Uncover an ancient landscape as you explore South Australia’s epic Murray River – the life force that feeds a region rich in indigenous culture, diverse birdlife and wildlife, wetlands, forests and breathtaking scenery.
This 4-day small group safari offers the chance to explore the river’s highlights in the company of knowledgeable local guides. There’s plenty of time available for leisurely bushwalks, kayaking, and exploratory boat trips in search of the region’s abundant birdlife and wildlife, from parrots and pelicans to koalas and kangaroos. Along the way you’ll meet the locals, enjoy the best of South Australia’s food and wine, and enjoy relaxing on your luxurious houseboat, High River.
With only 10 passengers on board, this trip offers the chance to really switch off, slow down, and immerse yourself into one of Australia’s lesser-known corners.
Itinerary
On arrival in Renmark your guides will give a short introductory briefing about the Murray River before you board your home for the next 3 nights, a luxurious pontoon cruiser. As you settle in you’ll begin cruising upstream through the old growth redgum forests and ochre-coloured cliffs that flank the river. Keep your eyes peeled as you may spot koalas or whistling kites amongst the trees. After lunch on board you’ll set off on a cultural walk through river country, learning about the area’s indigenous history. Back on the houseboat you can watch the sunset from the top deck or relax in the spa before dinner with your fellow-travellers. You’ll spend the night moored in the shelter of the Headings Cliffs.
Early risers can enjoy the dawn chorus and take in a spectacular sunrise on an early walk overlooking the river. After breakfast, meet your kayak guide for an easy downstream paddle through peaceful creeks and billabongs. You may spot a goanna lounging on a branch or the dazzling plumage of a sacred kingfisher. Later you’ll return to the houseboat for a scenic two-hour houseboat cruise upstream to Chowilla Creek. This afternoon there’s time to disembark and explore the forests and wetlands on foot.
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a driving tour of the great ephemeral lake system on the outer floodplain. The lakes attract thousands of waterbirds, including migratory birds from the northern hemisphere. You might find pied stilts, red-necked avocets, spoonbills, and musk ducks, whilst emus and red kangaroos can be spotted on the nearby plains. Return to the houseboat this evening, now in a new mooring location opposite the spectacular Bunyip Reach Cliffs.
After breakfast, it’s a slow cruise downriver to visit a former woolshed turned micro-brewery, hidden away on a backwater near Murtha. Enjoy a farewell BBQ lunch before taking a 15 minute transfer by road back to Renmark.
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation on a modern 10-berth houseboat
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All food and beverages on board
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Knowledgeable guides
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Use of day packs, walking poles, and kayaks
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1829 Excluding Flights
3 Nights
Mar-Apr & Oct-Nov
This price is based on 2 sharing a twin/double room on board the houseboat. Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date. The final cost of your holiday will be based on the travel season, and how far in advance it’s booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.