A guided multi-activity wildlife adventure exploring the iconic Murray River and Riverland Ramsar Wetland of International Significance is the latest addition to Australian Wildlife Journeys collective.
Part of the Murray River Trails portfolio launched by Tony & Susie Sharley in 2016, the Murray River Safari is a three day, two night guided wildlife experience based out of Renmark in South Australia, combining the comforts of houseboat accommodation with immersive nature activities including canoeing, bushwalking, creek cruising, nature drives and birdwatching.
Boasting one of the most picturesque sections of Australia’s longest river, the Riverland Ramsar Wetland area includes an 80 km (50 mile) section of the Murray River and more than 200 km (125 miles) of meandering creeks.
Adjacent River Red gum forests, ephemeral lakes and stretches of pristine mallee provide opportunities to spot wild Koalas, Brush-tailed Possums, Red Kangaroos, Lace Monitors and 180 bird species; including Emus, Wedge-tailed Eagles, migratory waders such as Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Red-necked Avocets and Pied Stilts, along with numerous parrots including the nationally threatened Regent Parrot.
The Murray River Safari accommodates up to 10 people, to ensure minimal wildlife disturbance and allow in-depth interpretation and personalised conversations to take place between guests and knowledgeable guides, covering the river’s history, geology, culture, people, environmental challenges and regenerative opportunities. A superb curated menu by Chef Andrew Fielke is provided throughout the trip, with a creative native twist on local produce, matched with premium local wines.
Operating between March and November, the Murray River Safari provides a perfect complement to the group’s award-winning Murray River Walk (part of Great Walks of Australia) that runs between May to September, with the opportunity for guests to combine the two experiences together for a week long river-based adventure.
“We are delighted to join a national collective that not only celebrates the importance of sharing our diverse natural landscapes, climatic zones, and amazing fauna across Australia, but provides opportunities for guests to contribute to a better future for wildlife across our most critical ecosystems” said Tony Sharley, Managing Director of Murray River Trails.
Last year, the team established the Murray River Trails Fund, with the objective to enhance the landscapes enjoyed by Murray River Safari guests, through contributions to local organisations dedicated to improving the region’s biodiversity, the health of the river floodplain and the status of threatened species in the local region, including the Australian Landscape Trust’s Calperum Station.
Australian Wildlife Journeys’ chair Craig Wickham said, ‘The addition of the Murray River Safari is a critical step in the collective’s mission to showcase the country’s most important and iconic ecosystems to nature-minded travellers. Tony, Susie and their team have an infectious passion for the region and align perfectly with our collective’s values. We are excited to share the story of the Murray River with travellers domestically and from around the globe.”
The 3 day/2 night Murray River Safari includes:
- Private pontoon cruising spotting koalas and kangaroos, pelicans and swans,
- Guided woodlands and cliff walk spotting whistlers, Wedge-tailed Eagles, honeyeaters, parrots and migratory Rainbow Bee-eaters,
- Private guided canoeing trip along tranquil backwaters encountering pelicans, darters, cormorants, and spoonbills,
- Driving safari through dunes and ephemeral lakes in high conservancy areas with spectacular birdwatching,
- Lodge style accommodation for 2 nights on a modern houseboat, and
- All meals showcasing local produce and beverages including premium Riverland wines and beer, juice and coffee.
From $1,750 AUD per person (twin share)
########
Images from Murray River Trails available for download here (please credit Murray River Trails)
About Australian Wildlife Journeys
Australian Wildlife Journeys is a group of Australia's leading independently owned and operated wildlife tourism experiences, showcasing wildlife encounters in the wild, combined with warm hospitality. A high level of guiding expertise and focus on interpretation that connects with guests, encourages self-reflection and contributes to a better future for Australia's wildlife through 'conservation actions' underpins the group. Australian Wildlife Journeys is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia program that promotes outstanding tourism experiences within a variety of special categories
Members of Australian Wildlife Journeys:
New South Wales: Boutique Wildlife Tours
Victoria: Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours
Tasmania: Premier Travel Tasmania, The Maria Island Walk
South Australia: Australian Coastal Safaris, Exceptional Kangaroo Island, Murray River Safari
Western Australia: Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, Naturaliste Charters
Northern Territory: Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris
Queensland: FNQ Nature Tours
