WITH more than 50 years of Murray River background, captain Jock Veenstra knows Australia's great river better than almost anyone.
His long association with Australia's lakes and rivers started when, as a boy, he moved to Goolwa, near the mouth of the Murray, in the early 1960s.
"I have worked on the Murray all my life and I love to take passengers where the old paddlesteamers travelled and show them this part of Australia's fascinating river history" he said.
These days Jock Veenstra operates Spirit Australia Cruises, offering cruises along the length of the Murray ranging from three to eight days and travelling sections between Goolwa, South Australia, and Albury, NSW.
There are also river cruise and coach touring combinations: 5 Rivers Outback Safari, Source to the Sea and a six-day/five-night Gippsland Lakes cruise from Sale to Lakes Entrance in Victoria.
Unlike traditional cruise boats, Spirit Australia passengers do not stay on board in cabins. The boats are therefore smaller, allowing access to untravelled waters and offering a more personalised experience.
Accommodation is in comfortable ensuite riverside town motels, allowing time to explore a different town most evenings.
Most of Spirit Australia's Murray River cruises travel one way along the river with coach return to the port of origin to maximise the distance cruised and minimise duplication of scenery.
Cruises include commentary and river history, specified on shore activities and all meals (including morning and afternoon tea).
1800-442-203, www.spiritaustraliacruises.com.au
