The Murray River is one of the world’s legendary rivers, it is Australia’s most famous river. Mysterious, massive and meandering 3,700 kilometres, it ranks with the Mississippi, the Nile and the Amazon. Boasting some of the most spectacular and rugged Australian landscapes, the Murray River is home to an array of abundant wildlife and birdlife. It is aboard Murray River Expeditions intimate cruising vessel, Proud Mary, that you can discover the Murray River’s ecosystem at its best.
Departing from Murray Bridge, just one hour out of Adelaide, The Proud Mary offers a boutique environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover. The well appointed bar, lounge and dining area provides the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery.
Will you join us for this trip of a lifetime?
SOLD OUT – WAITLIST OPEN. NEW DEPARTURES FOR 2022 TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Day 1 – Sunday 12th December 2021 (S)
Your five night cruise departs from Murray Bridge just 1 hour from Adelaide, where you will be welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary crew. Enjoy a buffet supper at approximately 8:00pm as you cruise this evening and the Proud Mary’s powerful floodlights illuminate the shore. It is a perfect opportunity to view the nocturnal animals of Australia in their natural habitat. Later the Proud Mary ties up for the night at Woodlane.
Day 2 – Monday 13th December 2021 (B,L,D)
Your cruise continues upstream as you breakfast on a delicious buffet before a mid-morning Proud Mary arrival in picturesque Mannum, the birthplace of the river boat trade. Here you may board the waiting coach for an interesting tour of the Historic Mannum. Your guide will provide you with information. Lunch will be served aboard the Proud Mary as you cruise upstream to Walkers Flat. This evening is “Australiana Night” featuring typically Australian dishes. Followed by a guided Nocturnal Discover Tour, an insight into abundant wildlife including the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.
Day 3 – Tuesday 14th December 2021 (B,L,D)
After breakfast the Proud Mary cruises further upstream. In the afternoon arrive Swan Reach and board your waiting coach for a tour to Costa Brothers Almond Farm. Discover how this state of the art almond farm uses water-recycling technology to limit its direct impact on the river system and help secure the diverse ecosystem of the river. Also visit the Swan Reach Museum which is housed in the original school building that was built in 1917. Your cruise this evening takes you to Moorundie Creek, named after the Aboriginal tribe that lived there. The Proud Mary moors overnight on a beautiful beach amongst towering River Red Gums.
Day 4 – Wednesday 15th December 2021 (B,L,D)
You will wake this morning in one of the most unspoilt and picturesque areas of the River Murray. You will be taken on an environmental discovery walk of Moorundie Creek, even today you will see evidence of an ancient Aboriginal civilisation – a huge canoe tree still stands. A highlight of your cruise is a guided cruise lead by an ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of Big Bend. This evening there is a traditional Australian barbeque on shore followed by live Aussie entertainment around a blazing campfire.
Day 5 – Thursday 16th December 2021 (B,L,D)
This morning there will be time for further exploration of the tranquil Australian bush. The Proud Mary continues downstream through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire River Murray system. We arrive at Ngaut Ngaut – a historical Aboriginal site. Here with your Aboriginal tour guide you will discover carvings and paintings on cliff faces made 3,000 to 20,000 years ago. Late afternoon arrive in Mannum for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a formal Captain’s Dinner.
Day 6 – Friday 17th December 2021 (B,L)
Following breakfast the Proud Mary departs once more. Mid morning arrive Woodlane and board the waiting coach for a tour to the Reedy Creek Environment tour. You will be joined by your guide for a tour of this fascinating area. Discover this permanent watercourse from waterfalls, through swamps and wetlands. Reedy Creek and the waterfalls played a significant part in the lives of the ancient Nganguruku and Ngaralta Aboriginal Tribes. Today, lunch is a superb buffet prepared with fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before the vessel ties up once more in Murray Bridge, the Captain and crew bid farewell to guests and new-found friends before disembarkation at 4.00pm.
TOUR DATES: 12TH – 17TH DECEMBER 2021
TOUR PRICING: A$3,697
ABOUT THE PROUD MARY
Meet the crew
The Proud Mary’s all Australian crew are friendly, experienced and willing to assist in any way. Specifically chosen for their knowledge of the Murray River’s history, geography, wildlife and ecosystem, seven attentive crew members cater for your every need.
Explore, experience, indulge, discover…
Each cabin aboard the Proud Mary has twin or double beds, individually controlled air conditioning units, private ensuite, tea & coffee making facilities and hair dryers. All rooms offer spectacular riverviews and open on to balcony areas. Cabins are serviced twice daily. Order a drink and venture out onto the Proud Mary’s spacious open decks or enjoy the intimate lounge and dining area. The Captain’s commentary may spark an interest to peruse the vessel’s resource centre and learn more from one of the many books available. You may like to enjoy a cuppa from the continuous, tea and coffee available in the dining room or browse the souvenirs available for purchase.
Nature based cruise highlights
Abundant wildlife will be seen throughout your entire 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 Proud Mary’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. Join our resident ecologist to explore the Murray River at its best.
Australian theme
As dusk falls, enjoy an evening around a blazing campfire. A delicious bush barbeque is prepared using local produce, including billy tea and damper, along with evening entertainment under the stars on the golden sands of the river bank.
Dining experience
Our talented chefs specialise in preparing modern Australian and European cuisine from the highest quality produce. Menus vary according to seasonal produce and feature a mouth-watering array of dishes including fresh seafood, chicken, beef, lamb and pork. Local and fresh food and vegetables are supplied regularly and freshly baked bread is collected at various points along the river Dining experiences range from an Australian themed bush barbecue on shore to a 5 course silver service Captain’s Dinner.
Tour Inclusions:
- Two’s a Crowd Tour Host.
- 5 nights accommodation aboard the Proud Mary.
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L=lunches, D=dinners, S=suppers).
- Group coach transfers from airport to cruise and return.
- All sightseeing, guided tours and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance.
- International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour (the friendly Two’s a Crowd team can assist with competitive quotes and airfare bookings from wherever in the world you are located).
- Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs and phone calls.
- Meals and drinks not specified as included in the itinerary.
- Pre and post tour accommodation (we can assist).
- Visa costs (if applicable).
- Any tours listed as ‘Optional Tours’ (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes).
- Gratuities (optional).
