This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
✓ Incredible sightseeing. Visit Adelaide, explore the Murray River on a 4 night paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess Cruise, taste South Australia’s fines wines on a fully guided tour, witness wildlife thrive once more in Kangaroo Island after devastating bushfires
✓ 4 nights aboard PS Murray Princess River Cruise (Inside twin cabin included. Upgrades available)
✓ Fully guided tour of Barossa Valley
✓ Full day guided tour of Kangaroo Island
✓ Travel to Melbourne on The Overland and enjoy Red Premium Service
✓ Two day winery tour to the Yarra Valley including a luxurious overnight stay at Balgownie Resort
✓ 9 nights in 4* accommodation
✓ 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 4 dinners
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Adelaide! On arrival, make your way to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore Adelaide at your own pace.
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi or Uber from Adelaide airport to your accommodation costs approximately $25 per car. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
At approximately 1.35pm you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Mannum to board your 4 day Murray River cruise.
Mid-afternoon the PS 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 floodlights to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, 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.
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 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”.
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. 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.
An optional Nocturnal Tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose-built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats, and owls by powerful spotlights. Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.
This morning you can choose from two breakfast experiences, either have breakfast onboard and then take a bushwalk with the Captain, or, you can partake in an early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (at additional cost, to be confirmed on board). After breakfast, 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 passengers for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast we embark on a Barossa Valley wine & heritage tour.
Discover Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region – the Barossa. Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a 2 course lunch at Lambert Estate where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery before returning to
Mannum. You will then transfer to a luxury coach for your journey back to Adelaide arriving at approximately 5.30pm
Gear up for an early start as are picked up from 6.45am to you head south to see the highlights of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination, Kangaroo Island.
Today you will enjoy a guided walk on the beach among a colony of rare and wild Australian sea lions with a National Parks Ranger at Seal Bay Conservation Park
At lunchtime, enjoy a delicious 2-course meal at the Parndana Hotel before visiting the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island Koalas while listening to the Keeper talk about the cuddly mammals.
Later, spend the afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park, which was devastated in the worst fire to ever hit the island in January 2020. You’ll see that the regeneration of the native bush occurs so quickly after the event.
Finally, see the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Remarkable Rocks provide great photographic opportunities, and the Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful Long-nosed Fur Seals.
You will return to Adelaide at approximately 10pm
At the appropriate time, make your way to Adelaide Train Station and board the Overland to Melbourne. Enjoying a relaxing journey while savouring the comforts and romance of rail. For over 130 years, The Overland has been a fan favourite for people travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Your Red Premium seat offers you more leg room, in-seat dining and a trolley service. Enjoy all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, coffee, soft drinks and juice. There’s no better way to make the day-long journey more enjoyable.
Upon arrival at Melbourne Southern Cross Station, make your way to your accommodation which is located across the road.
At approximately 9am join your guided Yarra Valley wine tour from a central location (easy walking distance from your hotel) Enjoy a personalized tour in the company of an average number of 12 -24 travellers. After an approx. 1-hour transfer to Yarra Valley we arrive at a premium cellar door to enjoy the first tasting.
You will learn how to swirl, sniff, slurp and then enjoy an extensive cellar door tasting at an iconic Yarra Valley cellar door.
The next destination is Balgownie Estate, with spectacular views and a great display on the history of winemaking. The cellar door staff will share some of their great wines with guests before moving into Rae’s restaurant for a delicious 1 course lunch to include a glass of wine and tea or coffee.
After lunch, say goodbye to those returning to Melbourne and make your way to reception to check in for a relaxing overnight stay. There are activities to enjoy in the afternoon to include complimentary access to the Health Club (experience pool, steam room and gym equipment). Leisure facilities include tennis court, volleyball net, giant chess set and 1.6km walking trail.
The morning is free for you to enjoy a relaxed buffet breakfast and continue to enjoy the resort’s facilities and surroundings.
At approximately 1:00pm make your way into the cellar door to meet your guide once again.
Enjoy an extensive cellar door tasting at a premium winery before visiting the home of French Champagne company Moet & Chandon’s Australian production house Domaine Chandon. Take a guided tour through the winery to see how the wine is made followed by a glass of Australia’s best bubbly.
You will then return to Melbourne for one more night in town. You can expect to arrive in Melbourne between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.
All good things must come to an end! At the appropriate time today make your way to the airport or continue your onward journey.
Check out & departure information.
A taxi or Uber to Melbourne airport to your accommodation costs approximately $35 per car. Hotel check out is at 10am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Cruise Details
To see further information on the PS Murray Princess, please click HERE.
Information on PS Murray Princess accessibility can be found HERE.
Cabin Bedding and Upgrades
Bedding on board the cruise is restricted to the following configurations. If you wish to upgrade your cabin, the following amounts are payable in addition to the package price prior to travel:
Inside Twin Cabin - Included
Inside cabins are located on the lower Chaffey Deck and open onto a wide inside passageway. Inside cabins offer twin bedding and have portholes facing the outside. Inside Cabins are accessed via stairs, there is no lift access to this deck.
Inside Double Cabin - Upgrade from $120 per person
As above, but with a double bed in your inside cabin.
Outside Twin Cabin - Upgrade from $740 per person
Outside cabins are located on Randell and Cadell Decks and these cabins have twin bedding. Each outside cabin opens onto the outside deck walkway with picture windows to view the passing scenery.
Outside Double Cabin - Upgrade from $990 per person
As above, but with a double bed in your outside cabin.
Stateroom Double or Twin - Upgrade from $1,400 per person
Our spacious Staterooms are located on the Randell and Cadell decks. Each stateroom offers a queen bed (some have an extra single bed) and open onto the outside deck walkway. Mini-bars, fridges and tea and coffee making facilities are also included.
Please request your cabin upgrade in the 'special requests' field. Availability and price will then be confirmed and added to your invoice upon acceptance.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage. While on this itineray you will need to be able to walk in and out of train stations (Adelaide & Melbourne) carrying your own luggage.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,913 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
The cruise has a maximun capacity of 120 guests, your Kangaroo Island tour will travel with up to 48 guests and on your two day Yarra Valley tour you will travel alongside a maximum of 24 other travellers.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is an Partially Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
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