Murray Meander 10 Day coach tour - March 2018 - Simes Brothers

Murray Meander 10 day tour
8-17 March 2018
10 days / 9 nights

A leisurely coach tour full of natural wonder. Flying to Adelaide, we get to spend time on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest paddle wheeler, cruising the iconic Australian outback ‘river highway’. We discover the world’s largest open range zoo the Monarto Zoo, as well as the National Holden Museum, plus much more…

Day 1 – Thursday 8 March 2018

Adelaide Sightseeing

This morning meet our coach for transfer to Gold Coast Airport for your flight to Adelaide where you will be met by our Tour Leader and Coach Driver for the short journey to your Adelaide accommodation.

Day 2 – Friday 9 March 2018

Adelaide to Murray Mouth lookout to Monarto Zoo and then on board PS Murray Princess

We make an early start this morning so we can travel to Goolwa to the Murray Mouth Lookout to view the point at which the Murray River meets the Southern Ocean after its 2 520km journey from the Australian Alps. After morning tea in Goolwa we’ll travel to Monarto Zoo, the largest open-range zoo in the world and home to more than 500 animals and 50 exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles. From here it’s just a stone’s throw to Mannum where we board the PS Murray Princess, an authentic working stern paddlewheeler vessel, built to recreate the golden age of Australian paddle steamers. Discover the beautiful lower riverlands, between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge; cruise through spectacular riverlands and enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna; take a nature walk; get up close to the river birdlife on board the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat; visit the township of Murray Bridge; and learn about the food and wine of this famous region.

Days 3 & 4 – Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 March 2018

Onboard PS Murray Princess

BLD

Spend the day cruising long the Mighty Murray. Take in the tranquil sounds of nature, the calm flow of the Murray as you mingle and have a chat with your fellow passengers.

Day 5 – Monday 12 March 2018

Disembark PS Murray Princess and travel to Mildura

BLD

This morning we sadly disembark the PS Murray Princess but we still have much to see as we continue our Murray Meander. We follow the Murray for much of today stopping for morning tea and picnic lunch along the riverbanks. We cross the border after lunch and arrive in Mildura mid-afternoon. A visit to Sunraysia Cellar Door, Mildura’s newest attraction where you can sample over 250 wines from 22 Murray Darling wine producers and also purchase local products, such as olive oils, dried fruit and a great range of winery gift ideas.

Day 6 – Tuesday 13 March 2018

From Mildura to Echuca

BLD
Today we again follow the Murray crossing in to NSW then back into Victoria for morning tea at Swan Hill. We arrive in Echuca in time for lunch then visit the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre where you will be transported back to the hustle and bustle of the 1860’s when Echuca was Australia’s largest inland port.

Day 7 – Wednesday 14 March 2018

Echuca Sight Seeing

BLD

First today we visit the National Holden Museum. The Holden cars have a unique place in the hearts of all Australians. Is there an Australian adult who has never driven a Holden? Or at least ridden in one. The Holden Museum is dedicated to preserving the models and their memories. Later we enjoy a lunch cruise on the PS Emmylou which starred in the TV series “All the Rivers Run”. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore Echuca’s High Street which is the tourist hub lined with historic buildings housing giftware, souvenirs, local produce and outdoor equipment. Or simply take a stroll along the beautiful Murray River.

Day 8 – Thursday 15 March 2018

Journey from Echuca to Albury then to Wagga

BLD

We continue our journey following the Murray through the towns of Barmah, Cobram and Yarrawonga to our cuppa stop at Rutherglen, the centre of one of Victoria’s premier wine regions. We’ll arrive in Wagga in time for a picnic lunch in the Botanic Gardens. Have time to explore the Gardens including the mini zoo and bird aviary.

Day 9 – Friday 16 March 2018

Depart Wagga and travel North to Narrabri

BLD

After departing Wagga, we travel north to join the Newell Hwy to West Wyalong then on to Dubbo for lunch, arriving in Narrabri late afternoon.

Day 10 – Saturday 17 March 2018

Coach from Narrabri back home to the Northern Rivers

Sadly, we load the coach for the final time today. We travel to Sawn Rocks for an easy 750m walk beside a shady creek bed leading to a spectacular rock formation – the unique, organ-pipe cliff face of Sawn Rocks and scenic views. We’ll stop for morning tea at Bingara, known as “the Gem on the Gwydir”. Our farewell lunch will be in Glen Innes before the final leg home when we can think of all the fabulous sights we have seen over the past two weeks.

Download the Murray Meander (Fly) Brochure and Booking Form

Murray Meander

Dates

8 – 17 March 2018

Duration

10 days / 9 nights

Important:

Due to Terms & Conditions of Captain Cook Cruises, bookings must be made 90 days (3 months) prior to sailing. Therefore bookings for this tour must be made by 8th December 2017.

Fitness Requirements

Board and disembark transportation unaided (Coach Captains and staff may not be available to assist and, if they are, they are only permitted to provide basic assistance to all passengers)
manage own luggage
walk up to 300m unaided & with stopping
because of the nature of some areas visited on this tour, some surfaces may not be suitable for walking aids

Inclusions

6 nights in motel style accommodation (minimum 3 star)
3 nights in an outside cabin on PS Murray Princess
Luxury air-conditioned coach travel
Tour escort
All breakfasts and dinners; 8 lunches
Attractions highlighted in blue on the itinerary

Cost

$3 985:00 per person twin share
$725:00 extra per person for sole use of room

Payments, Cancellations and Refunds

A deposit of $900.00 is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your seat.
All balance payments must be received by Simes Bros Coaches 19 January 2018.