Christmas on the Murray Princess

2026

10 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR

TUESDAY 22ND DECEMBER TO THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER


The PS Murray Princess is a true inland paddlewheeler, purpose built for the Murray River with lashings of the character and charm of yesteryear. She is the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere, propelled by its massive stern wheel. This Christmas tour on board this beautiful old lady of the river is unhurried and informal. Kick back and relax as you marvel at the ancient towering cliffs bathed in the evening sun and the unique flora and fauna will bring out the photographer in you.



TOUR HIGHLIGHTS


Mount Gambier, Mannum, Murray Bridge, Salt Bush Flat, River View Lodge Piggy Flat, Traditional Christmas Lunch, Blanchetown, Burk Salter Boutique Winery, Swan Reach, Sunnydale Woolshed Show, Native Wildlife Shelter—Aussie BBQ, Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, Horsham and Halls Gap.

CRUISE
Murray Princess Cruise

MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
7 nights on board the Murray Princess


PLEASE NOTE

Cabins onboard the Murray Princess are outside cabins with twin beds. Each cabin opens onto the outside deck with picture windows to view the passing scenery.


Please enquire with us about limited double cabins or staterooms available.

 

TOUR COSTS

Twin Share Room First Tour: $7,295 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $7,195 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $7,145 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $7,095 per person
Single Room Supplement: $2,420 per person
 
Deposit: $500 per person
 

As a thank you for travelling with O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours, you will automatically receive a saving on the total tour price for your second and subsequent tours.


O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share with another single traveller of the same gender.

However, if this is not possible, you will be required to pay the Single Room Supplement.


If you are willing to twin share but are a smoker, have a CPAP machine or snore, you will need to pay a single supplement for a sole use room.

​O'Shanessy's Quality Tours are now providing travel insurance through Nib Insurance.


Travel insurance is not compulsory, however the Australian Government (see www.smarttraveller.gov.au) recommends all travellers no matter where you are going, obtain comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is to be paid. It may enable you to claim back the cost of your tour if you are unable to travel or must cancel at late notice.

​Always read the PDS provided, to ensure the cover meets your needs.

MAP

ITINERARY

  • DAY 1: TUESDAY 22ND DECEMBER, 2026

    MELBOURNE TO MOUNT GAMBIER


    Welcome to our Christmas holiday as we cruise along the Murray River aboard the Murray Princess. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Today is a travel day so sit back and enjoy the facilities aboard our 5 Star Touring Coach.  Today we will cross the “great volcanic plain” we travel alongside miles of fascinating dry-stone walls which are a feature of the countryside and known as the stony rises. The walls were built in the 1860’s by highly skilled “wallers” from Ireland and Scotland. With lunch along the way arrive at Mount Gambier where we view the Blue Lake before retiring to our accommodation.


    OVERNIGHT:  The Barn Accommodation & Steak House, MOUNT GAMBIER


  • DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 23RD DECEMBER, 2026

    THE COORONG - MANNUM - MURRAY PRINCESS


    Our travels today take us to Kingston, the gateway coastal town to the Coorong National Park. The Coorong is a vast, unspoiled ecosystem comprising freshwater lakes, wetlands and saltwater lagoons, some of which we can see as we make our way to Meningie for our midday break. This afternoon, we find ourselves in Mannum, the departure port for the Murray Princess. We board the 67 metre (200 ft) luxury paddlewheeler Murray Princess for seven nights of sheer bliss and relaxation! The PS Murray Princess departs Mannum and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Murray Bridge, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. This evening, pit yourself against fellow passengers and test your knowledge at a fun Quiz Night.


    OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess


  • DAY 3: THURSDAY 24TH DECEMBER, 2026

    MURRAY PRINCESS - SALT BUSH FLAT


    In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park (optional, own expense). Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, join your fellow passengers for a night of Christmas Carols and songs.


    OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess


  • DAY 4: FRIDAY 25TH DECEMBER, 2026

    MURRAY PRINCESS - RIVER VIEW LODGE


    Merry Christmas everyone! Wake up Christmas morning and experience the magic of the Murray River. Join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna and get in a bit of exercise before the Christmas festivities begin. Delight in a traditional Christmas Day lunch and celebrations. In the afternoon there will be more fun Christmas themed activities, or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery as you continue cruising to River View Lodge where the boat will be moored for the night.


    OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess


  • DAY 5: SATURDAY 26TH DECEMBER, 2026

    MURRAY PRINCESS - WAGON WHEEL LANDING


    After breakfast this morning, you may like to join some of the crew for a scenic tender boat ride, before we continue cruising upriver. Join some of your fellow passengers for a friendly game of bingo, or after lunch, challenge them in either the fishing or bocce competitions when we moor at Wagon Wheel Landing. This evening enjoy another delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by entertainment.


    OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess


  • DAY 6: SUNDAY 27TH DECEMBER, 2026

    MURRAY PRINCESS - BLANCHETOWN


    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 the 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”.


    OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess


  • DAY 7: MONDAY 28TH DECEMBER, 2026

    MURRAY PRINCESS - SWAN REACH - SUNNYDALE


    After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. 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). Continue cruising after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. 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.


    OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess


  • DAY 8: TUESDAY 29TH DECEMBER, 2026

    MURRAY PRINCESS - YOUNGHUSBAND


    After an optional Sunnydale Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, we slowly cruise downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years.  We reach Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, 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 passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.


    OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess


  • DAY 9: WEDNESDAY 30TH DECEMBER, 20266

    MANNUM TO HORSHAM


    Today we begin the journey back to Victoria, taking a moment to see the silo art at Coonalpyn. These silo’s happened to be the first painted in South Australia and depict a magnificent tribute to five Coonalpyn Primary School children, whose images will now live on in the history of the town forever. This afternoon, we head to Horsham on the outskirts of the Grampians National Park and settle in for our final night on tour.


    OVERNIGHT: Best Westlander Motor Inn, HORSHAM


  • DAY 10: THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER, 2026

    HORSHAM TO MELBOURNE


    We have a leisurely drive this morning as we take a break in Halls Gap. From here, we make our way home enjoying lunch along the way.  As always our chauffeurs will be on hand to take us straight to our door – all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service.


TOUR INCLUSIONS

Complimentary Chauffeur Driven Transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.

For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas.

At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.

Luxury Touring Coaches

Our full size, 3 axle luxury coaches have only 32-36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and extra leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, restroom, climate control air conditioning and Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. Our coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and

quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier.


Tour Directors

Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure your travel experience is memorable.


Best Available Quality Accommodation

Ensuite motel accommodation and outside twin cabins.


Attractions

All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.


Meals

All full cooked breakfasts, morning teas most days, all lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.


No Hidden Extras

O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.

 

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY


Receipt of payment of funds will be taken as acceptance of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours conditions of travel for this tour.

Prices include GST and all taxes.


Deposit is fully refundable until 121 days prior to departure date.

Balance due on invoice.


Cancellation 120 to 91 days before tour departure date 20% Refund of Tour Cost

Cancellation within 90 days of tour departure date No Refund

On or after tour date departure No Refund


If a tour is cancelled for any reason by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before the departure date, all passengers will be offered the option of transferring to another tour of their choice, hold the funds in trust for a future tour or a full refund. There is no time limit as to when this must be used. The Australian Government (see www.smarttraveller.gov.au) recommends all travellers no matter where you are going, obtain comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable provider. It may enable you to claim back the cost of your tour if you are unable to travel or have to cancel at late notice. Always read the PDS provided, to ensure the cover meets all of your needs. We are able to provide travel insurance through Nib Insurance. If you would like a quote

please call our office toll free on 1800 354 352.