Four Knots has reinvented river cruising, and here’s why you’ll love it!
Four Knots Murray River Cruises is redefining chartered river cruising by creating a series of authentic, nature-based boutique cruises along the Murray River, for groups as small as 8 or as big as 40. Here’s a quick glimpse of what you can expect from a Four Knots cruise.
Four Knots Murray River Cruises is redefining chartered river cruising by creating a series of authentic, nature-based boutique cruises along the Murray River, for groups as small as 8 or as big as 40.
These aren’t the kinds of cruises you need to pack your bags for either. They’re short and sweet, the perfect snack-sized river cruise to sneak in the must-see highlights of the river during daylight hours. Plus, the kids can come too – it’s an experience all-ages can enjoy!
So if you’ve been longing to get back to the wide-open spaces of the Murray River, with a serving of tranquillity and seclusion, you’ll find it uniquely with Four Knots. It really is one of the easiest, most inspiring ways to see a beautiful part of our world.
As you might’ve guessed by now, Four Knots is an immersive, experience-focused business. There’s certainly no large cruise liners here. But you can expect the same top-level hospitality and service from the team. As a family-owned and operated business, you already know you’ll be in good hands with your skipper, Chad and his expert crew.
A cruise with Four Knots launches in Mannum – one of the greatest places to experience the Murray River. Here you’ll learn about the town’s past as a historic river port and as the birthplace of Australia’s paddle steamer during some entertaining cruise commentary (you can take as much in as you like, or simply switch off and focus on the glassy river pass by your feet).
If you are a history-lover though, keep your eyes peeled for the PS Marion which regularly disembark from Mary Ann Reserve on short cruises. And the Mannum Dock Museum lets you explore these further with interactive displays if you’re seeking more.
Don’t let the seasonal weather change deter you either – autumn and winter are some of the BEST and glassiest times to be on the water. Just make sure to come rugged up in winter so you can soak it up in comfort. And if you’re aboard the Four Knots vessel known as ‘M.V. Dragonfly’, then you’ll be glad to know that the transparent sides of the boat can pull down to keep the chill off without obstructing your panoramic views of the river.
Cruise the river on your own schedule
We’re all familiar with how beautiful the Mighty Murray is in summer, but during the wintertime it’s another kind of spectacular that everyone needs to get out and experience. Morning, afternoon or evening, there’s no wrong time to visit – and with Four Knots, you get a choice.
Four Knots have three cruises that depart daily so even if you like your sleep-ins, you can still catch a morning cruise at 10:30am, and enjoy a cuppa as you start your day by getting up close to nature.
Or, if you’d rather begin the morning exploring Mannum’s bustling main street or tackling a riverside walking trail (tip: start at the dual ferries, heading to Haythorpe Reserve and towards East Front Road), you have the freedom to hop on the afternoon cruise after lunchtime and journey down the Murray getting a good perspective of the river that you otherwise couldn’t get from land.
If you love the magic of dusk, the sunset cruise (from 4pm or 6pm) will feel like the right way to wind down your day. Witness how perfect the glow of the sun setting, turns the picturesque river landscape into all shades of orange.
Seriously, how much better is it when you can be flexible when planning your next visit’s itinerary? We’re all pretty easy going over here!
You’ll likely be shocked when we tell you an experience like this doesn’t cost a fortune either – because the Four Knots team believe in the greater good of getting as many people as possible to view the river from the brilliant places they do every day.
Plus right now, if you’re a SA, Vic or NSW resident and were successful in scoring a Great State Voucher, you can use it on a participating Four Knots Cruise. *limited time only. Terms and conditions apply.
A bite-sized lunch cruise
Step up your next lunchtime outing with friends or family on the 2-hour Cold Lunch Cruise.
It’s the perfect amount of time to soak up the river surroundings – look out for abundant birdlife, River Red Gums, hidden lagoons, towering cliffs and even the Proud Mary or PS Murray Princess as you dig into a platter of delicately-made cold sandwiches and wraps, and take your pick at a fresh, colourful fruit platter.
And it’s not just you that’s getting fed either – the local birds are familiar with Four Knots’ vessels and know exactly when it’s feeding time! Watch as Whistling Kites and Black Kites flock in using their acrobatic skills – it’s an experience you won’t see anywhere else in SA. And the best part, it’s an interactive experience – if you’re not squeamish, you can get in on the action and flick over some chicken skin to the birds. Kids in particular LOVE doing this!
Take to the river for your next event or special occasion!
From Hens Shows to 50th birthdays, corporate events, or end of year celebrations – the Four Knots team can cater to your individual needs and create a unique way to celebrate.
If you ask us, the secluded riverbank BBQ package is one of the best in South Australia for private events. Relaxed, intimate and a feast for your senses – it’s truly fantastic at any time of the year. Imagine yourself and your loved ones on picnic rugs, bean bags and bar stools spread out on a lush riverbank with towering gum trees. You can be certain the wine, beer, gin and cider will be stocked up, along with platters to share. And to really top it off, Four Knots can even add on live music!
A great tip is, if you’re staying at a local river shack, you can arrange for Chad to pull up to your lawn or jetty to pick up your group – talk about quality door-to-door service! Even Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello has booked this exact experience for his Christmas work function with his team (he was so blown away when he visited in March!).
