2023/24 - An 11 Day Outback SA and Murray Princess Tour

What an adventure we have in front of us! We are off to South Australia to explore Port Augusta at the top of the Spencer Gulf, the Eyre Peninsula – often known as the “Forgotten Corner – and the Clare Valley. Then a real treat! We are booked on the Murray Princess for a cruise from the historic river port of Mannum. Step aboard the grand old lady of the river and into a bygone era. A fundamental part of Australia’s heritage was founded in the proud tradition of the paddle steamers on Australia’s greatest river. Equal to any trade route in the world, the Murray was the lifeblood of the pioneers who lived in the driest continent on Earth. The Murray’s banks form protected lagoons for a myriad of bird and animal life including sulphur crested cockatoos nesting high in towering sandstone cliffs. Along the way we will cruise past majestic Red Gums forests, stark Box Tree flats and massive white sand bars forming island retreats.

Day 1 (LD): SA’s Mid North (Tuesday)

Our South Australian adventure starts with a short non-stop flight to Adelaide where our local touring coach will be waiting for us. We travel north to Burra for a lunch stop. Copper from Burra's “Monster Mine” saved South Australia from bankruptcy in the 1840's.

It was the largest metal mine in the country employing 1,000 people. Cornish and Welsh miners flocked to Burra to work for the South Australian Mining Association and some set up homes in dugouts hewn out of the banks of the Burra Creek. The town has been classified by the National Trust. Our first night on tour is in Peterborough (Meal inclusions: Welcome dinner/Pub lunch)

Roundhouse Motel 25 Queen Road, Peterborough Tel 08 86512078 – 1 night

Day 2 (BLD): To the “Forgotten Corner” (Wednesday)

This morning we travel through the Southern Flinders Ranges, through Port Augusta at the top of the Spencer Gulf and onto the Eyre Highway to Kimba at the top of the Eyre Peninsula. It's surrounded by endless wheat farms growing golden in the sunlight; which was the inspiration behind the concept for the silo art we will see here. It took the artist 26 days to complete using 200 litres of paint, over five and a half silos. After lunch we travel down to Tumby Bay where there is some more Silo Art – this time an interpretation of two boys jumping off the Tumby Bay Jetty. The inspiration for the silos comes from the artist Martin Ron and his assistant Matt Gorrick, who spent some time in the area before painting the silos. They said the initial idea came from seeing people dive off the jetty into the ocean, even joining in the sport themselves. Time permitting we will take a detour to Coffin Bay before checking into our overnight accommodation is at the Port Lincoln Hotel – a 4-star hotel located on the foreshore of sparkling Boston Bay. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch)

Port Lincoln Hotel 1 Lincoln Highway, Port Lincoln Tel 08 86212000 – 1 night

Day 3 (BLD): Port Augusta/Port Pirie (Thursday)

A guide will meet us on the coach this morning for an introductory tour of Port Lincoln. We then head north along the coast with a stop at Cowell Cowell. The “star” of the art here is local identity Lionel Deer and his camel Diamantina. Mr Deer is best known in the Cowell community for bringing his camels to the Cowell Christmas Pageant for over 30 years. Lionel represents much of what the fabric of Cowell is made of. He is a descendant of early settlers and from a large farming family. He spent many of his years working as a shearer and loves his football.

Our lunch stop is at Port Augusta at the Wadlata Outback Centre before the short drive to Port Pirie – our base for the next two nights. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Café lunch at Wadlata)

John Pirie Motor Inn Warnertown Road Port Pirie Tel 0886324200– 2 nights

Day 4 (BD): The Yorke Peninsular (Friday)

We head to the Yorke Peninsula this morning to spend time in three towns – Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo, collectively known as the “Copper Triangle”. Our first stop is in Kadina, at the Farm Shed Museum and Tourist Centre for a chance to uncover the discovery of minerals that put the Yorke Peninsula on the world map. “Kadina’s Story” is a photographic display depicting the history of the Peninsula’s largest and most important town and the agricultural display tells of the evolution of farming machinery which forms the basis of the National Dryland Farming Interpretive Centre.

Next, we visit Moonta, known as Australia’s little Cornwall. Copper was discovered here in 1861 attracting many Cornishmen miners and their centuries old mining methods. Spending some time at the Moonta Mines Museum we’ll hear how the district produced so much copper the wealth generated exceeded all other mining in the state. There is also an interesting display of an entire 1900 classroom being left as though the teacher only departed a few minutes ago. Settling into our train seats, we take a ride on the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway which departs from a station just outside the museum. Relive life in Moonta as we pass the historic landmarks of the former mining operations, including the reservoir and tunnel within Ryans Tailings Heap. Finally, we visit the pretty coastal town of Wallaroo, where we visit the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum before returning to Port Pirie (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel)

Day 5 (BD): The Pichi Richi Rail (Saturday)

We have a cracker of a day planned today! We begin with a stunning ride along the Pichi Richi Railway (subject to timetable) to the historic town of Quorn. Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Once we disembark we have time for lunch before making our way into the Clare Valley – our base for the next two nights. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel)

Clare Country Club White Hut Road, Clare Tel 088842 1060 – 2 nights

Day 6 (BL): Clare Valley (Sunday)

We have a leisurely day planned. One of the most enjoyable things you can do in the Clare Valley is have lunch at a winery – and that’s what we are going to do today - at the Skillogalee Winery. The word “skillogalee” comes from celtic origins and the old stone cottage that we’ll be dining in was built in 1851 by a Cornish miner. Look out on the cottage garden and the vines while enjoying a Vine Pruners lunch including a local glass of wine! (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the motel/Winery lunch/Dinner own arrangements & cost)

Day 7 (BLD): The Murray Princess (Monday)

This afternoon we will be joining the Murray Princess for our 4 night cruise but before we head to the departure point at Mannum we want to take a look at Bungaree Station which is just north of Clare. This merino sheep station, established in 1841, is still run by the descendants of the original founder, G.C. Hawker as an efficient mixed farm. Consequently, Bungaree Station is not a museum, but rather a living record of rural Australia since 1841. We take a guided tour with a member of the family who will give us wonderful insight into 19th century station life. We will visit such sites as St Michael’s Church and Cemetery, the Homestead gardens and the Station Store. Re-joining the coach we travel south via Kapunda to Mannum – the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication.

This afternoon we board the Murray Princess and head upriver (north) whilst enjoying our pre dinner drinks and welcome dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont, we may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises and many other species. On board nightly entertainment (Breakfast in the motel/Light lunch at Bungaree Station. Dinner on board)

Day 8 (BLD): Murray Princess Cruise (Tuesday )

Daybreak is time for the keen photographers to be out capturing the special light and 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 join a guided tour of Burk Salter Boutique Winery and surrounding vineyard 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”.  A race not quite like any other!  (All meals provided)

Day 9 (BLD): Swan Reach & Sunnydale (Wednesday)

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 we can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (additional cost). Join the guided 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. Often there are kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls.  (All meals provided on board)

Day 10 (BLD): Younghusband (Thursday)

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a 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 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 the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Why not dress up and dance!! (All meals provided onboard)

Day 11 (B): Mannum/ Home (Friday)

We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf. What an adventure! Our coach transfer takes us all the way to the Adelaide Airport for our flight back to Melbourne (Meal inclusions: Breakfast)

Tour Price

The tour price ($4,805 per person sharing a twin or double room + return air from Melbourne) is dependent on a minimum of 35 paying customers. Should the numbers not reach the minimum of 35 the following prices apply –

Min 30 - $4,915 per person/Min 25 - $5,075 per person/Min 20 - $5,306 per person

Add $1,200 for a guaranteed single room (On application)

Flights Melbourne/Adelaide/Melbourne (to be confirmed) to be added to the tour price.

(Price valid until 31 March 2024)

Tour Inclusions

Tour Price includes accommodation as per the itinerary, meals as indicated (B= Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D = Buffet or limited choice dinner), deluxe touring coach with seatbelts, attractions/entries as noted & return airport transfers.

Next Steps

To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.

Read some testimonials from past groups here.

Tour Conditions

A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.