Proud Mary 7 Day River Murray and SA highlights tour
On the 15 October a group of 29 Probus members from our cluster group along with some guests set off from Sydney airport to Adelaide to enjoy a 5 night cruise along the Murray River. Some of the group extended their tour with a short stay on Kangaroo Island before returning home.
The tour directors and boat crew made our trip very enjoyable with local content and sightseeing, some of which included a tour of Adelaide city and surrounds like the picturesque Hahndorf village.
The cruise commenced at Murray Bridge before going up stream to Mannum, Purnong, Swan Reach and finally to Blanchetown site of the Lock and Weir No. 1.
Along the way we stopped at the small the town of Mannum where we were provided with a history tour. This town played a significant role in the development of SA. Captain William Randall launched the 1st Paddle steamer the 'Mary Ann in 1853. By the late 1880s there were over 250 paddle steamers and bargeson the River Murray and Mannum had become an industrious inland port.
Other tour highlights included a nocturnal tour with sightings of kangaroo and wombats. At Swan Reach we we viewed the Costa Brothers Almond Farm and on our return downstream we called into Mypolonga to visit the local primary school which runs a community shop operated by the students. This excursion also included a visit to an apricot farm and a historic car museum. Moorundie Creek environmental discovery walk revealed a huge canoe tree, evidence of the Aboriginal tribe that once lived there. A visit to Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation area revealed archaeological digs dating back 8,000 years.
I believe the 2 days on Kangaroo Island was very enjoyable from those who participated.
This tour was the first occasion that Empire Bay Probus had embarked on such an excursion with other clubs and it provided a great experience to share knowledge and friendship with others in the district.
The following photos provide a small insight into the group's experiences.
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