river cruises mannum sa

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Murray River cruises

2 night murray river discovery cruise.

from $980 per person twin share

Departs every Friday evening & returns Sunday afternoon

More information

5 night Murray River Indulgence Cruise

from $2,460 per person twin share

Departs every Sunday evening & returns Friday afternoon

7 night Murray River Specialty Cruise

from $2,950 per person twin share

Chat to us about our next 7 Specialty night cruise!

Lunch cruises

From Mannum

Treat yourself to a taste of cruising aboard the Proud Mary

Tell me more

Sandra, just wanted to say what a wonderful time my daughter Elizabeth and I had on our Murray River cruise in September this year. The Captain, Peter and his staff were amazing, nothing was too hard for them and everything was completed quickly and efficiently. The food was superb. The… Merry Foy, Oct 2023

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PS Marion River Murray Cruises

Built in 1897, the PS Marion provides a unique opportunity to experience the thrills and mysteries of the golden years of the river boats. Undertaking short cruises throughout the year on the Murray River departing from Mary Ann Reserve in Mannum, PS Marion also conducts overnight passenger cruises, including the acclaimed Rockford Steam Powered Dinners as well as being available for private charter cruises.

Visitors are welcome to view PS Marion whilst she is moored at her home at Arnold Park Wharf (museum opening times) including inspection of the galley, dining room, lounges and cabin accommodation.

Join the PS Marion’s crew aboard the heritage paddle steamer for a short cruise along the mighty Murray River, departing from Mary Ann Reserve on River Lane at 11am, 1pm and 3pm at selected times throughout the year (cruising times subject to change).

Gain a great perspective of Mannum as you relax and enjoy the passing river scenery and listen to the slap of the paddles. Whether we steam downstream passing spectacular river cliffs and a myriad of bird life or head upstream, this unique journey aboard the grand old lady of the river will appeal to all.

Indulge in a delicious Devonshire tea served in the dining room, or make your way up to the licensed bar on the middle deck. Observe the Engineer and Fireman as they work their magic in the art of steam engine operation. Watch in awe as the Captain and Mate manoeuvre the 200 tonne heritage vessel. Learn the history of PS Marion from interpretive panels, or better still – have a chat to one of the friendly Deckhands.

Please visit our website for more information on great Murray River cruises on the historic PS Marion.

<a href="/paddleboats/paddle-steamer-marion/">Click here</a> to learn more about the PS Marion and its restoration

Relax, unwind and appreciate the serenity PS Marion and the Murray River have to offer.

Check out this video when 7’s Sunrise with Grant Denyer came to visit the PS Marion

Contact Details and Location

6 Randell Street, Mannum SA, 5238 Phone: (08) 8569 2733

PS Marion - Great Local Experiences

Things to see and do, ps industry, murray river paddlesteamers, echuca, ps melbourne & pv rothbury, pw mayflower, mannum riverside caravan park, houseboat holidays, unforgettable houseboats, whitewater houseboat, visitor information centers, mannum visitor information centre, mannum town guide, mannum accommodation, mannum houseboats, mannum river cruises, mannum heritage & historic, mannum attractions and activities, mannum paddlesteamers, mannum tours & touring, mannum ecotourism, murray river book : one river, many lands - now only $39.95, the murray river's largest online community and information guide.

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Proud Mary Day Cruise

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PW Mayflower

Murray River Lakes and Coorong

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Experience the beauty of Murray River like Never Before at Murray Bridge

Sit back and relax as we take you on a journey down the picturesque Murray River to discover this unique part of South Australia’s landscape brimming with wildlife, long stretches of cliffs and towering gum trees. 

Come along on our “Coffee and Cake Guided Tour”, departing from Murray Cods Drive, Murray Bridge, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, morning 10am and afternoon 1pm.   “We are the proud new owners of Four Knots Cruises and the M.V. Jester. We live local, right in the heart of Murray Bridge, so we know what makes the Murray River tick. We promise to continually deliver one of the best experiences you’ll have on our magnificent river”.

We are currently operating group charters and coffee and cake guided tour which require a minimum of 12 people.

Coffee & Cake Guided Tour

Group Charter 

Sunset Cruise 

What our cruises look like?

Follow us @ facebook four knots murray river cruises.

Our Cruises

        reinvent your own river cruise.

2hrs Coffee and Cake Guided Tour 2hrs Sunset Cruise with grazing  Charter/Customize Your Own Cruise

Gift Certificate

We offer gift certificates for our delightful cruises. Whether you want to surprise a loved one or treat yourself, a river cruise gift certificate is a wonderful choice. Remember, a river cruise gift certificate is not just a piece of paper; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories on the water. Enjoy the scenic views, delicious treats, and the gentle sway of the boat as you explore the river. 🚢✨ 

You can reach out to us through phone 0468 875 993 or via email at  [email protected]  or book online.  Let us know you’re interested in a gift certificate, and they’ll guide you through the process. 

Address:    Murray Cods Drive, 

                        murray bridge sa 5253 email:         [email protected] phone:        0468 875 993.

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• Mannum History
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Birthplace of the Australian Paddle Steamer

Welcome to the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, PS Marion and the Mannum Visitor Information Centre

Mannum Dock Discovery Centre acknowledges the Nganguraku people as traditional owners of this land. We aim to respect the cultural heritage, customs, beliefs and relationship to the land of all indigenous people.

Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, home of the fully restored Paddle Steamer Marion, presents river history at its best. The Paddle Steamer Marion is a fully restored heritage vessel built in 1897 and is one of the last operational, heritage, steam driven, wood fired, overnight passenger carrying side paddle steamers in the world.

SAVE OUR RANDELL DRY DOCK

The heritage listed Randell Dry Dock built in 1876 is believed to be the only floating dry dock of its kind left in the world.

It now needs your help. We have started a fundraising campaign to build a shelter to protect this red gum engineering feat to ensure it will last the tests of time and be protected from the elements.

If you would like to donate towards its preservation; please contact 08 8569 1303 or email [email protected]

All donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to know more about the history of the Dry Dock: History of Randell Dry Dock

PS Marion Volunteers ad – Watch more PS Marion Videos HERE

The Mannum Dock Discovery Centre is NOW OPEN.

Due to technical difficulties please contact Mannum Visitor Information Centre on 08 8569 1303 , email [email protected] or visit us on Facebook – PS Marion built in 1897 for information about the PS Marion’s cruising schedule for 2024.

Mannum Dock Museum of River History

Mannum Dock Discovery Centre and PS Marion – Phone: 08 8569 0814 (Museum) Email: Contact Us

Mannum Visitor Information Centre Phone: 1300 626 686 Email: Contact Us

Mannum Dock Discovery Centre 6 Randell Street, Mannum South Australia 5238

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PS Mayflower

The PS Mayflower was built in Moama on the Murray River in NSW in 1884 opposite Echuca by Wilson & Burkett for Daniel Alexander and is the oldest original paddle steamer in South Australia.

She now resides in Mannum South Australia and forms part of the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre maritime fleet.

Carvel planked in red gum on steel frames, the PS Mayflower has a flat bottom and light draft enabling it to work on many of the Murray River tributaries however it was low powered and this caused problems when making headway up stream against the current.

A new vessel was launched at the building yards of Messrs. Wilson and Burkett, Echuca East, yesterday afternoon. The vessel, which was built to the order of Mr Alexander was christened the 'Mayflower'. Her length overall is 50 feet and breadth of beam 12 ft 1 in, with a depth of hold of 4 ft 8 in. The bottom planking is 2 in. redgum, and the top sides 11/2 in. kauri pine. She draws 5 in. forward, and 6 in. aft. Her carrying capacity when fitted with machinery and cabin accommodation will be 20 tons. Riverine Herald 5/12/1884

Daniel Alexander, a West Indian Negro, used the boat as a bottle-oh boat. She had a hard time making her way upstream against the current.

Known as 'Black Alex', a legendary figure in Murray River history, he was an impressive figure and many stories have detailed his impeccable strength while he claimed to be the greatest swearer and talker on the river.

A smash occurred on the steamer Mayflower upriver near Euston on Monday (7/7/88). The crankshaft of the engine snapped short off, rendering progress impossible. The broken shaft was at once brought to the Mildura Engineering Works, where it has been repaired. Mildura Cultivator 12/7/1888

Black Alex and his Australian wife operated the PS Mayflower where they collected bottles and carried firewood during 1890 before the craft was seized in May by the National Bank when he ran into debt. One night, Black Alex took the vessel back and made his way along the Murray to Swan Hill where he was arrested.

The vessel was taken over by his bankers and eventually sold to Billy 'Pirate' Wilson'.

Harry Creager Senior used the vessel as a residence and fishing steamer. After his and his wife's death, the vessel became the property of two of their sons, Harry and August.

Harry and August lived on and fished from the vessel for a number of years after their marriages and brought their new brides to live on the steamer.

A top cabin was built on by August after his marriage in 1913. Hilda Creager said, "He had put odd doors either side of the cabin and August told her it didn't matter as you couldn't see both sides at once".

August and Dorothy Creager's daughter 'Dolly' was born in the top cabin on the Mayflower on the 13 th July 1914.

In 1919, August purchased the Enterprise and moved his family on board that vessel however Harry and Annie Creager lived and fished from the Mayflower until his death on 21 st July 1929.

In the early 1940s the vessel was sold to Norm Collins & Lyle Nickles for a short time where it was moored somewhere in the Abbottsford Bridge in the Cowanna Bend Area.

In the 1950s Captain Paddy Hogg became the new owner and in 1956, Murray River entrepreneur Alby Pointon from Mildura purchased the vessel and converted to a passenger, diesel operated vessel. Alby operated the PW Mayflower as a cruise vessel known as the 'PW Mayflower Showboat' carrying a maximum of 60 passengers.

Later in 1968 the Mayflower was sold to Tommy Barr Smith and used as a houseboat. In 1975 it was sold to R Cooke of Woodville and in 1978 Stanley and June Wilson purchased the vessel.

In 1984 Brice Douglas purchased the vessel for private use and sold the vessel to the Mannum Dock Museum through a generous donation from Pam O'Donnell and Robert O'Callaghan.

Back to the 1913 era and official recommissioning by dedicated volunteers

Mayflower now cruising every week at Mannum

A s Mannum is the birthplace of the paddle steamer on the Murray River, it is very exciting to now offer a regular heritage paddle wheeler cruise bi-weekly from the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre on board the oldest paddle wheeler in SA.

Our volunteers have worked tirelessly for the past 2 and a half years to bring the Mayflower back to her 1913 era when she was a commercial fishing vessel for the Creager family in Renmark.

The Mayflower will cruise every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 10.30am and 1pm for a 1.5 hour cruise and has a capacity of 25 passengers.

Tea/Coffee and bar facilities are available on board and the Captain will provide a commentary.  This cruise will take you to the Ponde Cliffs and return capturing an ever-changing river landscape for the passenger to enjoy.

Having regular weekly heritage cruises in Mannum, is an exciting time and new chapter for the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre's PW Mayflower and we welcome you to step on board next time you are in town to enjoy heriatge cruising on the magnificent Murray River.

The PW Mayflower is listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels number 89328