TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
“Enjoy the Murray – she’s a grand old stream.” Greg Salter, third-generation Riverland wine grower
‘Mighty’ is a word that crops up often when talking about the Murray, Australia’s longest river. This 2500km-long waterway is a natural wonder, surrounded by world-class food and wine production, and looms large in local history, both ancient and modern. As our introduction to the magic of the Murray, we’ve opted for a four-night cruise along the South Australian stretch, from Mannum to Blanchetown, on a suitably majestic vessel, the Murray Princess.
After a 90-minute drive. A 67m five-decker with giant paddlewheel at the stern, she combines old-world romance and modern efficiency. Once passengers and bags are all aboard, the captain sounds the musical horn, causing hundreds of startled corellas to take to the skies, and we’re away, skimming along tree-lined riverbanks as we wave to passing ferries and houseboats.
