11 Days Murray River Princess and Flinders Ranges

itinerary

Day 1. Fri: PS Murray Princess Paddle Steamer

Fly into Adelaide mid afternoon where we are transferred to the famous Murray River Paddle Steamer, ‘P.S. Murray Princess’. Departing historic Mannum we head downriver whilst enjoying pre-dinner drinks.  Sit back, relax and enjoy on -board entertainment cruising under floodlights to our overnight mooring at Mundurra.  Keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank such as grey kangaroos, hair-nosed wombats, Murray long necked tortoises, spoon-beaked egrets and many other species. (D)

Day 2. Sat: PS Murray Princess Paddle Steamer

This morning we join a guided tour of the town of Murray Bridge’s historic landmarks and local attractions before our afternoon journey upriver. Tonight we moor at Craignook and enjoy the fun and excitement of the Murray River Cup after dinner. (B,MT,L,D)

Day 3. Sun: PS Murray Princess Paddle Steamer

This morning we step ashore to capture the Murray River’s dawn light, a special time on the river. Murray Princess departs for the big river gorges and 90 metre cliffs of the upper river. Mid-morning we meet in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the river lands. At the 205km mark we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge where a discovery vessel awaits for a Backwater Wildlife Tour. Travelling in small personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river. The birdlife is amazing, watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges.  Late afternoon, photography enthusiasts have a great opportunity to capture a spectacular river sunset, before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the finale Captain’s Dinner and Dance. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Mon: Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta, Wilpena Pound

After breakfast P.S. Murray Princess arrives back at Mannum, and we meet Joe our Coach Captain for our adventure into the Flinders Ranges.  Departing Adelaide we take a comfort stop at Port Wakefield, then on to Port Pirie. We continue on to Port Augusta, where we stop for lunch at the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens.  Enjoy a walk in the gardens before travelling on through Pichi Richi Pass on our way to Quorn and Hawker. Here we visit the Jeff Morgan Gallery and Panorama. Our accommodation for two nights is at Wilpena Pound Resort, a four-star resort and a haven of hospitality that blends effortlessly into the landscape. (B,MT.L,D)

Day 5. Tue: Wilpena Pound Scenic Flight 

Enjoy an unforgettable 30-minute scenic flight around a spectacular ancient geological formation.  This flight completes a circuit of Wilpena Pound where your pilot will point out the Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge, Heysen Range, Lake Torrens, Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge, St Mary Peak and the Pound Gap. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Wed: Arkaroola

This morning we head to Arkaroola, travelling the scenic route via Bunyeroo Valley, Brachina Gorge, picturesque Parachilna Gorge, then on to the historic copper mining town of Blinman for lunch.  We continue on, arriving late afternoon at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Resort, where we are staying in four star suite accommodation for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 7. Thu: Arkaroola 

Today we join trained tour guides on the world famous 4WD Ridgetop Tour, an unforgettable encounter with the timeless terrain and unique natural beauty. (B,L,D) 

Day 8. Fri: Clare Valley

Departing Arkaroola, we travel via Neppabunna, Copley, and on to Quondong to sample the famous Quondong Pie.  Continue south through Hawker to Cradock, where we have lunch at the old pub.  Continue travelling on RM Williams Way through Orroroo and Jamestown to Clare to check-in to the Clare Valley Motel or Clare Country Club for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 9. Sat: Clare Valley

This morning we visit Seven Hill Cellars, established by Jesuits in 1851 to produce sacramental wine.  We travel through the valley and head for Burra, for lunch and tour, past Redruth Gaol, the Monster Mine and ‘Creek Street’.  Return to Clare via Martindale Hall, a lovingly restored 1879 mansion that featured in the hit 1970s Australian film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’. Overnight Clare Valley Motel or Clare Country Club. (B,L,D)

Day 10. Sun: Barossa Valley

Today we leave Clare for the Barossa Valley where we visit Wolf Blass Wines and Maggie Beer’s Shop/Café where we can see the actual kitchen used in Maggie’s cooking shows.  Visit Angas Park Dried Fruit Factory, Menglers Hill Look-out, and after lunch visit the Whispering Wall.  We head back to Adelaide stopping at Herbig Family Gum Tree. Overnight at the beautiful Old Adelaide Inn, a classy way to end your holiday. (B,L,D) 

Day 11. Mon: Adelaide, Home

This morning we take time to visit the spectacular Adelaide Hills, home to the magnificent Mt. Lofty Ranges and dotted with unique and historic villages and townships.  We then explore Australia’s oldest German Settlement, Hahndorf.  Take some free time to browse before meeting at the German style Hahndorf Inn for lunch.  Transfer to Adelaide airport for our respective flights returning into our home ports between 5-6pm. (flight times subject to change) (B,L)

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