murray bridge boat cruises

Experience the beauty of Murray River at the Murray Bridge

Located: murray cods drive, murray bridge sa 5253 (near bunyip).

Welcome 

Four Knots Murray River Cruises offers a unique way to discover the Murray River. Our cruises are based in Murray Bridge, South Australia, and take you on a journey down the picturesque river to discover the beauty of the region.

You'll get to see the unique birdlife, the flora and fauna of the riverbanks, and learn about the heritage of the area.

What you can expect:

Relaxing cruises: Our cruises are designed to be relaxing, enjoyable, affordable and perfect for taking in the scenery. 

Diverse cruises:   We offer a variety of cruises to choose from, including morning and afternoon coffee and cake cruises, lunch cruises and sunset cruises with wine and beer. Charter, you can arrange the entire cruise for a special event such as birthday, wedding, anniversary and corporate events.  ​ ​

Gift Certificate

We offer gift certificates for our delightful cruises. Whether you want to surprise a loved one or treat yourself, a river cruise gift certificate is a wonderful choice. Remember, a river cruise gift certificate is not just a piece of paper; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories on the water. Enjoy the scenic views, delicious treats, and the gentle sway of the boat as you explore the river. 🚢✨ 

You can reach out to us through phone 0468 875 993 or via email at  [email protected]  or book online. Let us know you’re interested in a gift certificate, and they’ll guide you through the process. 

Package Deal Cruises

Stress-free Adventure, Enjoyable Escape & Reconnect with nature.

Four Knots Murray River Cruises have crafted the perfect all-inclusive packages for an unforgettable Murray River getaway. 

Our packages offer unique experiences that includes cruise, museum and farm tour. This is a perfect opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. Discover the hills and Murray River.

Tour to the regions hidden gems and a cruise offers a curated blend of adventure and tranquility, making your tour an unforgettable experience. "GROUP BOOKINGS ONLY"

PACKAGE 1- Fun Pack Day Tour (Day Tour $120 pp)

Pick-up & return

Cruise on the Murray River

Scenic drive to the farm & presentation

Cinema & Museum

PACKAGE 2 - Relaxing Day Tour (2 Days Tour $330 pp)

Accommodation

Scenic fruit farm & presentation

Two (2) cooked lunches

Dinner with the group

Cooked breakfast

​Start planning your relaxing escape!  

You can reach out to us through phone 0468 875 993 or via email at  [email protected] . 

Our Cruises

​ Coffee & Cake Guided Tour

A delightful way to combining scenic views with delicious treats.  

Sunset Cruise 

Experience mesmerizing sunset cruise with wine and beer sounds like delightful way to unwind, enjoy scenic beauty and allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Murray River.

Lunch Cruise  - Pre-order meals, see menu on the booking platform. 

Charter/Birthday or Special Events

Unique concept allows groups to charter entire cruise, creating tailored experiences for friends & family, corporate events and special days. 

Drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar (Boat Tour/Day Trip)

Operating in Murray Bridge. We live local, right in the heart of Murray Bridge, so we know what makes the Murray River tick. We promise to continually deliver one of the best experiences you’ll have on our magnificent river”.

M.V. Jester has 40 seat capacity, is fully enclosed with large windows, providing wonderful river views.

We are currently operating group which require a minimum of 12 people and we also accept individual bookings from the public. 

Welcome to our gallery!

Here you can find a collection of images from our Murray River Cruises. Browse through the photos and get a glimpse the stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences that await you on board. Contact us if you any questions or Book Online.

What our cruises look like?

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Location:     Murray Cods Drive, Murray Bridge SA Email:  [email protected] 

P hone:  - 0468 875993.

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© Four Knots Murray River Cruises

Phone: 0468 875 993

ABN 24 369 826 266

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Murray River River Cruises and Tours

Murray river cruises, cruising the murray river is one of the most amazing and surprising experiences you'll have..

The Murray is much more than a river, it is quintessentially Australian experience. Within a relatively short distance from Adelaide and Melbourne you can experience jaw-dropping beauty, diverse history and luxury all surrounded by a sense of peace that has to be experienced to understand.

As the Murray carves its way through our sun-burnt and contrasting landscape you'll discover a new part of the world that's not overrun with tourists and will allow you time to reconnect with yourself, family and friends.

Enjoy a Proud Mary Cruise

Join the intimate cruising vessel, the Proud Mary to discover the Murray River's eco-system at its best. Only a 45 minute drive from Adelaide the vessel embarks and disembarks guests from Murray Bridge , where garaging is available for those wishing not to transfer via our luxury Expedition coach. Our cruises operate 365 days a year and include all meals, prepared exclusively by our resident chefs, private river view en-suite accommodation and daily nature based shore excursions.  

Offering both 5 night and 2 night cruise, the Proud Mary gives you an excellent opportunity to see the river environment in a different perspective and may allow you to view some of the nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as pelicans, night herons, owls and coots. Our experienced and friendly staff will ensure all your personal needs are attended to every step of the journey, so sit back, relax and experience the beautiful Murray River at its best aboard the Proud Mary cruising vessel.

Cruises on Australia's Murray River

The Murray River and its surroundings are normally overlooked as a significant cruising region of international appeal but many visitors are now discovering the Murray River is a wonderfully natural and great place enjoy. A slow river that easily touches your soul and satisfies the inner spirit.

Spud Hilton, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer recently stated "The Murray is the ultimate lazy river, a 100-million-year-old ribbon that winds 1,470 miles through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, passing farms, Aboriginal homelands, red gum forests, holiday cottages, arid scrub and towering ochre-colored limestone cliffs festooned with snow-white cockatoos."

Mornings you'll find mirror-perfect water, not yet disturbed by by a sole. As the mist gently rises over the water, golden sunrays pierce the huge river red gums and pelicans silently look for fish as they'd done the night before. You should encounter incredible wildlife including kangaroos, emus, koalas, goannas, kookaburras and much more. You'll find other early risers will enjoy the serenity with you but there's plenty of quiet spots to be with yourself and a nice cup of tea or coffee.

Traffic along the river is fairly minimal. You'll find milk boats, fishing craft, some ferries in South Australia, occasional small paddleboats and a diverse amarda of houseboats (Murray River is the houseboating capital of Australia). The Murray is used for by watersports enthusiasts with ski boats and canoes and kayaks .

Part of the rich history of Australia is it's Murray-Darling paddle steamers . The Murray River was used by more than a hundred paddle steamers and barges during the heydays to the late 1800's to deliver supplies to settlements upstream and returned loaded with wool and wheat. When the railroads opened up the territory by 1890, the paddle steamers ceased as a popular mode of transportation. Nowadays a few remain for leisure cruising on the Murray yet Australia still has the largest range of active paddle steamers in the world.

Naturally on each cruise you'll receive a mixture of information on river history, folklore, environmental information, free time to chat, relax and much more. Some longer cruises allow you the opportunity to get off the boat and experience Aboriginal culture, shearing exhibitions and other tours to learn, engage and explore the local region. You can enjoy local walks at some of the historic towns or cliff top climbs.

Back on board while the rugged and beautiful world of the Murray River landscapes slowly pass you by, you'll stay in comfortable and clean cabins on overnight accommodation for the longer cruises. Most cruises offer meal and food options. Short river cruises may offer you light snacks or cafeteria style food, while the longer overnight cruises offer great dining with food that is professionally prepared (and yes you can even experience Vegemite if you want one of Australia's great challenges).

One of the greatest things you'll take away from your Murray River cruise is an appreciation of the Murray's abundant beauty and intrinsic value to Australia's culture and meaning. Aboriginal occupation of the region in some parts dates back over 40,000 years. There are opportunities for guided indigenous walks, where guides talk and showcase the importance of the land and their relationship with the river. You'll enjoy the dreamtime story as different Aboriginal tribes and clans offer their stories of the land and river. The stories connect you to their ancient culture and give you a deep insight to the need to protect Australia's most important river.

Still not sure you're going to have a great time?

As you sit back and absorb one of the world's most incredible and diverse river systems you can watch the captain slowly guide the boat around the myriad of river bends. Each bend unfolds a new view, new landscape and new secret that will keep you guessing and wondering. But the biggest question you may have is "will the captain let me drive?" now that would top off your Murray River "no worries" cruising experience!

River Cruises Specials and Packages

Send an email enquiry to river cruises operators, murray river book : one river, many lands - now only $39.95, the murray river's largest online community and information guide.

Captain Proud Paddle Boat Cruises Murray Bridge South Australia Ph. 046630409 2   Email   Us   [email protected]

Your party, your night.

Relax in the lower lounge.

Sandstone cliffs.

3 Hour Lunch Cruise

Daily 3 hour Lunch cruise with 2 course meal .

Gift Vouchers and Memberships

Gift Vouchers Available for Purchase Valid for 12 months or longer

12 Month Membership available, save up to 20% off cruises. Memberships renewed every 12 months.

Cheap Tuesdays

Discounted 3 hour Lunch cruise with 2 course meal.

(Tuesdays only)

Saturday Evening Dinner Cruise

Saturday Evening Dinner Cruise with 2 course meal.

Includes live entertainment. September-April.

Deal Of The Week

Check out our Weekly Lunch Deals. Click on the last minute picture.

Selected Dates  are random and you can save HUGE $'s .

Adelaide Hills Tour and  River Murray Cruise  

  Adelaide Hills / Hahndorf Tour with 3 hour Lunch cruise

Pickup from Adelaide CBD, Glenelg & Hahndorf   Luxury Tours using Chauffeured Vehicles . 

2 Course  Lunch included on vessel.

Click Picture for Details

Chauffeured Wine and Sightseeing Tours of the

Adelaide hills, barossa valley, mclaren vales.

Adelaide  Hills Scenic  & Wine Tour  - Includes Lunch.

Barossa Valley Scenic & Wine Tour  -  Includes Lunch.

McLaren Vales Scenic  &  Wine Tour  - Includes Lunch.

Click Picture for full details

Welcome to Murray Bridge Captain Proud Video.

Beautiful Surrounds of Murray Bridge.  Bird in the Sky.

Award Winner .

Winner 2015 / 2016, 2017 and 2018 certificate of excellence, barter card and bbx bookings please contact us direct..

 Looking for a 3-hour River Murray Lunch Cruise?   Try Captain Proud.

 Cruise’s available for Individuals, Groups and Corporate Charters and Weddings.

 Private Vessel Hire Inquiries Welcome. Cheaper than you may think.

Weddings. See our wedding page for details and click on link.

 Captain Proud’s Coach Tours and Charters with personalized itinerary’s.

 Cruising the River Murray for Lunch, Dinner and Morning /Afternoon Tea.

 Book your cruise online with instant confirmation. Easy on-line bookings.

Weather Policy. Safety conditions for gale force winds.

If the captain of your cruise decides it's too dangerous to proceed with the scheduled cruise on the day, then your meals with full dining facilities will still be available at the wharf.

Terms and Conditions Statement. 2016

Click Menu Icon to list all cruises.

To find accommodation nearby, visit hotelscombined

3 hour lunch cruises - departing daily.

Menu Jan 2023

Lunch Cruises.

Departs daily at 11am Monday Through Saturday and 12pm Sundays from main wharf Murray Bridge.

For Tuesday please see Cheap Tuesday TAB.

3 Hour Lunch Cruise on the Murray River. Departs Murray Bridge Main Wharf, includes a  3-hour cruise and a 2 course meal.

Explore the vast and natural beauty that is our River Murray. Cruising 7 days a week.

The Captain Proud Paddle Boat boasts a fully decked out period styled dining area and bar.

Enjoy a fine meal as you cruise slowly past majestic scenery.  Experience the wildlife of the River Murray in all its untamed natural beauty.

Cruise past the points of interest that you can only really see from the river. See the wonderful scenery as you take in the fresh air on the deck outside the dining room.

Learn of the wonderful history of the area as you relax in comfort with friends, loved ones, or business partners.  We will deliver a unique experience that will be both fun and memorable

Air conditioned and heated for passenger comfort

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3Hr Murray River Lunch Cruise

Start Time 10:45

Duration 3hr 30min

• Murray River lunch cruise
• 2-course lunch
• Scenic views

About This Experience

The Murray River, one of the oldest river systems in the world and ranking as the third longest navigable river, invites exploration. Departing daily from the Murray Bridge wharf, this Murray River lunch cruise is the perfect way to spend your afternoon in Adelaide with friends or family. From the spacious decks of the Captain Proud paddle boat, you can take in the bountiful riverside attractions including rare sandstone and limestone cliff faces, vast wetlands and waterfront homes. Discover the unique flora and fauna and the dramatic landscapes of this iconic river. You’ll cruise past some exclusive attractions which can only be seen from the river. As your afternoon progresses, a wholesome 2-course lunch with a choice of main course and dessert will be served. After lunch, you can head to one of the outer decks to enjoy the fresh air and capture exquisite nature photos – keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the colourful birds in the wetlands. So, join this popular lunch cruise on Murray River to truly experience the region’s natural splendour and revitalise your afternoons in Adelaide. Book your cruise now!

Cruise Details

Location Murray Bridge Main Wharf

What's Included

• 3hr lunch cruise on Murray River
• 2-course lunch on board
• See the wetlands, rare sandstone cliffs and other points of interest
• Informative commentary about the river and its diverse ecosystem
• Drinks available for purchase on board
• Cruise on the popular ‘Captain Proud’ paddle boat with a period-styled dining deck
• Experience nature’s beauty and capture scenic shots waterfront attractions 
• Chance to spot native wildlife along the river banks

Adult Price

Child (2–13 years)

• Terms Of Services

32 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

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Daily Sightseeing Cruises

10.15 - 11.30 - 13.15 - 14.30

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PS Emmylou 3, 4 or 7 Nights

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Welcome to murray river paddlesteamers.

Step aboard our iconic paddlesteamers, now including the exquisite PS Australian Star available from June 2025, for an elegant journey back in time along the winding Murray River. Bask in breathtaking views of landscapes and wildlife, whether you opt for PS Canberra’s daily sightseeing and lunch cruises or PS Emmylou’s multi-day 3, 4 & 7 night voyages – each promises an unforgettable experience.

Our dedicated crew is poised to cater to your desires, whether it’s a leisurely river trip or a special event. As pioneers of Echuca’s river cruising, we take pride in sharing the river’s stories and preserving its rich heritage. Join us for an adventure through history, guided by passionate storytellers, leaving you with cherished memories. 

Emmylou & Australian Star 2025 Sale Event - Save 10%

Be quick to secure your 2025 cabin aboard PS Australian Star or PS Emmylou with limited departures available. 

Book before 30th September 2024

Sightseeing lunch & Dinner Cruises

Ps canberra 1h river cruise.

Step aboard the 110-year-old paddlesteamer with a wood-fired steam engine. Perfect for the family with onboard kiosk and bar available 

pS emmylou 1h Premium Cruise

Embark on a captivating cruise aboard the enchanting PS Emmylou. Enjoy premium coffee, snacks, full bar and the skipper’s insightful commentary.

PS Emmylou Dinner Cruise

Join us for an exclusive adults-only 2.5-hour dinner cruise. Enjoy a fabulous 3-course meal as the sun sets through the river redgum trees along the Murray River

Wharf to Winery Lunch

Enjoy in a return paddlesteamer cruise to Morrisons Winery, including a delectable two-course lunch, glass of wine and tastings. 

Wharf to Winery PREMIUM

Indulge in our new Wharf to Winery PREMIUM package and savour complimentary wine onboard your return cruise in addition to your lunch package. 

Port to Plate Lunch/Dinner

Discover Echuca’s finest attraction – Port to Plate! Indulge in a delectable meal at Bar Lee, then cruise aboard the 110 year old PS Canberra. 

Emmylou & Australian Star Multi-day Cruise Experiences

3 Night Discovery Cruise

Embark on a captivating 3-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou for a journey through the heart of the Australian outback. Step back in time and indulge in the charm and romance of a bygone era.

4 Night Explorer Cruise

Experience the beauty and history of the Murray River with a 4-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer doing overnight cruises. A unique way to explore the Australian outback.

7 Night All the Rivers Run

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure aboard the PS Emmylou for a 7-night Murray River cruise. Enjoy the ultimate riverboat experience as you explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of Australia’s iconic river

PS Australian Star

2025 offer – Save 10% + $100 Bar Credit. Embark on a journey of unprecedented luxury and charm with our exclusive offer. Enjoy 10% discount on  every stateroom departure during 2025. Book today or by 30th September.

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Relaxing Murray River Paddle Boat Cruise in South Australia

by Lisa Bull | Last updated Oct 20, 2021 | Adelaide Trips

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

For those of you who’ve followed my Perth to Adelaide road trip adventure, you’ll know that after five weeks of camping in a tent across the south coast of Australia (involving sun, wind, rain, thunder storms, phones lost down compost toilets and the occasional agonizing insect bite – as well as all the fun stuff, obviously!), my travel mate, Michi, and I met up with our friend Mirka for a two-week house sit in Adelaide.

After a lot of tug-of-war with the German Shepherd we were looking after, discovering all the best things to do in Adelaide , thoroughly cleaning our car and camping gear, and, to be honest, spending a lot of time slumped on the sofa watching TV which felt like an absolute luxury, it was time for Michi and I to get back on the road and continue towards the east coast of Australia!

In our newly relaxed state of mind, we decided to ease ourselves back into the explorer lifestyle with a gentle paddle boat cruise along the iconic Murray River in South Australia.

Murray River Facts

At 2,508km long, the Murray River is Australia’s longest river. Starting in the Australian Alps, it runs down the western side of the mountains before meandering across the inland plains, forming the border between New South Wales and Victoria.

It then flows through South Australia, reaching the coastline at Lake Alexandrina and The Coorong before opening out into the Indian Ocean at the Murray River Mouth.

Murray Bridge

To begin our Murray River paddle boat cruise, we said goodbye to Adelaide and drove 76km southeast along the Princes Highway to the city of Murray Bridge.

We didn’t have time to look around the city unfortunately, but it’s a popular tourist spot known as the “crown” of the Murray Region, offering water sports, walking trails, restaurants and even a safari bus around Monarto Zoo , Australia’s largest open-range zoo.

Murray River Paddle Boat Cruise

On arrival in Murray Bridge, we went straight to the wharf to start our afternoon trip with Captain Proud paddle boat cruises .

Paddle steamers and paddle boats have been part of life on the Murray River and the Murray-Darling Basin since 1853, when the first paddle steamer, P.S. Mary Ann, was launched near Mannum in South Australia. So a cruise seemed like the obvious way for us to enjoy the river.

After our recent adventures in the ancient forests of southwest Australia and beautiful beach destinations like Esperance, it was a real change of scene to visit the quiet riverside settlements of South Australia.

After scones and tea, we sat out on the deck to enjoy the peace and serenity that the Murray River is known for.

House boats are also popular on the Murray River SA; you can even hire them to stay overnight instead of a hotel!

Back on dry land, feeling refreshed and ready to go, we got back on the road for the hour-long drive down to our campsite in Coorong National Park, where the Murray River meets the ocean!

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.

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Hi, I'm Lisa, a British expat living in Sydney. I've travelled almost the whole Australian coastline and love sharing detailed travel and migration guides to inspire other adventurous souls to travel or move to Australia. Read more about me!

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River Murray lunch cruise from Mannum

Treat yourself to a taste of Australia’s most famous river, the River Murray. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch cruising from Mannum aboard the boutique riverboat, Proud Mary.

• Cruise Highlights
• Getting There
• Enquire now

Come cruising...

Treat yourself to a taste of Australia’s most famous river, with a sumptuous lunch cruising aboard the boutique Proud Mary riverboat.

Casting off every Monday at Mannum, our 1 hour 45 minute lunch cruise will commence with a welcoming coffee or tea served with a freshly baked scone with jam and cream! A delicious 2 course lunch will follow, prepared by our highly skilled chefs. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery and river views. 

South Australia’s life source, the Murray River, is home to abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, beautiful skies and an overwhelming sense of tranquillity. You can also take in some on board commentary about the history and ecological significance of the River.

Departing from and returning to Mannum every Monday at 10:40am.*

Special dietary requirements

Our talented chefs insist on the highest quality of produce for their dishes. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when you book your Lunch Cruise and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Please Note:  Departure for the cruise is at 10:45am sharp. We encourage all guests to arrive a minimum of 10 minutes prior to departure, as we are unfortunately unable to delay our departure for guests who arrive late.

*Itinerary times and details are subject to variation due to daylight savings and river levels.

Getting there...

Travelling from adelaide.

• Take the South Eastern Freeway out of Adelaide to the Murray Bridge B55 exit.
• Continue 9kms into Murray Bridge and then turn left onto Mannum Road.
• Centro Murray Bridge will be on your right. Continue approximately 29kms to Adelaide Road and turn right.
• Continue approximately 3.5kms and arrive at Mary-Ann Reserve, which will be on your right.

I just wanted to thanks the whole team at Proud Mary for the most wonderful cruise along the Murray River. Darlye and I loved every minute of it, from the food, to the tours and the most amazing crew looking after us.. Thank you Proud Mary. M Goodes, Jul 2024

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Murray River Cruises

Sail down the mighty Murray River for a cruising experience you'll never forget. One of the worlds longest Rivers, the Murray covers one third of Australia's continent across Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Cruise this iconic Australian outback river highway on a Murray River Princess Cruise.

With dramatic scenery, you can discover some of Australia's outback in the luxury of your own private Cabin or Stateroom. With overnight 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 day river cruises to suit your desires Captain Cook Cruises also caters for those with mobile disabilities / limitations .

With an exciting array of shore side tours, entertainment, cocktail and dinner parties all interests are taken into account by your onboard staff. Our River Murray Boat Cruises include:

What you can see

• Ancient Gorges
• Red Gum Forests
• Historic Ports
• Local Vineyards
• Nature Trails
• Sandstone Cliffs

And a vast array of Australian wildlife and birdlife along the way:

• Swans and many more

Most Tours with Captain Cook Cruises include: (subject to cruise type)

• Complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or Car Parking in Mannum
• Guided nature walks & eco tours
• Onboard presentations
• Daybreak photography
• Aboriginal Cultural Tours
• Captain’s Dinner
• Shipboard accommodation
• Use of the spas & saunas
• Onboard Entertainment
• 24hr self service coffee bar

About the Murray River

The Murray Darling River system covers more than 3670km through a vast array of 26 locks reaching Mt Kosiciusko, Wagga Wagga, Echuca, Mildura, Bourke, Gunnedah, Renmark, Loxton, Murray Bridge, Mannum and Goolwa. Some of the Murray's tributaries include:

• Darling River
• Murrumbidgee River
• Lachlan River
• Macquarie River
• Barwon River

Cruise Events

Captain Cook Cruises also holds annual special event Cruises each year however these sell out very quickly so you will need to be quick to secure these in advance. Special Event Cruises include:

• Christmas in July

Cruises with Captain Cook can also include pre and post Hotel Accommodation in Adelaide to make your holiday or vacation booking even easier to organise.

Crazy Cruises caters for both the Early Bird and Last Minute River Cruise bookings - so be quick to ensure we have space for your Murray River Cruising experience without further delay.

View Captain Cook Murray River Cruises