Proud Mary Discovery
The 2 night discovery cruise includes all meals. Let our brilliant chefs delight your senses with modern Australian and European cuisine made from the highest quality seasonal produce.
Abundant wildlife and magnificent scenery will be seen throughout your entire stay aboard. River Gums and Willows line the banks of this famous river and provide a perfect safe haven for birds and wildlife. Take in the towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches as the Proud Mary idly cruises by. At night, the Proud Mary’s powerful floodlights provide a rare glimpse of nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls and coots.
Lagoon cruises, a guided nature walk through Reedy Creek Gorge and an Australian themed bush barbeque with live entertainment make up the highlights of this tremendous 2 night discovery cruise. For when you choose to retire to the private contemporary ensuite accommodation provided, all cabins onboard feature stunning river views so you can stay immersed in the beauty of nature.
- 3 day Proud Mary Discovery Cruise including:
- 2 nights onboard in a Riverview Cabin with ensuite
- All meals
- Lagoon cruises
- Reedy Creek Nature Walk
- Australian themed bush barbeque
- Live entertainment
- Night cruising
DAY 1 FRIDAY:
7pm: You are welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary crew. Having settled into your comfortable, river-view cabin, you may like to join fellow passengers in the Dining Room & enjoy a drink before a delicious hot supper is served. Proud Mary cruises to its overnight mooring point and your Captain introduces the crew. Cruising the river at night is a magical experience and the Proud Mary’s powerful floodlights illuminate the graceful willows and dark waters as you glide past. This is an excellent opportunity to see the River environment from a completely different perspective and may allow you to view some of the nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls, and coots.
10pm: Proud Mary ties up at Sunnyside, our overnight mooring, for a night of peace and tranquillity in the Australian bush.
DAY 2 SATURDAY:
8am: Proud Mary departs Sunnyside and continues upstream through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire Murray River system. In the early days of riverboats, the inland lagoons were so immense that captains could often not find clear channels to navigate, so in the early 1900s riverboat captains planted willow trees along the banks to clearly mark the main river. Today the willows provide the perfect haven for a prolific range of birdlife. There are some 320 species in this area and, with the aid of binoculars and your well-informed guide, you will be able to study these beautiful creatures at close range.
8.15am - 9am: A hearty buffet breakfast is available, featuring quality South Australian produce, which you can enjoy while cruising through Mypolonga, Woodlane, Caloote and Ponde.
10.30am: The Proud Mary berths in Mannum allowing time for a stroll through this historic town. Visit the Mannum Dock Museum for a fascinating glimpse of aboriginal settlement and the early days of paddle-steamers. Details on three historic walks, explaining significant places and heritage buildings, can be obtained at the Visitor Information Centre.
12.30pm: The vessel departs Mannum. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Proud Mary chefs as you cruise upstream through Younghusband and Teal Flat. Your menu may include dishes such as Lamb Rack with Tomato Chutney or NT Barrumundi with Lemon Myrtle, Spinach and Yam Chips.
3pm: Proud Mary ties up at Teal Flat, located alongside towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. Here, you will enjoy an informative guided cruise aboard a small boat as our expert ecologist leads you through the lagoons and inlets of the Murray River. This amazing experience allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the river environment while your guide provides fascinating information about the River and its ecology. It’s a truly memorable experience.
5pm: The Bar opens onshore. Enjoy a relaxing drink as you bask in the beauty of your surroundings and chat to fellow passengers. There’s also time to take a walk around the nearby riverbank area to immerse yourself in peace of your surroundings.
6.30pm: This evening delivers another memorable experience… a traditional Aussie barbeque prepared by our chefs and eaten under a canopy of stars amidst the restful sounds of the nearby river. Afterwards enjoy an evening of live entertainment around a blazing campfire, provided by our resident musician. Request a song and sing along into the night as the stars of the Australian sky hover above, almost close enough to touch.
DAY 3 SUNDAY:
7.45am: Proud Mary departs Teal Flat & cruises downstream towards Mannum.
8.15am - 9am: Another hearty English breakfast is served for your enjoyment.
10.15am: Arrive back at picturesque Mannum to board the waiting coach for your tour to Reedy Creek Environmental Park. This was an important gathering point for local Aboriginal tribes as it provided an abundant source of water throughout the entire year. Your ecologist guide will explain this special landscape and its effect on the surrounding countryside and the aboriginal inhabitants. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and don’t forget to take along your cameras, as Reedy Creek is very picturesque indeed, especially when the waterfalls are flowing.
12.15pm: Depart from Mannum.
12.30pm: A delicious smorgasbord lunch is served featuring fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery while the Proud Mary cruises past Ponde, Caloote, Woodlane, Mypolonga and Willow Banks. An interesting video on Murray River Ecology will be shown during the afternoon.
4pm: Late afternoon, the Vessel secures back at Murray Bridge. We hope you have enjoyed your time with us and will return for another River Murray experience in the future.
DEPARTURES: 30 Jun, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 1 Sep 23, 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar 24.
30 Jun, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 25 Aug, 1 Sep 23, 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 7 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar 24.
23 Jun 24,
unless sold out prior. Availability is limited.
* Conditions apply. On sale until 29 Mar 24 for travel until 29 Mar 24. Prices correct as at 26 May 23 but may be adjusted if surcharges, fees, taxes, or currency exchange rates are affected. Offers subject to availability. (All savings and bonus nights are included in the advertised price). Fees apply for direct payments made to Viva Holidays using a debit or credit card. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Bookings must be made directly with Viva Holidays or a travel agent, please confirm all prices, availability and details with your consultant before booking. Cancellation fees apply, offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. The Viva Holidays General Booking Conditions apply vivaholidays.com.au/policies/booking-conditions. Viva Holidays Pty Ltd ABN 78 634 662 294.