AUSTRALIA – Murray River-boat  Cruise

A unique vacation aboard the “Murray Princess”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paddle Steamer The “MURRAY PRINCESS”

Passenger Capacity: 120

Built: 1986, renovated 1996

Elevator: One

Staff and Crew: Australian

 

Itinerary: There are five-night cruises up the Murray River in Australia from Mannum to Morgan and return. It is the world’s fifth largest river.

Cabins: 60. Most are outside, all are air-conditioned.

Dining: Single seating, with buffet breakfast and lunch and table service dinner. One night features a barbecue and bonfire.

Facilities & Activities: This is a Mississippi-style  paddlewheeler.  There is a paddlewheel-viewing lounge with nightly entertainment, two spas and saunas, two bars. There are lectures, guided bush walks, birdwatching (there are 350 species of birds in the area), and excursions to see Aboriginal rock art and archeological digs. The Murray River wildlife includes such things as sulphur-crested cockatoos,

kangaroos, goannas, black swans, and the Murray cod. Most passengers are Australian.

 

The Murray River is unique in that it still keeps a fleet of stern paddle wheelers to traverse the shallow river. Made famous on the Mississippi  River, they are a wide flat bottomed vessel which can work in very shallow waters

 

Day 1               Arrive Adelaide, South Australia, met on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.
Hotel: GROSVENOR 

 

Adelaide Post Office building

 

Day 2               Depart Adelaide by coach on a one-hour journey,
Arrive Mannum.
Depart Mannum on board the magnificent river-boat "Murray Princess".
Meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner.

 

 Day 3              Take a short walk to Piggy Flat where there are spectacular cliff views. Depart up-river to the small river town of Swan Reach. Join the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks prior to the special "Crew Review".          

                                                                                                                                                                                                        A very calm Murray River.

 

Day 4               Navigating the upper reaches of the Murray River to arrive at the historic township of Morgan. An opportunity to visit the sights, museums and to browse the local cottage shops.

 

Day 5               Depart Morgan for the return journey passing through Lock One to Blanchetown.

 

In the evening, join in a riverside Australian barbecue and woolshed bush dance near Nildottie.

 

Where the Murray and the Darling Rivers meet.

 

 

Day 6               Opportunity to join the Backwater Wildlife Discovery Tour and participate in the   Murray Princess Future Forest Programme. In the afternoon visit Ngaut Nature Reserve.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  An old style house boat on the river

 

For a guided tour of local aboriginal rock art and archeological diggings. Evening Captain's Farewell Dinner.

 

Day 7               Depart Mannum by coach.

Arrive Adelaide.

Hotel: GROSVENOR

 

The Rundall Mall in Adelaide

 

Day 8               At leisure. Adelaide is surrounded by lush parklands and combines the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a city with the relaxed pace of a country town. Stroll along terraces lines with heritage buildings or dine in some of Australia's most innovative restaurants.

 

Day 9               Depart Adelaide for return to Hong Kong

 

COSTS

 

Costs are in Au$ and are per person based on two sharing one room/cabin.

 

Validity           These prices are valid until March 2004

 

Typical Rates and Special Deals:

Cruise-only fares start at $795 to $995 (inside cabin), $150 more for outside cabin and $300 more for outside larger stateroom, per person double occupancy. Port charge is $35 per person. Add-ons in various cities are available.

 

As the price depends upon season and class of Hotel and/or cabin, please call us for the price of your chosen dates.

 

Price includes:

Ø      Economy class air fares from Hong Kong to Adelaide.

Ø      Round trip airport to Hotel transfers

Ø      Standard class cabin on the Murray Riverboat.

Ø      Meals as stated in the programme.

Ø      Taxes where applicable.

 

 Price excludes:

Ø      Gratuities for guides and drivers.

Ø      Visa, if required

Ø      Extras at hotel (laundry, telephone calls, etc).

Ø      Any items not mentioned in the above programme.

 

Remarks:

Most nationalities do not have a visa requirement, and can be issued with an electronic visa in Hong Kong, prior to departure.   

 

This is a suggested itinerary only, it can be shortened or lengthened to include other destinations, either in Australia or Asia.

 

 

Prices are subject to change, by the airline or operator, without notice.