Cruise the Outback River Highway – Murray River South Australia

Discover the beauty of the Murray River and secrets of Australian history on Captain Cook Cruises three, four and seven night cruises onboard the modern romantic paddle wheeler, the PS Murray Princess.

The historic cruise starts with the ship itself, the PS Murray Princess. Finished with polished wood and gold trimmings and featuring a winding staircase, full-length windows and a paddle wheel encased in glass, these features help replicate the paddle wheelers that first cruised the Murray in the 1800’s.

With water levels once again high, it’s full steam down the Murray between the Blanchetown area and Murray Bridge for 280kms of incredible terrain, wildlife and Australian history and culture and adventure.

The Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, red gum forests and century old stone causeways.

The high water levels have seen a return of Australian wildlife and birdlife to the river in abundance. Swans, Swamp Hens, Wood Ducks and their young, Dragon Flies, Mosquito’s, Midges and Frogs have all returned and plant life is also thriving with Lignum bushes flowering and rushes and reeds getting a vibrant green colour to them. Led by on-shore guides passengers can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the thriving ecology of the river.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

There’s a food and wine trial that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and in the evening, an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank.

All cruises depart from Mannum and the three nights Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm with Early Booking Saver (EBS) fares starting from AU$799.0 per person. The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs every Monday at 4.30pm and EBS prices start from AU$1079 per person. The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and EBS prices start from AU$1619 per person.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all onboard facilities including use of two spas, two saunas, sun deck, two bars, two lounges, single sitting dining saloon and entertainment.

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For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises, Int +61-2-9206 1111, Email: or visit

For media enquiries contact: Brooke Tolar, Captain Cook Cruises, M: 0411 553 246, Email: , for high res images click on