MANNUM GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Steam and Silence: Two Hours Aboard the 1897 PS Marion on the Murray
A concise guide to the PS Marion two‑hour cruise from Arnold Park, Mannum — schedules, fares and what to bring for a heritage paddle‑steamer outing.
Steam and Silence: Two Hours Aboard the 1897 PS Marion on the Murray.
Every first Saturday of the month, the fully restored PS Marion — a 1897 wood‑fired, steam‑driven side paddle steamer with overnight passenger accommodation — slips its moorings for a two‑hour passage on the Murray River. The short cruise is designed for quiet appreciation of the river aboard one of the world’s few operational heritage steam paddle steamers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A restored 1897 steam‑driven paddle steamer
The PS Marion is a fully restored 1897 side paddle steamer — wood fired and steam driven — and remains one of the few heritage vessels still operating with overnight accommodation.
Two hours on the Murray
The cruise is a two‑hour run along the Murray River, offered on the first Saturday of each month with departures that fit a morning or afternoon outing.
BYO or buy snacks onboard
Passengers may bring their own food or purchase snacks on board; water, soft drinks and bar facilities are also available at a cost.
What the day feels like
What two hours aboard PS Marion feels like
Boarding at Arnold Park in Mannum, you settle onto a low‑slung heritage vessel for a brief, deliberate cruise along the Murray. The itinerary compresses the essentials of paddle‑steamer travel into a single two‑hour outing — the ship’s steam plant, river glide and simple onboard refreshments define the experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and the practical fare notes to match.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You may bring your own food for the cruise; snacks are also available for purchase on board.
Water, soft drinks and bar facilities are offered on board at a cost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the PS Marion cruise?
The cruise duration is two hours.
When do the cruises operate?
Cruises run on the first Saturday of each month, with scheduled departures.
What are the departure times?
Scheduled start times are 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Departures are from Arnold Park, Mannum.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes — BYO food is allowed; snacks are also available for purchase on board.
Are drinks available on board?
Water, soft drinks and bar facilities are available on board at a cost.
What are the fares?
Adult (15+) $50; Concession $45; Child (5–14) $30; Infant free; Family of Four $130 (2 adults + 2 children) with a $10 fee per extra child.