7-Night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise on the Murray Princess

Exploring the Murraylands and Wildlife on the Murray Princess: A Practical Review

If you’re considering a river cruise that combines scenic views, native wildlife, and a taste of South Australia’s renowned food and wine, the 7-night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise on the Murray Princess might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what travelers can expect from this experience, and while it offers some lovely moments, it’s not without its caveats.

What stands out for us are the stunning river vistas and the chance to explore iconic regions like Barossa Valley with guided tours, as well as the friendly onboard entertainment. We also appreciate the inclusion of meals and guided nature walks which help you connect with the landscape and wildlife without the extra hassle of booking everything separately.

However, a key consideration is the price point—at over $3,000 per person, some might find the value a little stretched, especially if they’re not big on guided excursions or if onshore activities seem lengthy or costly. The cruise is best suited for those who truly want to relax on the water, enjoy leisurely experiences, and aren’t overly concerned about budget.

This tour tends to appeal most to adults looking for a peaceful, scenic escape with some cultural and gastronomic highlights. It’s not necessarily a family adventure, especially for younger children, but it’s a good option for mature travelers who value comfort, nature, and good company.

Key Points

• Relaxing river cruise with scenic views and wildlife encounters
• Includes guided walks, entertainment, and meals—a mostly all-in-one experience
• Visit iconic regions like Barossa Valley, with wine tastings and food stops
• Price is on the higher side but reflects the all-inclusive nature and guided excursions
• Onshore activities can involve long coach rides, which might feel lengthy for some
• Best suited for adults seeking a laid-back, scenic, and cultural experience

The Itinerary: What You’ll Really Experience

Starting in Mannum

The journey kicks off in Mannum, which is known as the birthplace of the Murray River trade. You’ll board the Murray Princess in the early afternoon and settle into your cabin—this is your home for the next week. Mannum itself is steeped in history, and if you’re a history buff or just enjoy observing local life, you’ll appreciate the setting. The atmosphere on board tends to be friendly and relaxed, perfect for unwinding after the journey.

Day 2: Murray Bridge and Monarto Safari Park

The second day offers a gentle exploration of Murray Bridge, including a visit to the historic Roundhouse. If you’re into local history, this stop is quite charming. From there, the tour includes a trip to Monarto Safari Park, one of the world’s largest open-range zoos. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the safari experience, although entry isn’t included, so budget accordingly.

Later that afternoon, there’s a special presentation on food and wine of the Riverland, which gives insight into why this region is famous for its produce. The day finishes with a guided walk at Salt Bush Flat—an easy, nature-focused activity to stretch your legs.

Day 3: Guided Nature Walk and Cruising

This is a quieter day focused on nature. You’ll join an early morning guided walk that’s perfect for spotting local flora and fauna. From the reviews, we know this is a highlight—”a great way to get in some exercise and enjoy the scenery.” The boat then departs for a cruise downstream. Expect to see the river’s changing landscape, and if you like peaceful water views, you’ll love the rhythmic motion of the boat.

Days 4 and 5: Barossa Valley and Blanchetown

Day 4 involves a coach trip to the famous Barossa Valley, renowned for its wineries and gourmet food. Stops include the Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre and Maggie Beer’s farm shop—great for those who enjoy sampling local produce and wines. We’re told the trip lasts about 8 hours, so it’s a full day with long coach rides, which some might find tiring.

On Day 5, the cruise continues upriver through 13 locks, a fascinating process that showcases the engineering behind water management. You’ll reach Blanchetown, where you can visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery for wine tasting, fitting out the experience with cozy red gum furnishings.

Days 6 and 7: Swan Reach and Nildottie

The days include visits to Swan Reach, an area with a history of sheep and cattle stations, and a stroll through native flower displays. The Woolshed Show recreates Australian pastoral life, which is quite entertaining, while the Native Wildlife Shelter lets you get close to local animals.

The final full day features a gentle cruise past spectacular cliffs and a bush walk or optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost). The scenery, shaped over millions of years, provides iconic views that many travelers find memorable.

Departure Day

The cruise wraps up back in Mannum, and after breakfast, you’ll head back to Adelaide by coach. It’s a straightforward end to a week of scenic relaxation, with the option of parking on-site or arranging other transport.

What’s the Value?

When you consider the cost of over $3,000, it’s important to think about what you’re getting. The cruise includes most meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), guided excursions, live entertainment, and return transfers from Adelaide. That can add up to a pretty relaxed, all-in-one experience, especially if you prefer not to plan every detail yourself.

However, some reviews mention that onshore excursions feel lengthy, with long coach rides and limited free time. If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed holiday, this might feel a bit slow. On the plus side, the guided nature of the trip means you don’t need to worry about logistics; you’re in good hands.

The Criticisms

A few travelers found the value questionable—noting that while the scenery and guides are good, the overall experience could be better with more varied activities or less time spent on coach journeys. One reviewer even labeled it as “high on price and low on quality,” so it’s not a perfect match for everyone.

The Positives

On the flip side, many guests rave about the crew’s friendliness, the delicious food, and the stunning views. The wine tastings at local wineries are highlighted as a definite highlight, especially for wine lovers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for adults who appreciate leisurely travel and scenic landscapes. If you love native wildlife, good food, and wine, and don’t mind long coach rides, you’ll probably find this relaxing and rewarding. It’s ideal if your goal is to unwind, enjoy nature, and learn about the river and its surroundings without rushing.

Not a big fan of guided excursions or long days on the water? You might find this slow pace less appealing. And if you’re traveling with kids or seeking an adventure-packed trip, this might not be the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Taking a 7-night cruise along the Murray River offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and local culture. It’s a gentle way to experience a significant part of South Australia, especially if you prefer comfort and guided activities.

While the price might seem steep for some, the inclusive nature of meals, entertainment, and excursions can add value for those looking to avoid planning hassles. But keep in mind the long coach rides and sometimes limited free time onshore, which could impact your overall enjoyment.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and culturally engaging experience—particularly if you enjoy wine and nature—the Murray Princess has plenty to offer. Just go in with clear expectations, and you’ll likely enjoy this river adventure.

FAQs

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes guided nature walks, eco-excursions, live onboard entertainment, many meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and return coach transfers from Adelaide.

Are onshore excursions included in the price?
Some excursions, like visits to Murray Bridge or Swan Reach, are included, but others, like the Monarto Safari Park, are not. The wine tasting at Burk Salter Winery is included.

How long are the coach rides during the trip?
The Barossa Valley trip can last about 8 hours, and other coach transfers may vary, often involving long hours on the road, which could feel tiring.

What are the accommodations like?
You’ll stay in a cabin aboard the Murray Princess. The vessel is equipped with lift facilities and is accessible for most travelers.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While most reviews focus on adult groups, it’s not explicitly designed as a family adventure. The slow pace and focus on adult-oriented activities suggest it’s better suited for mature travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 6 days before the start for a full refund. Cancellations closer to the date may involve partial or no refunds, depending on timing.

This overview should help you weigh whether a week on the Murray Princess matches what you’re looking for. It’s a trip that champions relaxation, scenic beauty, and some regional indulgences, making it a solid choice for those wanting a calm, scenic escape with some cultural touches.