Cruise in Style

Imagine cruising down the Murray River past ancient cliffs, towering gum trees and historic river towns. Sound tempting?

Houseboat at duskCruise the riverPrincess on the river

No visit to the Murraylands is complete without a cruise on the Murray River. From two-hour morning tea jaunts to a week-long expedition along the length of the river in South Australia, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Cruising the Murray is also a great way to gain an insight into the history of the world's fourth largest river system. In the 19th century the Murray River played a vital role as a communication and transport link, and hundreds of barges and paddle steamers plied their trade.

Those with limited time should head for Mannum or Murray Bridge, where you can take a short morning tea cruise.

Try Jester Cruises - a 40-seat cruiser that operates two cruises, six days per week, from Mannum's Mary Ann Reserve. For something different, the fully restored paddle-steamer PS Marion, which first took to the water in 1897, has a limited cruise schedule, and is berthed at the historic Mannum Dock, adjacent to the Mannum Tourist & Visitor Information Centre.

Longer cruises are a great way to really get a feel for the river. The PS Murray Princess- Australia's largest and most luxurious paddle-wheeler - runs regular three, four and seven-night cruises. The Princess boasts 60 en suite cabins, two spas and saunas, bars, lounges, a dining saloon, gift shop and library.

Wonderful Scenery

Cruises depart from Mannum and coach transfers are available from Adelaide. The Princess also offers side-tours to various attractions within the region, including Big Bend By Night and Ngaut Ngaut Boardwalk.

Another option is the Murray Expedition, which operates two, three and five-night cruises that have a strong ecotourism flavour. These tours are a good way to learn more about the river environment and include guided side-trips to secluded lagoons, national parks and Indigenous sites. The vessel has 18 ensuite cabins, a bar and lounge, and is renowned for its fresh, modern Australian cuisine.

A combination of river cruising and historic pub accommodation is offered by the Spirit of the Murray for its 'Great Murray River Run'. The state-of-the-art Spirit of the Murray travels 560 kilometres from Wellington to Border Cliffs. Tours, meals, accommodation and visits to river towns are all included.

For many people, cruising the Murray River means hiring a houseboat and, considering the range and quality of the boats on offer, it's easy to see why.

The Murraylands is home to more than 80 commercial houseboats, including the Kia Marina fleet and industry leaders like Unforgettable Houseboats, with most berthed at Mannum or Murray Bridge. Catering for 2 to 12 people, houseboats are the ultimate in relaxation. Most are luxuriously appointed and fully equipped, complete with sun-decks, entertainment systems, and modern kitchens and bathrooms.

You don't need a special driver's licence to drive a houseboat. As long as you're over 18 years old and have a car driver's licence, you're on your way. Full tuition is provided prior to departure, along with information on river conditions, mooring spots and boating rules.\

To search for houseboats click here

For the ultimate river experience, why not charter Odyssey River Cruises' luxury river cruiser, complete with captain and chef? The four staterooms offer guests panoramic windows, televideos and luxuriously appointed private ensuites.