Sunday October 25th Nor West Bend Full Day
Step back in time aboard the PS Canally for a three-hour Nor West Bend cruise on the Murray River. Historic paddle wheels, abundant birdlife and slow, scenic riverbanks make this an ideal half-day outing from Morgan.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; you should be able to board a small gangway and stand or sit for several hours.
Wildlife
History
PS Canally was built in 1907 and served the Murray’s river trade carrying wool and dried fruit; she has been recommissioned in the Port of Morgan to revive that heritage.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to avoid disturbing riverbank vegetation and bird colonies; use designated walking areas and take all litter with you to protect the Murray’s fragile riparian zones.
Mannum Dock Museum of River History and PS Marion
Sunday October 25th Nor West Bend Full Day
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.
Historic Vessels
PS Marion (1897), PW Mayflower (1884)
Two restored heritage steamers
Cruise Schedule
Multiple weekly departures
1.5-hour & monthly two-hour cruises
Location
Mannum, South Australia
Departures from Mannum Dock Discovery Centre
Visitor Experiences
Short cruises & weekend escapes
Sightseeing, onboard snacks, cabin escapes
Select a PS Marion or PW Mayflower experience and confirm schedules and bookings via the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre or official ticketing channels.
Arrive early to check in
Allow 20 minutes to collect tickets at the Morgan Visitor Information Office prior to departure to avoid delays.
Bring optics
Binoculars or a 200mm+ telephoto lens will help you spot eagles, pelicans and riverbank wildlife from the deck.
Layer for river breezes
Temperatures can drop on the water—pack a windbreaker or light waterproof, even in summer.
Mind the sun
Open deck time is great for photos but bring sunscreen and a hat for midday exposure.
Binoculars
Helps you pick out birds and distant riverbank wildlife from the deck.
Camera with telephoto lens
Capture wildlife and close-up river scenes without disturbing animals.
Layered clothing
Morning and evening river temperatures fluctuate; layers keep you comfortable.
spring
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the three-hour cruise, especially on hot days.
summer