Murray Princess & the Indian Pacific

This cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown. Follow in the wake of great Australian pioneers on a 4 night cruise along the outback river highway. Experience the magic and majesty of the spectacular scenery from towering cliffs to expansive farmlands. Along the way, you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and many of the 350 bird species that inhabit the riverlands. Highlights include a visit to a vineyard and wine tasting at a cellar door, visit a typical Australian farm, woolshed and wildlife shelter, enjoy an Aussie barbecue beside the river and visit an aboriginal archaeological site.

A journey aboard the iconic Indian Pacific will whisk you between Adelaide and Sydney in comfort and style. Make your way from the Festival City of Adelaide to the renowned Harbour City of Sydney, stopping in the Silver City of Broken Hill and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains area. There’s no better way to experience the spectacular interior landscape of Australia than by the romance of rail.

Your Fly, Cruise & Rail Package Includes:

• $500 flight credit per person
• Private transfer from airport to hotel
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Adelaide with breakfast
• 4 night Outback Heritage cruise onboard PS Murray Princess in an Outside Cabin, Mannum return
• Includes all meals, onshore tours, onboard presentations, entertainment, guided nature walks plus more
• 3 nights accommodation in Adelaide with breakfast
• Northern Barossa Valley Voyager tour with lunch
• Transfer from hotel to Adelaide Parklands Terminal
• 2 nights aboard the Indian Pacific in a Gold Cabin, Adelaide to Sydney
• Includes all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 02-12 February 2025

Solo traveller pricing available.

Cruise Itinerary:

DAY 1

Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

DAY 2

Daybreak and it’s time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of teh river’s water. This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

DAY 3

After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s, was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (additional cost). Join a walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by. When we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia’s most interesting native animals are cared for. And then of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Optional tour: Sunnydale Nocturnal Tour. Additional cost and bookings can be made on board through your Guest Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.

DAY 4

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast* or bush walk with the Captain, the vessel cruises slowly downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. We reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites, for a step back in time – tens of thousands of years – for a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area. We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment. *Optional tour: Bush Tucker Breakfast. Additional cost and bookings can be made on board through your Guest Services Attendant. For details, see ‘Optional Onshore Tours & Activities’ in your Cruising Guide.

DAY 5

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

Indian Pacific Itinerary | Adelaide to Sydney:

Day 01

ADELAIDE

Celebrate the start of your journey with an exclusive “Flavours of South Australia Welcome Dinner”, held at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal, showcasing fabulous food and world-class wine, this dinner promises to deliver the best bottles from around South Australia and sublime regional offerings from both land and sea.

After dinner, you’ll be welcomed aboard the Indian Pacific where you will settle into your cabin, or head to the lounge for a night-cap as you begin your journey towards Sydney. (D)

Day 02

Broken Hill

Crossing the border during the night, you’ll wake up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day’s activities in the Silver City. You’ll have a choice of Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia’s first heritage-listed city.

Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales. Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D) 

Day 03

Blue Mountains & Sydney

The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoon’s Off Train Experiences.

Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway, which takes you over ancient ravines, with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point Lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served.

Complete your journey on our chartered New South Wales rail service (fully hosted by your Indian Pacific train crew) into Sydney Central Station. (B,L)

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 31-10-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.