Murray River Lunch Cruise

MURRAY RIVER LUNCH CRUISE

The Murray River Lunch Cruise is a four and a half hour half day cruise from Mandurah, with four courses prepared on board and a guided walk at Cooper’s Mill. You will cross the Ramsar listed Peel-Harvey Estuary, travel up the Murray River as far as the Murray River Bridge, and come home through the Port Mandurah canals. It departs from the Mandurah Cruises Jetty at Mandjar Square, under an hour south of Perth.

The Murray is one of Western Australia’s loveliest rivers, and one of the few major rivers in Australia that has never been dammed. You will travel aboard Dancing Dolphin, our twin level vessel, with live commentary from a local guide, complimentary tea and coffee, and a licensed bar on board.

The itinerary includes:

• Start the morning cruising across Mandurah’s magnificent estuary.
• Continue past the Ramsar listed Creery Wetlands, teeming with birdlife.
• Cross the Peel Inlet and be on the lookout for some of Mandurah’s around 90 resident wild bottlenose dolphins, the largest resident population in Western Australia, as they surf and play in the wake of the boat.*
• Enjoy morning tea on arrival, with biscuits to start and warm scones with jam and cream once we are underway
• Crossing the estuary, enjoy an antipasto board of cheeses, meats and fruit
• On entering the Murray River, stop at Cooper’s Mill heritage island site for a brief, easy walking tour. This restored wind-driven mill, located on Cooleenup Island, built by the first European settlers, is only accessible by boat. Explore and wander, or follow our tour guide to learn more about the Mill, native flora and bush tucker on the island.
• Lunch is served on our return from the walk, as the cruise takes in the gorgeous, tree lined cottages flanking the Murray River.
• Lunch is two more courses, a homemade Australian buffet and dessert, prepared on board by our chef.
• Return back across the Peel Inlet and through the Port Mandurah canals, lined with luxury homes.
• Enjoy a game of bingo with prizes on the way back!
• Enjoy refreshments along the way, with a fully licensed bar available for you to purchase drinks.
• Help yourself to complimentary tea/coffee (bring your own keep-cup).

We get off the boat at Cooleenup Island, which is a public location managed by local government. Access is via a public jetty and very occasionally this can be delayed or even prevented by other vessels. Guests must be able to offboard and onboard at a fixed jetty or via an onboard ramp on their own, and they visit the island at their own risk. 

There is a marked path which is very flat, but the path is not paved and is not suitable for guests unsteady on their feet. We strongly request guests do not wander into the uncleared bush for safety reasons.

*Mandurah’s dolphins are wild creatures viewed in their natural environment and we are unable to guarantee sightings. This cruise does not carry our Dolphin Guarantee, which is included on the Dolphin Cruise & Views and the Giant & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise. 

 MENU 

The view our menu CLICK HERE.  * Note: This menu is subject to seasonal variation.

We can cater for gluten free, and vegetarian dietary requirements, if you note this at the time of booking (at least 72 hours prior to departure). Unfortunately we cannot cater for food allergies owing to the vessel galley size and we regretfully cannot take bookings from guests who suffer from severe or anaphylactic allergies. We recommend calling our booking office on 9581 1242 to discuss should you need further details.

BEVERAGES 

• Help yourself to complimentary tea and instant coffee if you bring your own keep-cup.
• Beer, wine and soft drinks available for purchase on board (no BYO) as this is a licensed vessel.

ACCESS 
The vessel for this cruise ~ Dancing Dolphin ~ is wheelchair / walking frame friendly. When booking online, please select if you will be travelling with a wheelchair or walking frame (under the Optional Extras section), so our crew are aware in advance. Alternatively, please call our Booking office on 9581 1242 to let us know.

We regret the public jetty/ landing at Cooper’s Mill heritage island is not wheelchair / walking frame friendly ~ but remaining on the boat with our friendly crew is a delightful way to spend time. 

SEATING
Our boat is configured as 4-6 people per table, across two levels. We will try, but cannot guarantee the reservation of seats. Seating is allocated on the day, on a first-in, first-choice basis. If you have a group and being seated together is important for you, we recommend arriving early (at least 30 minutes prior to departure) to assemble in a line on the jetty ramp. Our cruise is very popular and is often sold out, meaning all seats quickly become occupied as guests arrive. 

TOUR DATES & PRICES
This tour operates regularly each week ~ please check our booking calendar for availability and departure time. 

PRICES
See Rates above. We welcome group bookings, so please enquire if you would like to reserve a cruise exclusively for your group.

ONLINE BOOKINGS
Online bookings close 5 hours prior to departure. For bookings inside this time please call our booking office on 9581 1242.

LOYALTY DISCOUNT 
All guests receive a 10% loyalty discount for future bookings of any Mandurah Cruises’ cruise or hire experience, excluding Christmas Lights and special event cruises. 

Enjoy a 10% discount at our souvenir and local artisan Gift Shop.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Minimum numbers apply for the tour to depart. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
• Cruises operate in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately.
• No smoking is permitted on board any of Mandurah Cruises vessels or on the departure jetty.