MELBOURNE TO HORSHAM

Welcome to our tour which features a 3 day cruise aboard the stunning Murray Princess. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. After a stop for morning tea, we travel along the Western Highway to Ararat for our lunch stop. This afternoon, we visit The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre. The centre was built to commemorate Ararat’s rich gold heritage and tells the story of Chinese miners travelling by sea to Australia and the hardships and prejudices they had to endure as they made their way to Victoria’s rich goldfields. Our overnight stay is in Horsham.

OVERNIGHT:  Best Westlander Motor Inn, HORSHAM

HORSHAM TO MANNUM – MURRAY PRINCESS CRUISE

Before leaving Horsham this morning, we take a look at their silo art. “Walking on Country”artwork celebrates the life of a Wotjobaluk warrior, Yanggendyinanyuk. World renowned street artist Sam Bates 'Smug' was commissioned to transform Horsham's silo with the image of Yanggendyinanyuk. His totem, the Black Cockatoo, has been painted on the adjacent flour mill. After a photo opportunity, we travel through Nhill into South Australia. We arrive in Mannum where we board the Murray Princess. Mannum became a major port in the years of river trade, transporting wheat from the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges upstream to New South Wales and Victoria. We board the 67 metre (200 ft) luxury paddlewheeler for three nights of sheer bliss, relaxation and some great country music! Mid-afternoon, the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum and heads downriver. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and cocktails (own expense) from the Sturt Bar along with an introduction to your crew who will look after you for the duration of your cruise. Also meet our guest entertainer Dave Freeman and enjoy his music during your Welcome Dinner as we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Murray Bridge.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement.

OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess

 MURRAY BRIDGE TO SALT BUSH FLAT

In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built here at Edwards Crossing which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After breakfast, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour to Monarto Safari Park*. A shuttle bus is available to the main street of Murray Bridge or if you’d prefer, take a walk across the bridge or a leisurely stroll along the pleasant river front lawns and area. Tonight, we will moor at Salt Bush Flat and after dinner, Dave will thrill you with his Country Cruisin’ Music Show which includes hits from Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, John Denver, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and many more!

*Optional tour: Monarto Safari Park Wildlife Tour at own expense.

OVERNIGHT: Murray Princess

SALT BUSH FLAT TO RIVER VIEW FLAT

After a delicious breakfast, join the First Officer at the gangway for a guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat. Depart late morning and enjoy a regional Riverland/Murrayland local food and wine tasting presentation in the Sturt Dining Room. During lunch we will continue cruising downriver with time to relax and enjoy the on-board facilities. Catch up with friends over a coffee or a drink and reminisce about last night’s entertainment whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. This afternoon we will moor at River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat/Coolcha) where the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat awaits you. Travel in small, personalised groups and explore the river, getting up close to the 20-million-year old limestone cliffs and view the amazing birdlife, including darters, herons and egrets that inhabit the areas along river’s edge. We can enjoy a fun game of bocce on the riverbank or try your hand at fishing. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a delicious final night dinner on board and more great music and songs from Dave.

OVERNIGHT:  Murray Princess

THE COORONG – MOUNT GAMBIER

We depart River View Lodge early in the morning while enjoying breakfast in the Sturt Dining Room before docking at the Mannum Wharf. Here we farewell our hosts and board the coach. Our travels today take us along the Coorong and into South Eastern South Australia, visiting Kingston S.E. for our lunch break. This afternoon, we continue to Mount Gambier where we check into our final two night’s accommodation and freshen up for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: The Barn Accommodation and Steakhouse, MOUNT GAMBIER

EXPLORING MOUNT GAMBIER

Unlock the secrets, folklore and legends of Mount Gambier when we visit the Blue Lake Pumping Station to hear the fascinating story about the unique Blue Lake and its mysterious annual colour change. At the Mount Gambier Old Courthouse, we discover the galleries of information and interpretive banners which tell the stories of some of the people who worked or whose crimes were judged here. Next is Umpherston Cave, a century old sunken garden planted on a series of terraces reflecting a bygone era. There’s now a bit of time for us to wander town. Why not take a look through the Riddoch Art Gallery or just stroll through the main shopping precinct? The choice is yours. We end our day with a tour, tasting and afternoon tea at the friendly Caroline Hills Winery. The small batch wines are made with minimal intervention, using open fermentation, hand plunging and minimal filtration. While here, roam the peaceful 3-acre garden and meander through the art gallery.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement.

OVERNIGHT:  The Barn Accommodation and Steakhouse, MOUNT GAMBIER

 MOUNT GAMBIER TO MELBOURNE

It’s time to head for home as we travel the very picturesque area of Victoria’s Western District via Casterton and Coleraine to Hamilton, the “wool capital of the world”. Continuing on, we stop for lunch before driving through the great volcanic plain of Victoria’s Western District. We arrive back in Melbourne late afternoon after a wonderful time away. As always our limousines will be on hand to transfer us home - all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service!