expedition crew.

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