Rolling down the river~~~~~

We have had another week away, quite different to our previous outings. This time we flew to Adelaide in South Australia, to join a tour on the Murray River on a classic old paddle steamer, the Murray Princess.

It was A 3 day leisurely cruise down the Murray River. It is Australia’s longest river at 2,508 km. The Murray Princess was our home for the next 3 days.

Launched in 1988, this vessel offers three decks of accommodation for 120 passengers in 60 cabins and travels at six knots. The ship offers a wonderful array of amenities and cabins spread across five spacious decks.

At 67 metres long, the Murray Princess is the largest operational paddle steamer that sails on the Murray.

Accommodation includes a multi-roomed upper deck with panoramic views of the river as you cruise. On board activities include live music and entertainment, dinner cruises, fishing excursions, nature walks, bird-watching tours, and more.

With an eventful history, the PS Murray Princess continues to serve as a sustainable heritage attraction while providing quality on board experiences. (for more details and photos follow this link)

The first night we anchored at Murray Bridge, and next morning had 2 hours to explore the town. It is a charming rural town sitting in prime position on the banks of the Murray and the weather was perfect a crisp, sunny, autumn morning

It was a Saturday morning and it was very quiet in town, many of the shops closed. I loved seeing the autumn foliage, a sight I miss in my home town of the Gold Coast

On the way back to the boat I discovered the Round House.

Now a museum, the Round House is one of Murray Bridge’s oldest surviving buildings, completed in 1876 during the construction of the first bridge to span the Murray River.

This historic home played a significant role in the early history of the township, and now operates as a vibrant community space that welcomes visitors and tells the story of the bridge and early township.

This unique, hexagonal-shaped residence was pivotal to the early development of Murray Bridge. Built for Henry Parker, the superintendent overseeing the construction of the first bridge to span the Murray River, the Round House has also served as the town’s first school, post office, church and council chambers. Visitors are able to tour the homestead and wander the beautiful garden overlooking the river and bridges

It was a stroll back through time as I wandered through the rooms.

A quick look around the old style cottage garden before heading back to the boat that was anchored almost at the end of the garden.

The food was delicious. Served buffet style with plenty of choice.

Then we could join in with Bingo, or other activities organised by the crew, or listen to an historian telling us all about the area and the characters that have lived here. Or just sit on the deck or one of the lounge areas and watch the river roll by.

The next night we anchor at Salt Bush Flats, and we retire to our small, but cosy cabin.

Next morning when we look out the river is shrouded in mist.

After an early breakfast we join the first officer for a nature walk along Saltbush Flats.

It’s a chilly morning and we dress in our warm clothes. Cobwebs are festooned with dew and a curious kangaroo watches us walk by. Every where are pelicans and they cluster here overnight before departing as the mist rises.

Our guide pointed out this gum tree, it is known as a canoe tree. It is a tree which has had bark removed by Aboriginal Australians many years ago, for the creation of bark canoes, shelters, weapons such as shields, tools, traps, containers (such as coolamons) or other artefacts. What amazing people the Aboriginal people were to be able to survive in this wild country.

The mist slowly lifted as we went back to the boat to carry on along the Murray River. This is our last day to enjoy the sights as we slowly cruise along. What perfect weather it is and I relax and enjoy just watching the changing scenery as we float by.

The ripples make me think of an abstract painting. Then the scenery changes from bush and willow tree lined banks to sandstone cliffs.

Then back to gum trees with the ever present pelicans.

Another paddle steamer passes us and they both toot their sirens.

I’m surprised there’s not many boats on the river. Another old paddle boat and a couple fishing on a very small tinnie are the only other boats I see.

There are a number of small river side communities and house boats tied to the bank, but very little activity on them.

It is so relaxing just watching scenery as we roll along the river.

It has been a delightful 3 days and it ends with a beautiful sunset.

The staff have been the best, excellent service, delicious food and we have made new friends.

Goodbye Murray Princess it was a memorable experience.

But that is not the end of the tour. Next we are taken to Kangaroo Island for a 2 day discovery tour. But that will be for another post.