Murray River Escapes

Murray River Escapes offers groups the choice of a standard hire with skippered cruising or tailored experience packages for 4, 5 or 6 days which can include everything from wine tours and a private chef for an evening to guided bushwalks and kayaking with eco tourism operator Murray River Trails.

All cruising and mooring on ‘High River’ are taken care of by their boat drivers, who will take you to their favourite locations and then leave you to enjoy the scenery.

The luxurious High River Houseboat boasts six king size beds that can all be split apart to become singles, each with their own private ensuite, and an open plan living space as well as a spa on the upper deck.

High River is available for a Murray River Escape over the summer period. (December-February).

  • Create magical memories with your families and friends
  • Perfect for private groups ranging from 4 to 12 people
  • Cruise and relax while our guide moors your luxury houseboat in spectacular surrounds
  • Sit back and let each meandering bend on the river help you adjust to rivertime
  • Enjoy a new adventure each day when our guides collect you to experience the best of our regional food, wine, and nature
  • Discover the Riverland’s outstanding coffee roasters, winemakers, distillers, and brewers
  • Reward yourself for a walk and a paddle when a local chef comes aboard and creates a special occasion
  • Choose from our most popular 4, 5 or 6 day itineraries
Location Renmark, South Australia
Dates December to February
Accommodation Luxury houseboat
Cruise with an experienced local guide Up to 3 hours/day
Meals Self-Catered, one Chef Aboard dinner included
Refreshments Complimentary Riverland wine and food hamper
Duration 4, 5 or 6 Days
Standard Hire From $6,900
Packaged Itinerary From $1,400 per person
MREscapes WHITE INVERTED
I would like to thank the team at Murray River Trails for their attention to detail piecing together a remarkable journey and a wonderful experience of wilderness, food, wine/brandy, and history of the Riverland. We loved it.
Heath, October 2020, SA

Escapes Activities At A Glance

Itinerary Information

Houseboat holidays are an iconic accommodation experience on the Murray River. Favoured by families and groups of friends, they allow you to relax and let each meandering bend on the river help you adjust to rivertime.

Our Escapes itineraries have been designed specially to help you experience the river. Our relaxing schedule of activities include ample time for your group to spend time as you wish.

Aside from one night’s chef cooked meal, this is a self-catered experience, bring your favourite food and beverages and create wonderful meals on the river.

All itineraries begin at 1:30pm on day 1 and end at 9:45am on the final day.

4 Day Itinerary
  • Houseboat cruising
  • Open pontoon boat cruise
  • Guided walk or Guided canoe (2hrs)
  • 3 Course dinner with local chef
5 Day Itinerary
  • Houseboat Cruising
  • Open pontoon boat cruise
  • Guided walk (2-3 hrs)
  • Guided canoe (2hrs)
  • 3 Course dinner with local chef
  • Winery and Distillery tour with lunch
6 Day Itinerary
  • Houseboat Cruising
  • Open pontoon boat cruise
  • Guided walk (2-3 hrs)
  • Guided canoe (2hrs)
  • 3 Course dinner with local chef
  • Woolshed Brewery tour and tasting
  • Winery and Distillery tour with lunch
Escapes Inclusions

These great considerations are included in the tour package price:

  • An experienced local guide who will help you find the perfect nightly mooring site and share our knowledge of this river system
  • A complimentary Riverland wine and gourmet produce hamper
  • Your luxury houseboat accommodation is purpose fitted for groups and features 6 double rooms, 2 bathrooms, large lounge and dining areas, fully equipped kitchen, top deck spa and swim deck for enjoying the afternoon sunset
  • The cost of all fuel to operate the houseboat engine and generator, together with free secure car parking for the duration of your journey
  • At your request, we can provide up to 2 double canoes (with paddles and personal flotation devices) on the houseboat

These itineraries are ‘tried and tested’ and carefully designed to help you get the most out of your river experience. Please discuss any requests for alterations to the itinerary or activity schedule with us.

For guided cruising without a set activity schedule, please call our office to discuss this option with you further.

Lodge Style Accommodation

Your luxury houseboat accommodation is the base for your Escape. Each bedroom offers stunning views of the Murray River and has private ensuite bathrooms. The living area isopen plan with a spacious lounge and modern kitchen. The spacious top deck area has a spa with spectacular views and platform for stargazing the night skies.

Murray River Escapes tours operate on our new luxury houseboat High River and feature ensuite bedrooms.

Read more about High River here.

More information about your houseboat accommodation

Your luxury houseboat High River is equipped with a modern kitchen, comfortable dining and lounge areas, 6 bedrooms with ensuites, a swim deck and a top deck area with hot spa.

All linen is provided.

This is a self-catered experience and you will need to organise your food & beverages for the journey. Please let us know if you’d like some suggestions on how to plan for this. The houseboat has a generous fridge/freezer and an additional chest freezer on board.

Ready to book?

From $1,400 per person
Tours available from December to February
Enquire to check availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

Please contact our Reservations Team to discuss your special needs.

The walking routes, houseboats and vehicles are not suitable for wheelchair access.

However, we can make accommodations for guests who can walk, but with low mobility. These guests can skip the walking route and remain on the houseboat while the group go out walking.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

At the time of booking a tour, consider an appropriate level of travel insurance that includes COVID-19 cover. Please read the PDS and check the policy is right for you before making a purchase. Murray River Trails will not be held liable for any additional costs involved or for a partial refund of the tour costs if the tour is aborted or stopped by circumstances outside of our control.

Can we book an Escape without the activities?

Escapes can be booked without a schedule activities if there is availability – it becomes a houseboat holiday with driver included. We are happy to discuss this with you.

Can we make changes to the itinerary?

We are happy to discuss whether alterations to the itinerary can be made, however, please know that sometimes due to logistics and remote location, not all requests can be fulfilled.

What does the experienced local guide do?

The experienced local guide will navigate the houseboat under the Paringa Bridge, along the river channel and moor the houseboat in the best locations. They will also help you interpret the landscape and share knowledge of the river system. Your guide won’t be with you all the time, only for houseboat cruising and scheduled activities.

Can I drive the houseboat?

Under the direct supervision of our guide, and if weather conditions allow, you may be able to take the helm.

Can you arrange canoe hire?

We will provide up to 2 canoes on request, which is the maximum number that can be stored on the houseboat.

Can we hire powered boats as well?

Not from us at this current time. But please contact Renmark Boat Hire to discuss your powered boat needs. They have a range of boats available for hire from comfortable pontoon cruisers to dinghys and ski boats.

Murray River FOOTER Wave Transparent

Booking Enquiries

If you would like more information about our popular 3, 4 or 5 night Escape itineraries, or you would like to check available dates, please complete the form below and we will be in touch soon to help you start planning your Murray River Escape.

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