State: South River
Operator: Adventure Express
Minimum Price: AUD $ 970

A 4 day/3 night cruise on MV Expedition exploring the natural world of the Murray River. The MV Expedition caters for a maximum of only 40 passengers, this boutique product provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover. The well appointed bar, lounge and dining area provides the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery.

Day 1: Tuesday

Passengers travelling on the three night midweek cruise will be welcomed aboard MV Expedition at 7:30pm. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by MV Expedition’s chefs as your evening cruise takes you to your overnight mooring spot of Portee Landing marvel at the surrounding floodlit shores, towering River Gums and sheer cliff faces illuminated by MV Expedition.

 

Day 2: Wednesday

You will wake this morning in one of the most unspoilt and picturesque areas of the River Murray. You will be taken on an environmental discovery walk where even today you will see evidence of an ancient Aboriginal civilisation – a huge canoe tree still stands. Learn about Moorundie Creek, named after the Aboriginal tribe that lived there. In native dialect moorundie means sand or sandy, the site where the history of the area began in 1840 when explorer Edward John Eyre established a village named “Sturt” after the famous navigator. As MV Expedition cruises downstream, you will pass magnificent lagoons teeming with birdlife, awesome cliffs reaching for the sky and spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see. This afternoon your vessel ties alongside the towering cliffs of Big Bend. A highlight of your expedition is a guided cruise led by our ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets. There are some 320 species of birdlife in this area and with the aid of binoculars and your well informed guide, you will study at close range the prolific birdlife as well as the wildlife of the region including kangaroos, wombats, emus, echidnas and goannas. This evening there is a traditional Australian barbecue on shore followed by live entertainment around a blazing campfire.

 

Day 3: Thursday

An early departure this morning you will see the sun rise over the towering cliffs while you enjoy your breakfast. The MV Expedition berths at the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conversation area where you will be met by a local Aboriginal guide and shown over Australia’s first Aboriginal Archaeological digs. It contains galleries of Cave Art, smoke stains from ancient fires and an excavated campsite of a civilisation over 8,000 years old. As you cruise this afternoon there will be on-board activities organised by the Cruise Director, time to relax and view the River environment and the associated birdlife, or browse through our library resources and learn more about this fascinating environment before an afternoon arrival in Mannum. Passengers who have not seen the “P.S Marion” may visit the fascinating floating museum or stroll the magnificent lawns of lovely Mary Ann Reserve. This evening you are invited to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the bar followed by our Captain’s Dinner – five sumptuous courses to tempt the most discerning palate.

 

Day 4: Friday

A Chance for a short stroll on Many Ann Reserve prior to boarding the waiting coach for a tour of Reedy Creek Environmental Park. Discover this permanent water course from waterfalls, through swamps and wetlands. Reedy Creek and the waterfalls played a significant part in the lives of the ancient Nganguruku and Ngaralta Aboriginal tribes. As well as natural rock shelters, the area offered permanent water and an abundance of wild game for hunting. As part of your Expedition Cruise experience you will have the opportunity to take a fascinating bush walk through the Reedy Creek Gorge. Your guide will provide you with information enabling you to identify significant rock formations and the abundant native vegetation and birdlife. Re-board the MV Expedition as we begin the final leg of your journey. Today, lunch is a superb buffet of fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before the vessel ties up once more in Murray Bridge, the Captain and crew bid farewell to guests and new-found friends before a late afternoon disembarkation.

 

ACCOMMODATION:

The Expedition boasts 18 spacious riverview rooms. With only one room type, each cabin has twin or double beds, individually controlled air conditioning units, private en-suite. tea & coffee making facilities and hair dryers. All rooms offer spectacular riverviews and open on to balcony areas. Cabins are serviced twice daily.

 

FACILITIES:

The MV Expedition boasts 18 spacious riverview rooms, a lounge, dining area and well appointed bar.

Order a drink and venture out onto MV Expedition’s spacious open decks or enjoy the intimate lounge and dining area. The captains commentary may spark an interest to peruse the vessel’s resource centre and learn more from one of the many books available.

You may like to enjoy a cuppa from the continuous tea and coffee available in the dining room or browse the souvenirs available for purchase.

Explore at your leisure any of the spectacular mooring locations; enjoy a walk through the bushland or discover the backwaters in one of the available canoes. For those who like a spot of fishing, reels and bait are available, simply ask one of the Expedition crew.

 

CREW MEMBERS:

River of Australia Expedition’s all Australian crew are friendly, experienced and willing to assist in any way. Specifically chosen for their knowledge of the River Murray’s history, geography, wildlife and eco-system, 7 attentive Expedition crew members cater for your every need.

All dietary requirements are catered for with two executive chefs specialising in modern Australian and European cuisine.

MV Expedition’s dedicated Australian Crew include: Captain, Engineer, Cruise Director, Cruise Attendant, Head and Second Chef and Ecologist… all available and eager to cater for your every comfort and desire.

 

WHATS INCLUDED

• Accommodation onboard
• All meals
• Shore excursions and activities
• A fuel surcharge of nett $5 per person per night is applicable and must be pre-paid.

 

RATES

 

	Cost per person
Adult Twin Share	1090.00
Adult Sole Use	1655.00
Adult Triple	970.00
Child under 12	685.00
Return Coach Transfer	65.00
Garaging (car)	N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices are valid for 1st April 2007 - 31st March 2008

To confirm your reservation, a deposit of $100.00 per person per cruise must be paid at the time of booking.

Notes:

Trip Duration: 4 days
Departs from: Blanchetown
Tour Ends: Blanchetown
Departure Days:

• Tuesday

Departure Time: 7.30pm
Return Days:

• Friday

Return Time: 4pm