FRIDAY
Your weekend cruise departs from Murray Bridge, just 45 minutes from Adelaide. Connecting coach transfers depart from the Central Bus Station in Adelaide or if you prefer to drive, lock-up, garaging is available for your vehicle. At 8pm you are welcomed aboard by the friendly MV Expedition's crew.

Having settled into your Riverview Cabin, enjoy pre-dinner drinks before a delicious dinner as MV Expedition cruises to her overnight mooring point and your Captain introduces his crew. Night cruising is a feature of all River of Australia Expedition Cruises and this evening MV Expedition's powerful flood lights illuminate the graceful willows and dark waters as you cruise. This is an excellent opportunity to see the River environment in a different perspective and may allow for a view of some of the nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls and coots. Later MV Expedion ties up for a night of peace and tranquillity in the Australian Bush.

SATURDAY
Breakfast heartily whilst cruising. MV Expedition continues upstream today through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire River Murray system. The inland lagoons are so immense that in the early riverboat days, Captains could not find true channels. In the early 1900's riverboat Captains planted willow trees along the banks to clearly mark the main river channel. Today the willows provide the perfect haven for the prolific and colourful birdlife. There are some 320 species of birdlife in this area and with the aide of binoculars and your well-informed guide, you will study at close range the prolific birdlife.

The MV Expedition berths in Mannum allowing time for a stroll through this very historic town. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the MV Expedition chefs as you cruise upstream. Late afternoon your vessel ties alongside the towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. Here you will also enjoy a guided cruise lead by an ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of the Murray River - a highlight of your journey. This evening there is a traditional Australian barbecue on shore followed by Aussie entertainment around a blazing campfire. (Dependent on fire restrictions).

SUNDAY
This morning there will be time for further exploration of the tranquil Australian bush. Enjoy a hearty breakfast as MV Expedition cruises downstream, before a mid morning arrival in picturesque Mannum. Here board the waiting coach for a tour to Reedy Creek Environmental Park. Your guide will provide you with information to enable you to identify significant rock formations and the abundant native vegetation and birdlife.

Lunch is a superb buffet with fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before a late afternoon arrival in Murray Bridge.

RETURN TO THE MV EXPEDITION