2025 Murray River and Kangaroo Island Tour
Experience South Australia’s favourite icons
11 Days
12 – 22 October 2025
From $6,250*
Come explore the mighty Murray River and discover the unique wildlife and stunning scenery of Kangaroo Island
11 days – Twin / Double $6250 + air (TBA)
Single $7880 + air (TBA)
Deposit $500.00
PLUS – Return Airfare – Brisbane > Adelaide > Brisbane
Inc – Home p/up & return*
*Brisbane > Sunshine Coast Regions
Itinerary
This morning marks the beginning of our unforgettable tour to South Australia. We fly into Adelaide where we are warmly welcomed by our coach captain and transferred to our overnight accommodation. Over dinner in the Hotel restaurant, we have the opportunity to get to know our fellow passengers, setting the stage for the adventure that awaits us.
Adelaide Rockford | 08 8211 8255
Lunch at own cost | Dinner at Hotel
Today we embark on a picturesque journey through the beautiful Adelaide Hills, immersing ourselves in the rich history of the German township of Hahndorf. Our adventure begins at Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, proudly owned by a family with roots tracing back to Prussia. Guided by a knowledgeable local, we delved into Hahndorf’s hidden gems and historical anecdotes on a leisurely walking tour, uncovering the town’s captivating past. Afterwards we have time to take a stroll though the charming shops and enjoy lunch of our choosing. Later we head to Melba’s Chocolate and Confectionery Factory. Watch artisans in action as they make all their delicious treats – be sure to taste test the Rocky Road. From sweet temptations to savoury delights, we wander over to Woodside Cheese Wrights who produce an original range of cheeses for us to taste, all made by hand. Making tracks for historic Mannum, we board the iconic PS Murray Princess. Heading upriver, we enjoy a Welcome Dinner whilst cruising under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
4 nights | Murray Princess Cruises | 08 8202 8649
Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at own cost | Dinner onboard
Daybreak and it’s time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the sunrise 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”.
All meals included
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 Barbeque – 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.
All meals included
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 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.
All meals included
We leave Younghusband this morning and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we bid farewell to the Murray Princess and travel through to Monarto where we’ll explore the free-range wildlife sanctuary of Monarto Safari Park. Accompanied by an animal expert we embark on a safari tour through the park which plays a pivotal role in conservation of rare and endangered species both nationally and globally. After our adventure, we’ll have the chance to find some lunch at the onsite café before continuing our travels through to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Our day concludes as we check into our accommodation for the night at the scenic Lady Bay Hotel, offering views of the links Golf Course.
Lady Bay Hotel Normanville| 08 8558 0600
Breakfast onboard & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own cost
Taking the short journey to Cape Jervis we arrive at the departure point of the Sealink Ferry Service to Kangaroo Island. After successfully navigating the Backstairs Passage, we reach Penneshaw. Once the coach is unloaded, we travel to the most eastern point of the island, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. Being the first lighthouse built in South Australia, it has a rich maritime history and spectacular panoramic views. There are 101 steps to navigate to the top if you wish, but the view from the ground is also pretty with excellent views of the remote island coastline. Heading to the island’s capital of Kingscote, we settle into our accommodation and enjoy a stroll along the beach or simply relax before dinner.
3 nights | Seaside Inn Kangaroo Island | 08 8553 2707
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own cost
There are two major wildlife areas we have planned to visit today – Seal Bay and the Flinders Chase National Park. First up we head to Seal Bay for our chance to walk on the beach amongst the colony of Australian Sea Lions who live here all year round. It is an unforgettable experience to be guided by a National Parks Ranger, along the beach, within metres of the bulls, cows and sea pups as they rest on the beach. We arrive at the Raptor Domain for their free flight birds of prey demonstration and then have lunch. This afternoon we head towards the south-western end of Kangaroo Island to Flinders Chase National Park. This part of the Island was devastated by the 2019 bushfires and most of the vegetation and local infrastructure was either lost, or badly affected. We will head directly to Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch and we can see first-hand the impact of the fires and the re-growth that has commenced. What a day of truly exceptional wildlife experiences!
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Raptor Domain
Our touring today promises a glimpse into unique ventures of Kangaroo Island. Our first stop is Clifford’s Honey Farm, renowned for housing Kangaroo Island’s exclusive population of Ligurian bees – the sole pure strain worldwide – producing a remarkable 10,000 kilograms of honey annually. Delight in a tour accompanied by honey ice-cream while discovering the intriguing history of these bees, initially imported from 12 hives from Italy’s Liguria region in the 1880s and safeguarded from other bee strains due to the island’s isolation. Next, we journey to the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Eucalyptus Oil distillation, once a cornerstone industry on the island, traces its roots back to the 1800s, serving as extra income for farmers clearing land for sheep farming. By the 1930s it flourished with 48 stills employing 600 people. Our final destination is Emu Bay where we explore the local Lavender Farm. Originating in 2001 with a modest lavender garden, the farm has since burgeoned, now boasting an impressive amount of plants including 12 different varieties. Following a talk, we’ll relish in a lunch and have the chance to check out their exceptional essential oils and loose leaf teas, crafted from the lavender cultivated onsite.
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Emu Bay
All aboard for the ferry service back to the mainland where we head to the internationally renowned wine region of McLaren Vale. Set amongst gorgeous vines and an olive grove is the family-owned Lloyd Brothers Winery. Relax in this beautiful location as we enjoy a shared dining experience with dips and regional produce platters. It will be a great way to spend our last day in South Australia. This afternoon we return to Adelaide and check back into our city hotel.
Adelaide Rockford | 08 8211 8255
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Lloyd Brothers Winery
What a fantastic holiday we’ve had! Transferring to the Adelaide airport we prepare for our return flight home. As our aircraft wings its way steadily back to Queensland, we have time to reflect on our incredible South Australian adventure along the Murray River and Kangaroo Island and the stories we have to share with family and friends.
Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at own cost
The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, CT Travel 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. CT Travel will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at a venue’s discretion.
Tour Inclusions
- 10 nights’ accommodation (6 x motel and 4 x Murray Princess)
- 10 cooked breakfasts (6 x motel and 4 x Murray Princess)
- 10 two course dinners (6 x motel and 4 x Murray Princess)
- 3 included lunches onboard the Murray Princess
- 3 additional included lunches
- Guided tour of Hahndorf
- Entry, tastings and beverage at Beerenberg Farm
- Visit to Melba’s Chocolate Factory
- Tasting at Woodside Cheese Wrights
- General Admission and Safari View Tour (using own coach) at Monarto Safari Park
- Return ferry with Sealink to KI
- 3 full days touring on Kangaroo Island
- Entry and guided tour of the precinct at Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
- Guided Beach Walk with National Park Ranger at Seal Bay
- Entry to Birds of Prey at Raptor Domain
- Lunch at The Rocks Cafe Flinders Chase
- Entry to Flinders Chase National Park
- Entry, guided tour and honey ice cream at Cliffords Honey Farm
- Guided tour & oil at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
- Guided tour and lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm
- Lunch at Lloyd Brothers Wine & Olive Co.
Accommodation
- Adelaide Rockford (1 night)
- Captain Cook Cruises – Murray Princess Mannum (4 nights)
- Lady Bay Hotel (1 night)
- Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn (3 nights)
- Adelaide Rockford (return, 1 night)
Enquire Now
Please complete the form below or download and print the form here.
You may pay by cheque, credit card over the phone or by Direct Deposit to
Coolum Tours and Travel
Wpac Acc
BSB 034-198
Acc # 666873