Murray River Houseboat Safari - Wildlife Adventure on Water

Day 1: River Cruise & Cliff Walk

At 11.30am meet your Murray River Safari guides at the Hotel Renmark conference room. Your guides will provide a brief introduction to the landscape before you board our pontoon cruiser and begin a 25km cruise upstream though old growth redgum forests and orange ochre coloured cliffs along the Murray River.

You'll start familiarising with river country with keen eyes scanning the tree line for koalas, parrots and waterbirds. You'll be welcomed to your luxury houseboat accommodation where you'll enjoy lunch and settle into your rooms before setting off on a guided walk through river country.

The evening is spent on the houseboat admiring the sunset from the top deck spa or swim deck before your guides prepare a gourmet dinner paired with local wines to complete the day. Lunch and dinner provided.

Accommodation: Houseboat. Lunch and dinner provided

Day 2: Sunrise Walk, Kayaking and Houseboat Cruising

Rise before the sun and walk a gentle slope to the rim of the Murray River valley for a spectacular sunrise. Watch the vibrant colours of the cliffs come to life along with the migratory Rainbow Bee Eaters who are nesting in them.

After Breakfast, meet your canoe guide for a morning paddle through peaceful creeks and billabongs lined by mighty red gums, rafting up occasionally to drift and listen. The quiet paddling can be a great way to spot a goanna up and old gum or a sacred kingfisher.

Arriving back at the houseboat, you'll start a two-hour houseboat cruise upstream to Chowilla Creek. As you cruise upstream, relax and enjoy the view as lunch is prepared by your guides.

After lunch you'll explore your new location on the banks of Chowilla with a forest walk, sit quietly in search of the vulnerable Regent Parrot

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 3: Outback Lakes Tour & Birdwatching

After an early breakfast, you'll set off on a driving tour of the great ephemeral lake system on the outer floodplain where spectacular birdwatching includes migratory waders that have travelled from the northern hemisphere, thousands of ducks, black swans and their cygnets, pied stilts, red-necked avocets, spoonbills and musk ducks.

Expect to see blue-bonnets and magnificent red kangaroos and perhaps a spectacular white-winged fairy-wren as we drive across country between the lakes.

We return to find the houseboat in a new location opposite the spectacular Bunyip Reach Cliffs above lock 6. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided.

Accommodation: Houseboat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 4: Downstream Cruising & Lunch at Craft Brewery

After breakfast we cruise down through lock 6 and continue down to the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery. This is the perfect time to gather your thoughts and record all your sightings and inspirations. You'll finish with a BBQ lunch at the brewery and say farewell to the river.

Lodge-style Houseboat Accommodation

Dine and relax each night aboard a luxury houseboat configured with five bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms including hot showers, handbasin and toilet. Other features include a spacious lounge, modern kitchen and top deck area with spa and spectacular views. All linen is provided. Unpack once and leave your belongings in your room. Rooms can be configured with a king bed or two king single beds. Please let us know your preference on booking.

Houseboats are the perfect option for ecologically-minded travellers, maintaining a low impact activity on the river system. Groups abide by a ‘leave no trace’ policy and all waste is taken onshore to be composted, recycled or disposed of appropriately.

Terms & Conditions
_{*Price per person, quoted in AUD, based on double occupancy. $4,965 for Single. Price includes lodge style accommodation for 3 nights on a modern houseboat, experienced guide to lead your tour, secure car parking at Paringa marina, luggage transfer to your room on the houseboat, all meals showcasing local produce and all beverages including premium riverland wines and beer, juice and coffee, 1 litre water bottle and 34L daypack, optional walking poles, access to a library of wildlife field guides, personal Flotation Device for canoeing sections.}