A Day Cruise on the PS 'Marion'

An exciting and nostalgic cruise aboard the heritage paddle steamer PS ‘Marion’ from Swan Reach to Walkers Flat.

Bookings are now open for the above excursion which, members will recall, had to be postponed from earlier in the year because of flooding of the River Murray.

Please note that until 30 July, bookings are open only to members of the RGSSA (and their non-member partners if applicable), after which anyone will be welcome to make a booking.  The cost for Members is $130 per person and non-members $160 per person.

As a reminder, the PS ‘Marion’ is a wood-fired paddlesteamer built in 1897 which has been restored to the era of its heyday as a passenger steamer in the 1940’s.  She has lived a number of lives, now being a feature of the Mannum Dock Museum, both as a static display and also periodically carrying passengers on short day trips and also overnight cruises, generally ranging from 3 to 10 days in length.

Participants will board a bus in the City at 8 am to travel to Swan Reach to board the boat.  We will cruise downstream along a beautiful stretch of the River to Walker Flat, passing spectacular cliffs and wildlife along the way.  A visit will be made to the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Conservation Park, a culturally and historically significant site, where we will be treated to a tour of the fascinating rock engravings and learn about the culture from traditional owners.  Back on the boat we will continue on to Walker Flat for return to Adelaide by about 6 pm.

A light lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided.  Closer to the date, participants will be asked to chose their preferred lunch from options which will be provided, and to advise of any dietary requirements.  The bar will be open on board to purchase alcoholic and soft drinks.

Please don’t forget that participants will need to be able to be able to negotiate stairs.