We spent most of our on board time in our new favourite place, the bar lounge, where we could sit in comfort on large leather chairs and watch the fantastic scenery drift slowly by.

The river was so smooth that it was virtually impossible to know whether the ship was sailing or not.

We chose the four-night cruise, which started on a Monday (seven- and three-night cruises are also available).

Here are some of our daily diary highlights:

Monday: Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, birthplace of the Murray River trade, mooring overnight at Caurnamont, where we saw nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank.

Tuesday: As a keen photographer I was up early and it was great to capture the scenery and wildlife under the magical morning light. Birdlife included pelicans, blue wrens and lots of cockatoos.

Another favourite was going to Blanchetown to view one of the 13 locks, which maintain the flow and levels of river water, then on to Burk Salter’s vineyard for a complimentary wine tasting at the cellar door. That night was fancy dress themed and there was a musical quiz.

The days went so quickly.  Each night saw us sleeping like a log, anxious for the next day.

Come back to our blog soon for my final blog on our Captain Cook Cruises Murray River voyage.