South Australia Murray River Cruise & Wine by Inspiring Journeys

Be welcomed into your modern boutique-style Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets and meet your fellow travellers with a glass of local sparkling wine in hand. Next, your foodie adventure begins at Adelaide Central Market. You’ll meet your expert hosts who’ll introduce you to the passionate market stall owners and creators of delicacies; they’ll share with you their stories and craft. Taste signature dishes throughout the market, enjoying a four-course roaming Welcome Reception with local wine. 

This morning after a relaxing breakfast, enjoy a city sights tour before leaving the city for a taste of the country. Head off to Mount Lofty for panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast. Then onto historic Hahndorf, settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food. There is time to wander at leisure around this quaint village before heading to the rich landscape of McLaren Vale, home of the quirky d’Arenberg Cube. This building was inspired by the complexities and puzzles of winemaking, each of the five levels has been designed to entice and excite the senses. Here you’ll be taken on a journey like no other before arriving on the 5th floor for a tasting and 360-degree views of the vineyards. Late afternoon travel to the Riverland region to join the Proud Mary riverboat for a spectacular two-night cruise. Once settled into your comfortable river-view cabin, join your fellow guests for a delicious supper. Proud Mary ties up at Woodlane, our mooring for a night of peace and tranquillity in the Australian bush.

Willow trees dot the riverbanks as you cruise past Mannum, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your riverboat chefs as you continue to cruise upstream through Younghusband and Teal Flat. Alongside towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches, leave the Proud Mary for an informative guided cruise with an expert ecologist, who on a smaller boat will lead you through the shallows and up close to the cliffs of the Murray River. This evening you’ll dine under the stars, a barbeque amid the restful sounds of the nearby river, followed by live entertainment around a warming campfire.

Breakfast is served as you head downstream through the townships of Younghusband, Pellaring Flat and Cowirra. Arrive in picturesque Mannum and take a stroll through this small township that has played a significant role in the development of South Australia. Rejoin the Proud Mary for a delicious lunch of fresh local produce as you cruise past Ponde, Caloote, Woodlane, Mypolonga and Willow Banks. Arrive back at Murray Bridge in the late afternoon, travelling next to the historic township of Berri.

Spend the day exploring this local region with a sightseeing tour of Berri. Learn about the history of this area from its early pioneering days to now, where it is better known as Australia’s fruit bowl, growing some of the country's best regional produce. You’ll visit one of the local fruit stalls tasting fresh fruit directly from the farmer. Next is a visit to the Loxton Historical Village featuring over 45 exhibits and buildings, farm machinery and old vehicles, and artefacts from 1890 to 1960. It’s then onto 23rd Street Distillery. After lunch become a distiller for the day and learn how to balance botanicals as you design a bespoke gin of your own in a blending masterclass. Then, head into Renmark, where you can spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the many river trails or the silo art close by before choosing a restaurant for dinner at your leisure.

Today, continue along the Riverland region as you head to Banrock Station vineyards and wetlands that sit side by side along the banks of the meandering Murray River. Learn about their partnership with Landcare Australia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, planting native trees and shrubs to restore the local wetlands. To date, Banrock Station has donated over $7.5 million to conserving efforts, you will now be a part of that journey. Enjoy a guided trail before tasting some of their wines, and learning how they are environmentally produced. Later this afternoon, have an award-winning Monarto Safari Park experience, sipping wine and sampling canapes as lions roar nearby.

Today our tasting trail continues as you head on a McLaren Vale tour and tasting at Shottesbrooke, a delicious final wine tasting, and lunch is followed at the Iconic Currant Shed. After many days of newfound friendship, it's time to bid farewell to you in Adelaide.