Cruising the Murray River

The Murray River is Australia's longest river and its river system one of the most expansive systems in the world. Most of the rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin flow over plains and many of these only carry water in times of flood. The Darling River, Murray River and the Murrumbidgee River are the three longest rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin and Australia.
The unique nature of the river system is the reason why the region's wetlands and National Parks are home to abundant wildlife, including rare and protected species of birds and native fauna. Its unique ecology gives visitors the opportunity to let their hair down - both on the river, and on the shore. You can spend a day - or a few - fishing for callop (also called golden perch). All you need is a hand line, something to drink, and a bit of patience. You can get out on the river, and go skiing, sailing, canoeing, or just enjoy a simple cruise along the river banks. And on the shore, after a day of golf at one of our top quality greens, you might spend an evening at a local pub and enjoy the local hospitality. 
As for the river itself, in the pioneering days of the 19th century, the Murray River and its tributaries became the busiest highway in the whole country. Paddle steamers were used to carry wool, wheat, and other goods up and down the river system including the Murray, Darling and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Since settlement of the river basin was so late, the introduction of the rail way came much sooner to the river towns and had a large impact on the steamers along the Murray. Irrigation was introduced in 1887 by Canadian George Chaffey around Mildura (Victoria) and Renmark (South Australia).

PS Pevensey	PS Marion

The colourful history of the river's colonial past and the leisure activities that today are associated with the river and its surround all come together when you take a leisurely cruise on the Murray River, particularly if the vessel you choose to make such a voyage is an old paddlesteamer. Echuca, Mildura and Mannum are major riverside towns from which cruises operate. Those from Echuca are mainly day trips. PS Pride of The Murray, PS Canberra (1912), PS Pevensey (1911) and PS Adelaide are all genuine historic paddlesteamers which operate out of Echuca. PS Emmylou, built locally in 1981-82, also operates out of Echuca for day cruises as well as 1, 2 and 3-night cruises. The Canberra is a much sought after function boat which has hosted many weddings and parties. PS Pevensey was featured in the TV mini series “All the Rivers Run” playing the PS Philadelphia. Built at Echuca in 1866, PS Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddlesteamer still operating in the World.
River cruisers also operate out of the following towns: Mannum, SA - PS Murray Princess (3, 4 and 7 night cruises); Murray Expedition (2 and 5 night cruises, 40 passengers max); PS Marion (1897 - afternoon, dinner and overnight cruises); Goolwa SA; Murray Bridge SA; Waikerie SA; Swan Hill Vic; Renmark Vic; Wentworth Vic; Mildura Vic and Albury NSW. See website for more details

Sample cruise: PS Murray Princess

PS Murray Princess is one of two Murray riverboats acquired by Captain Cook Cruises in 1988. It transferred the Murray Explorer (with a change of name) to Sydney Harbour and moved the Murray Princess from its base in Renmark to the historic South Australian port of Mannum. PS Murray Princess is now used for 3-night, 4-night and 7-night cruises of the Murray River. These unique historic and nature-based adventures pass through some of the driest parts of the driest continent, past mallee scrub and ancient red gum forests, through towering gorges and ochre-coloured limestone cliffs. Along the way it visits vineyards and historic ports as it navigates the Murray’s locks and big river bends. The cruise also stops to allow visitors to view ancient Aboriginal rock art on the riverbank, check out the quirky Swan Reach Museum, watch a sheep shearing exhibition and listen to tales of 19th century river life told by the well versed crew.

Accommodation: 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, adjustable air-conditioning, electric blankets soaps, shampoo and towels; serviced daily. Each cabin is approximately 12 sq. metres. Six staterooms on Randell and Cadell Decks open onto the outside deck and have a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. All staterooms have a double and a single bed except rooms 35 & 36. The 45 outside Cabins on Randell and Cadell Decks open onto the outside deck and have picture windows (twin/double). Six inside Cabins on Chaffey Deck open onto an inside passageway and have portholes facing the outside.

Murray River Cruising on the internet:

• Captain Cook Cruises website
• Murray River Paddlesteamers (Echuca)
• Murray River Cruise vessels
• Murray River website