Murray River Wilderness Cruise

Dates

12 Oct 2026
Trip Type Birdwatching, Nature & Wildlife, Conservation & Citizen Science
Twin Share Maximum of two adults
$ 3,500
Single $ 5,250

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Tony Sharley

Tony is a proud Riverlander with a passion for a healthy Murray River. Growing up on the Murray River created a lifelong passion for rivers and wetlands. His career spanned working in the tropical wetlands of Kakadu, mountain rivers in Kosciuszko National Park, policy and project management at the Murray Darling Basin Commission, initiating Ramsar listed wetlands at Banrock Station, supporting vital species reintroductions and wetland conservation on wetlands in 14 countries, and advocating for environmental flows in “the Murray”. In 2016 Tony and his wife Susie started Murray River Trails to help people discover the magic of the Murray River.

Duration

4 Days

Group Size

10 People

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

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About This Tour

This four-day journey follows the Murray River through ancient red gum forests, billabongs and ochre-coloured cliff country, guided by ecologists, naturalists and local experts. On foot, by canoe and aboard a luxury houseboat, participants walk river bends, paddle quiet backwaters and travel by 4WD to ephemeral lake systems, building a layered understanding of the landscapes that define this stretch of the river.

The Murray supports more than 180 bird species across its floodplains, forests and wetlands, alongside red kangaroos, emus, koalas, goannas and threatened species including the southern bell frog and regent parrot. Environmental flows are actively restoring habitat throughout the region, and the work behind that recovery is a central thread of the journey’s guided interpretation.

A luxury houseboat serves as the base throughout, with regional cuisine, Riverland wines and evenings on deck as the river settles. Small group numbers allow for close, unhurried engagement with the landscape and the conservation story unfolding within it.

Who is this tour for?

This tour suits travellers with an interest in river ecology, wildlife and conservation, who want guided interpretation alongside comfortable accommodation. No strenuous activity is required, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Birdwatchers, those interested in environmental management, and travellers who want to understand the practical work of habitat restoration will find particular value in the field-based focus.

Highlights

Cruise 25km through old-growth red gum forests and ochre cliff country, scanning for koalas and parrots from the pontoon
Paddle quiet creeks and billabongs by canoe, watching for darters, cormorants and whistling kites among the red gums
Search woodland and mallee country on foot for kangaroos, emus, honeyeaters, parrots and migratory rainbow bee-eaters
Visit ephemeral lake systems by 4WD to observe migratory waders, black swans, pied stilts, red-necked avocets and spoonbills
Cruise the river after dark, spotting brush-tailed possums and listening for boobook owls
Dine on regional cuisine with native-inspired flavours and Riverland wines aboard the houseboat

Experienced, knowledgeable naturalist guides.
Three nights aboard a luxury houseboat with lodge-style comforts.
Secure carparking at Hotel Renmark (meeting point).
Luggage transfer to your onboard cabin.
All meals showcasing regional produce, plus premium Riverland wine, beer, juice and coffee.
All sleeping linen and bath towels.
Optional walking poles.
Access to a library of wildlife field guides.
All canoeing equipment, if desired.
Wi-Fi on the houseboat.

Itinerary

Meet your guides at Hotel Renmark at 1pm for a welcome briefing before boarding the pontoon cruiser. The afternoon is spent cruising 25km upstream through old-growth red gum forests and past ochre-coloured cliffs, scanning the tree line for koalas and parrots. On arrival, settle into the houseboat before joining a guided cliff-top walk overlooking river country. Dinner that evening features local produce paired with regional wines.