Cruise the River

In South Australia, you'll find plenty of tours and cruises to help you enjoy the Murray River.

The paddle-steamer PS Industry fires up its boilers on the first Sunday of every month for a run from Renmark. Or take a once a month hop on the newly renovated Waikerie Murray River Queen for an afternoon or sunset cruise.

The River Rambler at Renmark, MV Water Rat outside Waikerie and the MV Loch Luna at Kingston-on-Murray make regular voyages of discovery. Away from the main channel, backwater cruises or safaris can take you to inland islands and estuaries inaccessible by most vessels.

For cruises that cover greater lengths of the river, try The Great Murray River Run on the new Spirit of the Murray, which travels from Wellington in the Fleurieu Peninsula through the Riverland to Border Cliffs (and in reverse). They offer a number of tours of various duration and style of accommodation.

If you have limited time, 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 a week, from Mannum's Mary Ann Reserve.

For something different, the Paddle Steamer PS Marion is a heritage vessel and fully restored. Throughout the year PS Marion undertakes limited short cruises and overnight cruises, as well as being available for charter. Her home port is Arnold Wharf at Mannum Dock Museum, which incorporates Mannum Visitor Information Centre.

The Murray Expedition offers 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 en suite cabins, a bar and lounge, and is renowned or its fresh, modern Australian cuisine.

At Murray Bridge, the MV Barrangul operates devonshire afternoon tea cruises, lunch and dinners. The Captain Proud features lunch, dinner and champagne breakfast cruises. These longer cruises are a great way to get a feel for the river.

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. Cruises depart from Mannum and coach transfers are available from Adelaide. The Princess also offers side tours to attractions within the regon, including Pomberuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal site.

Hire a Houseboat
For many people, cruising the Murray River means hiring a houseboat and considering the range of quality houseboats on offer, it's easy to see why. Go to our Houseboats page to read more.