Join the intimate cruising vessel, the Murray Expedition, to discover the Murray River’s eco-system at its best. Our cruises operate 365 days a year and include all meals, riverview en-suite accommodation and daily nature based shore excursions.

Highlights

Join our resident expert 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 an evening around a blazing campfire. A delicious bush barbeque is prepared using local produce, including tea and damper, along with evening entertainment under the stars on the golden sands of the river bank.

Full Itinerary

Itinerary times and details are subject to variation due to daylight savings and river levels. Vessel departs Mary-Ann Reserve Mannum every monday at 11:00am Duration 1 hour 15 minutes Vessel returns to Mary-Ann Reserve

Directions

Departing only 1 hour from Adelaide, return coach transfers are available to take you to Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge to meet up with the Murray Expedition boat. For self-drive passengers, secure undercover lockup garaging facilities are available adjacent to the wharf at Murray Bridge.

Embarkation

Embarkation is from 7.30 pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge on Fridays and Sundays. For passengers arriving earlier than 7.30 pm we ask that you assist us by not boarding the vessel prior to this time as our crew will be preparing the facilities for your comfort.

Coach transfers- Please see the rates section of this website for costings (check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure for all coach transfers).

For passengers travelling by coach to connect with the Murray Expedition in Murray Bridge, the Murray River Expedition coach departs from the Adelaide Central bus station, 85 Franklin Street (for directions please contact reservations 1800 677 683 or +61 8 8217 6100).

• Friday and Sunday coach departure times from Adelaide for cruises departing from Murray Bridge – 6:00pm
• Friday and Sunday coach arrival times into Adelaide for cruises disembarking in Murray Bridge – 5:45pm

For passengers travelling by coach, to connect with the Murray Expedition in Murray Bridge, the Premier Stateliner coach departs from the Adelaide Central bus station (for directions please contact reservations 1800 677 683 or +618 8217 6100).

• Tuesday coach departure times from Adelaide for cruises departing from Blanchetown – 5:30pm
• Tuesday coach arrival times in Adealide for cruises disembarking in Blanchetown – 9:10pm

Arriving by car – to join the Murray Expedition

Travelling from Adelaide, South Australia to Murray Bridge - Take the South Eastern freeway out of Adelaide to the Murray Bridge exit. Carry on into Murray Bridge and turn right at the third set of traffic lights. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Follow the signs to ‘Sturt Reserve’ and park in the Community Club Car Park.

Travelling from the Australian Eastern States to Murray Bridge - After travelling through Tailem Bend take the Murray Bridge exit and continue onto the township over the bridge. Take the 1st left once off the bridge. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Follow the signs to ‘Sturt Reserve’ and park in the Community Club Car Park.

Special Requirements

The chefs insist on the highest quality of produce for their dishes. Local and fresh food and vegetables are supplied regularly and freshly baked bread is collected at various points along the river.

With notification our chefs will do their best to cater for your dietary requirements & needs.

All your superb 3 meals are included in your cruise package.

Terms and Surcharges

• Garaging costs listed within this site are applicable for vechiles under 3 meters in length. Additional garaging charges will apply per 3 meter block. 2 night garaging facilities are only available on weekend cruises.
• Your fare is fully inclusive of accommodation on board, all meals, shore excursions and acitivies. The only items not included are those of a personal nature, drinks purchased at the bar, travel insurance, connecting travel, garaging for your vehicle and fuel levies.
• To confirm your reservation a non-refundable deposit of AUD$100 per person per cruise must be paid at the time for booking. Reservations will be held for seven days only without deposit. Balance of payment for your holiday is to be paid 30 days prior to departure. In the event of cancellation the following fees are applicable:
• From date of confirmation to 30 days notice = loss of deposit paid
• 15-29 days notice = loss of 50% of holiday cost
• Under 15 days notice = loss of full holiday cost
• It is strongly recommended that all passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance. This not only protects you against sickness, loss of luggage, hospitalisation, but also against your need to cancel. This may be arranged by your travel agent or Murray River Expeditions.
• All fares are quoted in Australain currency (AUD) and supersede all prices previously advertised.
• Murray River Expeditions reserves the right to alter intineraries or transfer passengers from one vessel to another without notice. Murray River Expeditions accepts no responsibility for coach services, other connecting travel arrangements to the vessel and onshore excursions operated by sub-contractors.

     Note: Payment details and conditions differ for group travel and charter rates.

Deposit & method of payment

A non-refundable deposit of AUD$100 per person per cruise is required to confirm your reservation.

Cash is the most convienient form of payment, as it requires no clearance period.

Personal, bank or company cheques are accepted however it takes at least 10 working days to clear. Should a cheque be provided without ralevant clearance period, penalties may apply.

Credit card payments are accepted with fees applicable (2% — Visa, Bankcard and Mastercard, 4% — American Express and Diners Card).

Direct deposit is also available into our Westpac bank account, BSB number 035 039 and account number 325398 (if you wish to utilise direct deposit as your form of payment please ensure that your booking reference number and passenger/group name is clearly listed).

Note: Payment details and conditions differ for group travel and charter rates