"We invite you to join this leisurely 'Rail & River' tour featuring premium rail travel aboard ‘The Overland’ rail service Adelaide/Melbourne plus a fabulous Murray Riverboat Cruise and stopovers & sightseeing in Adelaide and Melbourne. A different and exciting way to explore Australia's Southern States!"
New 4 Night River Cruise and brand new 5 Star Le Meridien Hotel in Melbourne!
NEW - 4 Night River Cruise and 5 Star Hotel Le Meridien in Melbourne.
SUN 02 JUN - AUCKLAND/ADELAIDE D
Depart Auckland on NZ 191 at 8.25am and arrive at Adelaide 10.55am. Transfer to the hotel to settle in. Welcome Dinner at ‘Coast’ Restaurant at the Glenelg Pier.
Stay Crowne Plaza Adelaide (1 night).
MON 03 JUN - ADELAIDE/MURRAY PRINCESS B,D
Transfer to Mannum for our Captain Cook 4 night Murray River Cruise. Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver 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.
TUE 04 JUN - ONBOARD MURRAY PRINCESS B,L,D
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”.
WED 05 JUN - ONBOARD MURRAY PRINCESS B,L,D
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. Enjoy a great Aussie Barbecue served on the banks of the mighty Murray River.
THU 06 JUN - ONBOARD MURRAY PRINCESS B,L,D
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.
FRI 07 JUN - MURRAY PRINCESS/ADELAIDE B,L
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we disembark the ship.and drive into the famous Barossa, Australia’s best known wine making region.Visit Jacob’s Creek, Lambert Estate where you will enjoy a 2-course lunch. Next visit Seppeltsfield Barossa, established in 1851 and long been renowned fortified wines. Following a tour, a tasting of a fortified wine accompanied by an Owen Andrews. After a lovely afternoon travel to Adelaide via Mannum.
Stay Crowne Plaza Adelaide (2 nights).
SAT 08 JUN - ADELAIDE SIGHTSEEING B,D
Depart the hotel and spend the day at Hanhdorf and Victor Harbour. Enjoy morning tea at the Hahndorf Inn and explore shops and boutiques. Dinner included tonight.
SUN 09 JUN - ADELAIDE/MELBOURNE (RAIL) B,L
Travel from Adelaide to Melbourne on ‘The Overland Rail Service. Dinner own arrangements.
Stay at the brand new 5 Star Le Meridien Hotel (3 nights).
MON 10 JUN - MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING B,D
Melbourne Sightseeing including Royal Botanic gardens, St Pauls and St Patricks Cathedral, Parliament House and Princess Theatre. See Queen Victoria markets, Shrine of Remembrance and visit Williamstown for casual lunch (own cost). Afternoon at leisure. Dinner included tonight.
TUE 11 JUN - DAY AT LEISURE B
Day at leisure for shopping or sightseeing – freedom dining tonight.
WED 12 JUN - MELBOURNE/AUCKLAND B
Depart for the airport and fly back to Auckland on NZ 124 departing at 12.05pm and arrive back into Auckland at 5.40pm
