A perfect South Australian Holiday hosted by our guide Rita who calls the Riverland her home. 

Listen to great stories and information from  boat captains and Murray River locals as we travel through historic towns over five days.

It is Rose Festival in the Riverland in October and there is time to visit a few selected gardens. 

Iconic Murray River Tour from Adelaide

Depart Adelaide by 8.30am and travel to the historic river port of Mannum. Here we board the PW Mayflower for a 1.5-hour Murray River cruise to the Ponde Cliffs. The PW Mayflower was built in 1884 and is the oldest original paddle steamer in South Australia. For lunch we walk across to the Mannum Hotel which was built in 1869 and already back then offered lodging and food for travellers on river boats. We continue our road journey along the banks of the Murray by taking the ferry to the eastern side and stopping at lookouts for fabulous photo opportunities.

We are still in the lower Murray River region and this afternoon we head out on the MV Dragonfly for a 1-hour eco cruise. Look out for the many bird species and their unique habitat as our captain guides the boat close to the majestic limestone cliffs. Back on the road we drive to Waikerie, South Australia’s fruit capital. We check in at the Waikerie Hotel for our 2-night stay and join back for a delicious dinner. Day 1 Lunch and Dinner, Waikerie Hotel overnight  

Today our tour group is split in two to offer the ultimate small group experiences on the Murray River. The day includes a fabulous 2-hour cruise upstream to the impressive Yarra Cliffs and the 200-year-old canoe tree. Enjoy uninterrupted views from different areas of the 35-foot luxury river boat, sit back, relax and learn about the local flora and fauna as we navigate through the myriads of bends on one of the world’s most incredible and diverse river systems. We have lunch together in Waikerie before our two groups join the separate tours again.

By coach we travel to Salter’s winery and embark on a unique wetland and vineyard tour conducted in a brilliantly restored 1927 Chevrolet Truck. After the tour we taste some of their boutique wines with time to purchase a home delivery or takeaway bottle. Before returning to Waikerie, we visit Lock 1 of the River Murray located at Blanchetown. With its almost 170 metre span it is the longest weir and a popular feeding ground for river birds. Day 2 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Waikerie Hotel overnight 

This morning we visit Illalangi, a great little produce shop and from here walk across to the fabulous silo art. We continue our Riverland tour to the historic pioneer village of Loxton. Explore some 45 buildings including an old schoolhouse, general store, shearing shed, blacksmith, a bank and a chapel, all places which created a thriving Riverland township back in time. Other stops in Loxton include the Tree Sculptures, the Big Pelican, the Pepper Tree and the Murray River Queen. The Murray River Queen was the largest and grandest paddle boat on the river when she was launched in 1974. Built by Keith Veenstra she has changed hands multiple times. With some previous owners leaving her abandoned, the Queen is now being beautifully restored by Donna Neale and her family. It is Rose Festival in the Riverland and after lunch we make our way to a few selected gardens in the region. We finish the day with a delicious tasting of organic wines at 919 Wines Cellar Door. For the next two nights we are residing at the Berri Hotel located right on the banks of the Mighty Murray River. Go for a stroll along the river or simply relax with a Happy Hour drink before dinner. Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Berri Hotel overnight

With one full day left in the Riverland we take you to Headings Cliff Lookout and Paringa. Paringa is home to beautifully painted silos and the historic Paringa Bridge. With a bit of luck, the bridge opens for us this morning letting boats travel through. One of the silos paintings we saw is the PS Industry boat which was built in 1911. After a very busy working life the vessel has been restored and is once again meandering along the river bends a few times each year. We have chartered the steam powered PS Industry for an excellent morning cruise in Renmark. Listen to captains’ stories and the sounds of the paddle wheels as they hit the water while we cruise upstream passing giant river gums and wonderful scenery.

For lunch we take a short drive to the historic Overland Corner Hotel. Back in time it served as a stop for drovers and today it offers comfy rooms and fantastic meals. For the afternoon we make our way to Lake Bonney and the historic Olivewood Homestead and Gardens. Finish the day with a tasting at the 23rd Street Distillery. Choose between a gin, whisky, vodka or brandy tasting. And if none of the drinks take your fancy try one of their non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy a relaxing evening and second night at the Berri Hotel. Day 4 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Berri Hotel overnight

Our final day has arrived, and we travel to Murray Bridge. Here we board the Captain Proud Paddle Wheeler for a 3-hour cruise with lunch. A great way to enjoy a delicious meal while being entertained by the captain. The fantastic scenic views along the way showcase lush landscapes, limestone cliffs and plenty of wildlife. Packed with some fabulous memories we are now on the home stretch to Adelaide arriving at the airport by 4pm. Day 5 Breakfast and Lunch