How long is the cruise?

Standard departures are one hour; there are also two-hour options during some weekends—check the booking link for schedules.

Check in 20 minutes prior to departure at the Morgan wharf precinct (check in at Morgan VIO).

Is the PS Canally wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The vessel caters for guests in wheelchairs; contact the bookings team on 85402643 for specifics and assistance.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; pricing: Child (5–15) $20 and children under five travel free.

What wildlife might I see?

Expect waterbirds, large riverine bird species and occasional kangaroos on the banks; sightings vary by season and time of day.

How many people on a cruise?

Group size is capped at 40 to preserve an intimate experience and ensure comfortable seating.

Aboard the PS Canally: Historic 1907 Paddlesteamer Cruises on the Murray River

Aboard the PS Canally, a newly recommissioned 1907 paddlesteamer, you glide along the River Murray from the Port of Morgan, South Australia, learning why riverboats once carried the region’s trade. The vessel’s wooden decks and turning paddlewheel set the pace—unhurried, observant—and the trip is an affordable, accessible way to experience the Murray’s wide bends, river red gum-lined banks and resident birdlife. Departures check in at the Morgan wharf precinct (check in at Morgan VIO) twenty minutes before the 1-hour cruise. The PS Canally was a workhorse in the river trade, hauling wool, dried fruits and supplies, and its restoration preserves authentic features while meeting modern safety and accessibility standards; the boat is wheelchair accessible and the bookings team can be reached on 85402643 for additional needs. Typical highlights are the paddlesteamer’s 1907 hull, the rotating paddlewheel, close river views, and frequent sightings of waterbirds and occasional kangaroos on the banks. What to expect: seating on sheltered decks, commentary from crew about local history, and slow cruising that lets photographers frame reflections of red gums on glassy water. The cruise is family-friendly with pricing tiers (Adult $35, Concession $30, Child $20, Family $90; children under five free) and a 40-person group limit that keeps the atmosphere intimate. Children under 16 must travel with a guardian. The PS Canally is special because it reconnects paddlesteamer heritage to the modern Murray River experience. The river’s geology—broad alluvial floodplain cut into ancient sediments—and the near-continuous line of river red gums make for dramatic low-angle light at sunrise and sunset. The Port of Morgan itself is a living reminder of South Australia’s river trade era; a short cruise here feels like stepping into local history rather than a theme-park recreation. Practical notes: bring sun protection and a light jacket for river breezes; the vessel’s pace is relaxing but be prepared for occasional splash around the paddlewheel. The crew aim to provide friendly local interpretation of flora, fauna and river lore. Whether you’re a history-minded traveler, a birdwatcher, or a family seeking a gentle outdoor outing, the PS Canally delivers a measured, scenic encounter with one of Australia’s great rivers. Many visitors base themselves in Mannum for accommodation and make a drive to Morgan for boarding; allow extra time for scenic driving and to arrange accessibility details with the bookings team. The brief format makes the paddle steamer an ideal half-day outing that pairs well with riverside walks, picnic lunches, and casual wildlife watching along the Murray’s banks—an easy addition to broader explorations of South Australia’s river country.

About Mannum Dock Museum of River History and PS Marion

Mannum Dock Museum of River History and PS Marion preserves and presents South Australia's riverboat heritage from its base in Mannum.

The site combines a river history museum at the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre with authentic heritage vessel experiences on the PS Marion and the PW Mayflower. The museum interprets the Murray River's role in regional transport and trade, displaying artifacts and information about paddle steamers, river trade and local river communities.

PS Marion, a beautifully restored 1897 paddle steamer, operates scheduled cruises including two-hour heritage trips and longer weekend escapes. The PS Marion two-hour cruises run on the first Saturday of each month and allow passengers to enjoy the tranquil Murray River, bringing their own food or choosing on-board snacks. The PS Marion Weekend Escape offers cabin accommodation, hearty meals and starlit evenings on deck for a multi-night river experience.

PW Mayflower, built in 1884 and restored after careful conservation, is South Australia's oldest paddle wheeler and serves scenic 1.5-hour cruises from the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Together the vessels offer a mix of short sightseeing cruises and extended river journeys that showcase river landscapes, wildlife and regional history.

The Mannum Dock Museum of River History and PS Marion presents factual interpretation, preserved historic vessels and public cruises that connect visitors directly with Murray River heritage and living maritime traditions. On-site exhibits and scheduled cruises provide opportunities for education, photography and accessible access to river history for visitors of all ages including families.

Aboard the PS Canally: Historic 1907 Paddlesteamer Cruises on the Murray River

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About Mannum Dock Museum of River History and PS Marion

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