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Daily Sightseeing Cruises

10.15 - 11.30 - 13.15 - 14.30

Lunch & Dinner Cruises

Thursday to Sunday

Multi-Day Cruises

PS Emmylou 3, 4 or 7 Nights

PS Australian Star 3, 4 or 7 Nights

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Welcome to murray river paddlesteamers.

Step aboard our iconic paddlesteamers, now including the exquisite PS Australian Star available from June 2025, for an elegant journey back in time along the winding Murray River. Bask in breathtaking views of landscapes and wildlife, whether you opt for PS Canberra’s daily sightseeing and lunch cruises or PS Emmylou’s multi-day 3, 4 & 7 night voyages – each promises an unforgettable experience.

Our dedicated crew is poised to cater to your desires, whether it’s a leisurely river trip or a special event. As pioneers of Echuca’s river cruising, we take pride in sharing the river’s stories and preserving its rich heritage. Join us for an adventure through history, guided by passionate storytellers, leaving you with cherished memories. 

PS Australian Star Opening Special - Save 10%

 Save 10% on all departures from September 1st, 2025, to May 31st, 2026!

Step aboard the PS Australian Star and secure your voyage now to enjoy exclusive savings on all departures during this special period. Don’t miss the chance to experience the ultimate in Australian River Cruising. Book by 15th May 2024

Sightseeing lunch & Dinner Cruises

Ps canberra 1 hour cruise.

Step aboard the 110-year-old paddle steamer with a wood-fired steam engine.  Not operating due to maintenance 1st – 14th May 2024

Wharf to Winery Lunch

Enjoy in a return paddlesteamer cruise to Morrisons Winery, including a delectable two-course lunch, glass of wine and tastings. Not available 1st – 15th May 2024

Wharf to Winery PREMIUM

Indulge in our new Wharf to Winery PREMIUM package and savour complimentary wine onboard your cruise. Not available 1st – 15th May 2024

Port to Plate Lunch/Dinner

Discover Echuca’s finest attraction – Port to Plate! Indulge in a delectable meal at Bar Lee, then cruise aboard PS Canberra. Not available 1st – 14th May 2024

Emmylou & Australian Star Multi-day Cruise Experiences

3 Night Discovery Cruise

Embark on a captivating 3-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou for a journey through the heart of the Australian outback. Step back in time and indulge in the charm and romance of a bygone era.

4 Night Explorer Cruise

Experience the beauty and history of the Murray River with a 4-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer doing overnight cruises. A unique way to explore the Australian outback.

7 Night All the Rivers Run

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure aboard the PS Emmylou for a 7-night Murray River cruise. Enjoy the ultimate riverboat experience as you explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of Australia’s iconic river

PS Australian Star

Bookings are now open for PS Australian Star for departures from June 2025. Don’t miss our opening special 10% discount to secure your cabins on Australia’s first 5-star river cruise experience.  

Upcoming Daily Cruise departures & availability

Ps canberra not operating 1st - 14th may, ps emmylou cruise reviews.

Caravan World Magazine

We recently had Janet Howe from Explore Magazine aboard for a 4 night winter cruise. Read her Poetry in Motion review in this article.

Chugging Along the Heartbeat of Australia: Our Journey on the PS Emmylou

Embark on a captivating journey with us aboard the PS Emmylou, the last surviving woodfire paddle steamer on the Murray River. Discover the beauty, history, and soul of Australia through our four-day adventure, exploring local wineries, historical sites, and the serene landscapes that define the Murray’s winding path. Join us as we uncover the charm of river life and the rich tapestry of Australian culture, all while ‘chugging along’ the heartbeat of this magnificent land.

The Cruise Guy

We recently hosted “The Cruise Guy” Adrian Tassone aboard a 3-night Discovery Cruise. Take a look at his video review. You maybe surprised!

We pride ourselves on our guest's satisfaction

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Murray River River Cruises and Tours

Murray river cruises, cruising the murray river is one of the most amazing and surprising experiences you'll have..

The Murray is much more than a river, it is quintessentially Australian experience. Within a relatively short distance from Adelaide and Melbourne you can experience jaw-dropping beauty, diverse history and luxury all surrounded by a sense of peace that has to be experienced to understand.

As the Murray carves its way through our sun-burnt and contrasting landscape you'll discover a new part of the world that's not overrun with tourists and will allow you time to reconnect with yourself, family and friends.

Enjoy a Proud Mary Cruise

Join the intimate cruising vessel, the Proud Mary to discover the Murray River's eco-system at its best. Only a 45 minute drive from Adelaide the vessel embarks and disembarks guests from Murray Bridge , where garaging is available for those wishing not to transfer via our luxury Expedition coach. Our cruises operate 365 days a year and include all meals, prepared exclusively by our resident chefs, private river view en-suite accommodation and daily nature based shore excursions.  

Offering both 5 night and 2 night cruise, the Proud Mary gives you an excellent opportunity to see the river environment in a different perspective and may allow you to view some of the nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as pelicans, night herons, owls and coots. Our experienced and friendly staff will ensure all your personal needs are attended to every step of the journey, so sit back, relax and experience the beautiful Murray River at its best aboard the Proud Mary cruising vessel.

Cruises on Australia's Murray River

The Murray River and its surroundings are normally overlooked as a significant cruising region of international appeal but many visitors are now discovering the Murray River is a wonderfully natural and great place enjoy. A slow river that easily touches your soul and satisfies the inner spirit.

Spud Hilton, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer recently stated "The Murray is the ultimate lazy river, a 100-million-year-old ribbon that winds 1,470 miles through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, passing farms, Aboriginal homelands, red gum forests, holiday cottages, arid scrub and towering ochre-colored limestone cliffs festooned with snow-white cockatoos."

Mornings you'll find mirror-perfect water, not yet disturbed by by a sole. As the mist gently rises over the water, golden sunrays pierce the huge river red gums and pelicans silently look for fish as they'd done the night before. You should encounter incredible wildlife including kangaroos, emus, koalas, goannas, kookaburras and much more. You'll find other early risers will enjoy the serenity with you but there's plenty of quiet spots to be with yourself and a nice cup of tea or coffee.

Traffic along the river is fairly minimal. You'll find milk boats, fishing craft, some ferries in South Australia, occasional small paddleboats and a diverse amarda of houseboats (Murray River is the houseboating capital of Australia). The Murray is used for by watersports enthusiasts with ski boats and canoes and kayaks .

Part of the rich history of Australia is it's Murray-Darling paddle steamers . The Murray River was used by more than a hundred paddle steamers and barges during the heydays to the late 1800's to deliver supplies to settlements upstream and returned loaded with wool and wheat. When the railroads opened up the territory by 1890, the paddle steamers ceased as a popular mode of transportation. Nowadays a few remain for leisure cruising on the Murray yet Australia still has the largest range of active paddle steamers in the world.

Naturally on each cruise you'll receive a mixture of information on river history, folklore, environmental information, free time to chat, relax and much more. Some longer cruises allow you the opportunity to get off the boat and experience Aboriginal culture, shearing exhibitions and other tours to learn, engage and explore the local region. You can enjoy local walks at some of the historic towns or cliff top climbs.

Back on board while the rugged and beautiful world of the Murray River landscapes slowly pass you by, you'll stay in comfortable and clean cabins on overnight accommodation for the longer cruises. Most cruises offer meal and food options. Short river cruises may offer you light snacks or cafeteria style food, while the longer overnight cruises offer great dining with food that is professionally prepared (and yes you can even experience Vegemite if you want one of Australia's great challenges).

One of the greatest things you'll take away from your Murray River cruise is an appreciation of the Murray's abundant beauty and intrinsic value to Australia's culture and meaning. Aboriginal occupation of the region in some parts dates back over 40,000 years. There are opportunities for guided indigenous walks, where guides talk and showcase the importance of the land and their relationship with the river. You'll enjoy the dreamtime story as different Aboriginal tribes and clans offer their stories of the land and river. The stories connect you to their ancient culture and give you a deep insight to the need to protect Australia's most important river.

Still not sure you're going to have a great time?

As you sit back and absorb one of the world's most incredible and diverse river systems you can watch the captain slowly guide the boat around the myriad of river bends. Each bend unfolds a new view, new landscape and new secret that will keep you guessing and wondering. But the biggest question you may have is "will the captain let me drive?" now that would top off your Murray River "no worries" cruising experience!

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A houseboat cruises the Murray River in South Australia.

South Australia's Adventures of a Lifetime: Cruise the Murray River

Cruise Australia’s longest river from the Australian Alps to the windswept South Australian coast.

The Murray River is Australia’s longest river at approximately 1,500 miles   (2,500 kilometers). Flowing from the Australian Alps to the windswept South Australian coast near Goolwa, its waters irrigate vast tracts of farmland. Only the last few hundred miles flow through South Australia, but this stretch has some of the country’s best scenery, through limestone gorges, past lagoons teeming with birdlife, and along riverbanks lined with majestic river red gums. Once a major route into the interior, hundreds of paddle steamers carrying wool, wheat, and supplies once plied the river. Now, old inland ports like Mannum and Murray Bridge harbor pleasure crafts. Houseboats provide an ideal way to unwind and explore the river, or take one of the many cruise boats, which can be rented just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide.

Houseboat Rental

Houseboats can be rented at Murray Bridge, Mannum, Blanchetown, Morgan, Waikerie, and Renmark, heading upstream in order. Only an unrestricted driver’s license is required to rent a boat, and you will be given a practice run, safety drill, and boating guide before you head off. Tie up to a tree on the bank at the end of the day and throw in a fishing line, bird-watch, swim, or just kick back. The river is popular with water skiers, kayakers, and other boats on weekends and holidays, but quiet backwaters can always be found. Some houseboats provide simple cabin-style comfort while others are more like upscale apartments on water, complete with spa baths and other luxuries. They range from one to six bedrooms, but bigger boats catering to families are more common. Minimum rental is usually three days. Most require you to bring your own food and drink, though some boats use local caterers who can stock up before you arrive.

P.S. Murray Princess is the biggest and most impressive craft on the river. This purpose-built old-style paddleboat has the scaled-down trappings of an ocean liner, with six state rooms and 54 cabins with private facilities. It leaves Mannum on three-, four-, and seven-day cruises and includes winery, farm, wildlife, aboriginal, and other tours. The similar but smaller Proud Mary runs two- and five-day tours out of Murray Bridge.

Day trips are also very popular. A few of the original paddle steamers still operate and run irregular trips, including P.S. Marion , dating back to 1897. When not steaming on the river, you can board it at the Mannum Dock Museum to inspect the galley, lounges, and cabins. P.S. Industry is the pride of Renmark and dates to 1911. Moored next to the information center, it operates on the first Sunday of every month and other selected days.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Spirit of the Coorong has a modern boat running day trips from Goolwa to the mouth of the river and the Coorong National Park. The Murray River flows into Lake Alexandrina before finally emerging through the sand dunes to the sea in an area called the Coorong, an extensive lagoon network and important birdlife sanctuary.

TRAVEL TIPS

Bookings: For houseboat bookings, the Houseboat Hirer’s Association represents owners and has a complete rundown. Rates are seasonal, with late December and January school holidays the peak season on the river. Discover Murray is a useful booking site for cruises, houseboats, and accommodations.

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7 night Specialty Cruise

Indulge your senses in Proud Mary’s longest cruises on Australia’s longest single river. Our 7 night specialty cruises run 4 weeks of the year, speak to our team about our next 7 night cruise.

• Cruise Highlights
• Full Itinerary
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Come cruising...

Come cruising….. Embark upon one of our longest 7 night Murray River Specialty Cruises, aboard the intimate cruising vessel, the Proud Mary. Departing 4 weeks of the year our 7 night cruise dates are set at the start of each year ready for you to enjoy some extended cruising beyond our normal 2 and 5 night departures. Enquire now to see what dates have been selected for this year! Get ready to indulge your senses as we cast off to explore the Murray River's eco-system at its finest.

The 7 Night Specialty Cruises includes all meals. Let our brilliant chefs delight your senses with modern Australian and European cuisine made from the highest quality seasonal produce.

Abundant wildlife and magnificent scenery will be seen throughout your entire stay aboard. River Gums and Willows line the banks of this famous river and provide a perfect safe haven for birds and wildlife. Take in the towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches as the Proud Mary idly cruises by. At night, the Proud Mary's powerful floodlights provide a rare glimpse of nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls and coots.

Lagoon cruises, on shore guided walks, an Australian themed bush barbeque with live entertainment, cruising through various locks and the Captain's Dinner make up just some of the highlights of this extravagant 7 night specialty cruise (more details on cruise highlights below).

For when you choose to retire to the private contemporary ensuite accommodation provided, all cabins onboard feature stunning river views so you can stay immersed in the beauty of nature.

7 night specialty cruise highlights may include:

Lagoon cruises

A journey aboard a small boat to cruise the River’s secluded lagoons and inlets, here you will view some of the 320 species of birdlife in this region and discover the intricacies of the ancient cliff face.

Revolution Motor Museum

Revolution Motor Museum features a Performance Car Museum with a range of American Muscle Cars, Bikes and Stationery Engines on display – Not only perfect for car enthusiasts but history buffs alike with South Australia's first ever taxi on display!

Almond Farm

Discover how this state of the art almond farm uses water-recycling technology to limit its direct impact on the river system and help secure the diverse ecosystem of the river.

Australian themed bush barbeque

As dusk falls, enjoy an evening around a blazing campfire. A delicious bush barbeque is prepared using local produce, including billy tea and damper, along with evening entertainment under the stars on the golden sands of the river bank.

Night cruising

Night cruising is a feature of all Proud Mary cruises. The Proud Mary’s powerful flood lights illuminate the graceful willows and dark waters as you cruise.

Ecological walks

Here you’ll discover the importance of flood plains to the river system. You will also see some of the last remaining evidence of ancient Aboriginal civilization, a huge canoe tree bearing the scar where bark was taken to make a canoe. Learn about Moorundie Creek, named after the Aboriginal tribe that lived here. In native dialect ‘moorundie’ means sand or sandy and is the site where the history of the area began in 1840, when explorer Edward John Eyre established a village named Sturt after the famous explorer navigator.

Explore ancient archaeological sites

Visit the site of ancient aboriginal rock art where your local indigenous guide will explain their meaning and significance. Ngaut Ngaut was a major meeting place for the tribes of the area and you’ll see where they prepared and cooked food at a ceremonial site that dates back thousands of years. The view from the top of the cliffs is astonishing with vistas that stretch for miles in every direction.

Live entertainment

After your Australian themed bush barbeque, enjoy live music from Proud Mary’s entertainer around a blazing campfire. Request a song and sing along as the music plays into the night.

Captain's Dinner

A five-course menu of choice featuring mouth-watering dishes based on modern Australian cuisine. Click here to see a sample menu . Enjoy the food, wine and atmosphere with your fellow passengers as the Captain visits every table and chats. It’s a chance to dress up a little and enjoy a gorgeous formal dinner.

Cruise though locks

Cruising through a lock on the Murray River is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the rich history and engineering feats of Australia's river system. As Proud Mary enters the lock, water levels start to rise or fall depending on the direction of the journey. It's fascinating to watch the lock doors close and the water fill or empty from the chamber creating a sense of anticipation and excitement as Proud Mary prepares to move on to the next section of the river. 

Banrock Station wetlands & winery

A must visit destination in the Riverland, Banrock Station is renowned for its award winning wines, picturesque vineyards, and stunning wetlands. The wetlands cover 2,500 hectares and are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 180 bird species. Explore the wetlands and enjoy a glass of wine all whilst taking in the breathtaking views that Banrock station has to offer.

Visit various river townships

The Murray River region is home to many charming towns offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Proud Mary's 7 night cruises all visit Morgan, with the extended one way trip to or from Renmark also including Wakirie, Loxton Berri and Renmark.

Example Itineraries (3 options)

Cruise highlights murray bridge to morgan return, day 1: friday (s).

Your seven night cruise departs from Murray Bridge just 1 hour from Adelaide, where you will be welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary Crew. Enjoy a beautiful supper at approximately 8.15pm as you cruise this evening and the Proud Mary's powerful floodlights illuminate the shore. It is a perfect opportunity to view the nocturnal animals of Australia in their natural habitat. Later the Proud Mary ties up for the night at Woodlane.

DAY 2: SATURDAY (B/L/D)

Your cruise continues upstream as you dine on your delicious breakfast before a mid-morning Proud Mary arrival in picturesque Mannum, the birthplace of the river boat trade. Here you may board the waiting coach for an interesting tour of the Historic Mannum including the Mannum Lookout. Your guide will provide you with information. Lunch will be served aboard the Proud Mary as you cruise upstream to Walker Flat. This evening is "Australiana Night" featuring typically Australian dishes. This will be followed by a guided Nocturnal Discovery Tour, an insight into abundant wildlife including the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat. It is a perfect opportunity to view the nocturnal animals of Australia in their natural habitat.

DAY 3: SUNDAY (B/L/D)

The Proud Mary will depart Walker Flat early morning and cruises further upstream as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast. A delicious special New Year's feast will be served up for lunch whilst you cruise and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Mid-afternoon, once lunch has settled, you will experience one of the many highlights of your cruise as you pass through Lock 1 at Blanchetown. The Proud Mary moors overnight amongst the towering River Red Gums where you will enjoy another incredible dinner with a relaxed evening onboard.

DAY 4: MONDAY (B/L/D)

Depart your tranquil overnight mooring cruising toward Morgan. Mid-morning will be an informative talk by the Proud Mary Captain on the Majestic Murray River. Lunch will be served on board before arriving into the township of Morgan. In its heyday, Morgan was one of the busiest South Australian Murray River ports. After lunch you will board the Proud Mary coach to visit Waikerie, here you will see the painted silos, Waikerie gliding club and many more heritage sites of this riverside town. At the conclusion of your tour re-join the Proud Mary for a delicious dinner on board. Tonight is a chance to get the competitive juices flowing with a night of trivia.

DAY 5: TUESDAY (B/L/D)

This morning the Proud Mary will cruise further upstream as you enjoy your breakfast before returning to Morgan. Here you may board the coach to visit the many heritage sights of this once booming riverside town. Most of the historic buildings including the Customs house and Courthouse are located on Railway Terrace. You will reboard the Proud Mary prior to another wonderful onboard lunch and cruise through Lock 1 before securing at Sugar Shack. Enjoy a fantastic game of Bingo following a delicious dinner prepared by our resident Chef's.

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY (B/L/D)

Join the Captain for an early morning walk learning about the history of the area and also visit an authentic canoe tree. When back onboard we will depart Sugar Shack as you enjoy your breakfast & the spectacular views. Secure at Swan Reach and board your waiting coach for a tour to visit the Swan Reach Museum and Almond Farm plantations before returning to the Proud Mary prior to lunch. Relax on board and enjoy your lunch as Proud Mary cruises to Big Bend through the spectacular cliffs. Another highlight of your cruise is the guided tour aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of Big Bend which you will enjoy mid-afternoon. This evening will be a gourmet barbeque on shore followed by live entertainment.

DAY 7: THURSDAY (B/L/D)

Whilst dining on another beautiful breakfast the Proud Mary continues downstream through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire River Murray system. Soon after breakfast we arrive at Ngaut Ngaut – a historical Aboriginal site. Here with your Aboriginal tour guide you will discover carvings and paintings on cliff faces made 3,000 to 20,000 years ago. A truly incredible experience!

After reboarding the Proud Mary we will continue downstream the mighty Murray River throughout the afternoon before arriving at Mannum. Explore the Mannum township then get yourself ready for a formal Captain's Dinner. This evening you will join the Captain and Crew for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres followed by a stunning 5-course formal dinner.

DAY 8: FRIDAY (B/L/D)

Cruise to Woodlane whilst having breakfast. There, you will be joined by your guide for a tour of this fascinating area. Find some delicious treats at Ozzie Apricots and discover a 3rd generation family-run orchard. The orchard is on the beautiful River Murray at Mypolonga about 15km's from Murray Bridge

Right next to the Apricot farm is the Revolution Motor Museum where you will be taken on a private tour to see a wide range of American Muscle Cars, Bikes and stationery engines all on display. This museum has South Australia's first registered taxi and is filled with history and beauty, a must for all to see. Yet again a superb lunch awaits on board prepared by our resident chefs with fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before the vessel ties up once more in Murray Bridge, the Captain and crew bid farewell to guests and new-found friends before disembarkation at 4.00pm.

*All itineraries are subject to change due to river and weather conditions.

On behalf of everyone at Proud Mary, enjoy your trip. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on (08) 8406 4444.

Cruise highlights Murray Bridge to Renmark

Your seven night cruise departs from Murray Bridge just 1 hour from Adelaide, where you will be welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary Crew.  Enjoy a buffet supper at approximately 8.00pm as you cruise this evening and the Proud Mary's powerful floodlights illuminate the shore.  It is a perfect opportunity to view the nocturnal animals of Australia in their natural habitat.  Later the Proud Mary ties up for the night at Woodlane.

DAY 2: SATURDAY (B.L.D)

Your cruise continues upstream as you breakfast on delicious buffet before a mid-morning Proud Mary arrival in picturesque Mannum, the birthplace of the river boat trade.  Here you may board the waiting coach for an interesting tour of the Historic Mannum.  Your guide will provide you with information.  Lunch will be served aboard the Proud Mary as you cruise upstream to Walkers Flat.  This evening is "Australiana Night" featuring typically Australian dishes.  Followed by a guided Nocturnal Discovery Tour, an insight into abundant wildlife including the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat. It is a perfect opportunity to view the nocturnal animals of Australia in their natural habitat.

DAY 3: SUNDAY (B.L.D)

Depart early this morning and cruise upstream while enjoying a hearty breakfast.  Mid-morning pull into Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park the site of an Archaeological Dig dating back over 8000 years. Re-join the Proud Mary & cruise upstream enjoying lunch before arriving at Swan Reach.   Meet the waiting coach for a journey to Swan Reach Museum and the Cudgee Almond farm.  Back on-board cruise to your overnight mooring at Sugar Shack. 

DAY 4: MONDAY (B.L.D)

Depart your tranquil overnight mooring and cruise towards Blanchetown & Lock 1.  Pass through Lock 1.  Mid-morning will be the captain's talk on the River Murray.  Lunch will be served on board before arriving in historic town of Morgan.  In its heyday, Morgan was one of the busiest South Australian Murray River ports.  The town is located on the great Elbow, North-west Bend on the River Murray.  Board the Proud Mary coach to visit the many heritage sights of this once booming riverside town.  Most of the historic buildings, including the customs house and courthouse are located on Railway Terrace.  Tonight, you will enjoy dinner and some fun with a Trivia Night.

DAY 5: TUESDAY (B.L.D)

This morning enjoy a tour of Morgan Township and museum before reboarding the Proud Mary.  Enjoy lunch on board before a pass through lock 2 and late afternoon arrival in Waikerie, where they boast more sunshine hours yearly than the famed Queensland Gold Coast.   The name Waikerie is said to mean "many wings" after giant swift moth "weikari", the name given by the original indigenous community.  It's an appropriate name, considering the teeming birds of the lagoons and wetlands that edge the river.  Waikerie was established in 1894 when its first settlers arrived by the paddle steamers.   Here you will enjoy a spectacular BBQ and entertainment.

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY (B.L.D)

This morning take a tour of Waikerie including Havenhand Chocolate's and maybe sample some of their produce.  Take a tour to the Banrock Station Winery & Wetlands with the Proud Mary coach. Banrock Station has committed itself to working towards improving the surrounding area.  By recreating the natural drying & flooding cycle of the wetland, it is once more full of life.  After a beautiful relaxing walk around this wonderful area and a scrumptious lunch, re-board the coach for a trip to the Historic Overland Corner Hotel. The hotel was purchased by the National Trust of South Australia after being erected in 1859. Reboard the Proud Mary and cruising upstream through Lock 3 and secure at Moorook. Tonight, enjoy a traditional roast dinner followed by a game's night.

DAY 7: THURSDAY (B.L.D)

This morning cruise further upstream to the historical township of Loxton while enjoying breakfast. Enjoy a stroll around the historical town and enjoy a visit to the Loxton Historical Village to reminisce of days gone by. Please note entrance fee to the village is at passengers own cost. Return to the Proud Mary and cruise while enjoying lunch and the spectacular scenery travelling through Lock 4 before arriving at the township of Berri. Her you will join the Captain and crew for cocktails, hors d'ouvers and a formal Captains Dinner.

DAY 8: FRIDAY (B.L)

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a stroll around Berri, a vibrant Riverland town.   Return to the Proud Mary and cruise the final leg of our journey through the Murray River National Park enjoying the superb buffet lunch prepared with fresh local produce.  This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before the vessel passes through Lock 5 and underneath the famous Paringa Bridge.  The bridge only opens twice daily at 9.30am & 2.30pm to allow passage of larger vessels and was first used by trains in 1927 with the last train operating in 1983. The Proud Mary will arrive at your final destination of Renmark.  The Captain and Crew will bid farewell to guests and our new found friends before disembarkation mid-afternoon.  Join our waiting coach for your transfer to Adelaide.

*All itineraries are subject to change due to river and weather conditions and change at short notice

Cruise highlights Renmark to Murray Bridge

Join the Proud Mary this evening in Renmark. Renmark features a gorgeous riverfront with plenty of area for picnics or playing sport and also includes floating wharf platforms, lookouts and historic monuments. Renmark was established in 1887 by the Chaffey brothers as an irrigation settlement. The town of Renmark takes its name from the Aboriginal word 'red mud' and was proclaimed in 1904. You will be welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary crew. Enjoy a buffet supper from approximately 8:00 pm.

DAY 2: SATURDAY (BLD)

This morning we depart Renmark to pass the Paringa Bridge which opens twice daily, once at 9.30am and once at 2.30pm. Paringa Bridge was first used by trains in 1927 and the last train to use the bridge was in 1983. Pass through Lock 5 before reaching your first stop at Berri. Enjoy a stroll this morning through the main street enjoying the magnificent scenery and the historic monuments. Reboard the Proud Mary and pass through Lock 4 on the way to the historical township of Loxton. This evening is "Australiana Night" featuring typical Australian dishes. Tonight, we will have a guest speaker providing an interesting talk on a special subject.

DAY 3: SUNDAY (BLD)

Depart Loxton and cruise downstream arriving at Moorook. Continue your journey downstream to Kingston on the Murray while enjoying a sumptuous lunch on board. At Kingston on the Murray you will meet the Proud Mary Coach and take a tour of Banrock Station Winery and Wetlands. Banrock Station has committed itself to working towards improving the surrounding area. By recreating the natural drying and flooding cycle of the wetland, it is once more full of life. After a relaxing walk around this wonderful area, reboard the waiting coach to the Proud Mary to Overland Corner. Cruise from the famous Overland Corner hotel; a historic hotel onto Waikerie. Moor overnight at Waikerie while enjoying a scrumptious dinner and some fun with a game's night.

DAY 4: MONDAY (BLD)

Enjoy another hearty breakfast, board the Proud Mary coach for a guided tour of the township of Waikerie and the loca area.   Here they boast more sunshine hours yearly than the famed Queensland Gold Coast! The name Waikerie is said to mean 'many wings', after the giant swift moth 'weikari', the name given by original indigenous community. It's an appropriate name, considering the teeming birds of the lagoons and wetlands that edge the river. Waikerie was established in 1894 when its first settlers arrived by paddle steamer.  This afternoon cruise past Lock 2 and onto the historical township of Morgan where you will moor overnight. Enjoy some videos after dinner.

DAY 5: TUESDAY (BLD)

In its heyday, Morgan was one of the busiest South Australian Murray River ports. The town is located on the Great Elbow, North-West Bend on the River Murray. Board the Proud Mary coach to visit the many heritage sights of this once booming riverside town. Most of the historic buildings, including the customs house and courthouse, are located on Railway Terrace.  Re-join the Proud Mary cruising downstream through Lock 1, the first lock & weir to be constructed on the River Murray.  Construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1922. Cruise downstream towards Sugar Shack where you will secure overnight. Join our Captain for an early evening ecological walk around the station to discover the importance of the surrounding floodplains in the River System.

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY (BLD)

Depart Sugar Shack and continue downstream while enjoying a hearty breakfast, past Moorundie the site of the first white township in the area in 1841. Mid-morning arrive Swan Reach and board your waiting coach for a tour to visit the local museum and huge Almond Farm. Re-join the Proud Mary before continuing downstream and arriving at Big Bend where you will marvel at the staggering cliff formations.  A highlight of your cruise is a guided cruise lead by an ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of Big Bend. This evening there is a traditional Australian barbecue on shore followed by live Aussie entertainment around a blazing campfire (subject to fire restrictions).

DAY 7: THURSDAY (BLD)

Depart early this morning and cruise downstream while enjoying a hearty breakfast. This morning pull in to Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, the site of an archaeological dig dated back over 8000 years.  Here with your Aboriginal tour guide you will discover carvings and paintings on cliff faces made 3,000 to 20,000 years ago. Once again on board the Proud Mary enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Proud Mary chefs as you cruise before arrival at Mannum.  This evening join the Captain and crew for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a formal Captain's Dinner.

DAY 8: FRIDAY (BL)

*All itineraries are subject to change due to river and weather conditions and change at short notice. On behalf of everyone at Proud Mary, enjoy your trip. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on (08) 8406 4444 .

Getting there...

Murray bridge departure .

For the Cruise highlights Murray Bridge to Morgan return & Cruise highlights Murray Bridge to Renmark

The Proud Mary departs from Murray Bridge, just an hour from Adelaide. Return coach transfers are available to take you to the wharf at Clark Street Car Park where you will board the vessel. For self-drive passengers, secure undercover lock-up garaging facilities are available adjacent to the wharf. Embarkation is available from 7.00pm.

Upon arrival, make your way to the vessel where our crew will meet you for check-in. After that, our Cruise Director will ask you to drive your vehicle to the garaging facility just a few minutes from the wharf where your vehicle will be securely locked away and our coach will bring you back to the boat. Cost is $140.

Coach transfers

These are available to and from Murray Bridge at the small cost of $60 each way ($120 return). The coach departs from the Adelaide Central bus station, 85 Franklin Street. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. For directions to Adelaide Central Bus Station please contact reservations 1800 677 683 or +61 8 8406 4444.

• Friday and Sunday coach departure times from Adelaide for cruises departing from Murray Bridge – 6:00pm
• Friday and Sunday coach arrival times into Adelaide for cruises disembarking in Murray Bridge – 5:30pm

Self-drive passengers

Travelling from Adelaide, South Australia to Murray Bridge – Take the South Eastern freeway out of Adelaide to the Murray Bridge exit. Carry on into Murray Bridge and turn right at the third set of traffic lights. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Turn left onto Olympic Drive, left onto Wharf Road and slightly left onto Clark Street leading to the Clark Street public car park.

Travelling from the Australian Eastern States to Murray Bridge – After travelling through Tailem Bend take the Murray Bridge exit and continue onto the township over the bridge. Take the 1st left once off the bridge. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Turn left onto Olympic Drive, left onto Wharf Road and slightly left onto Clark Street leading to the Clark Street public car park. 

Renmark Departure 

Embarkation.

Embarkation is from 7pm at Renmark Wharf, Renmark on Friday 19 January 2024. For passengers arriving earlier than 7pm we ask that you assist us by not boarding the vessel prior to this time as our crew will be preparing the facilities for your comfort

Passengers with vehicles to be garaged should arrive at the garaging facility located at 1-5 Jaensch Road, Murray Bridge by 12pm where a Proud Mary representative will meet you and your vehicle will be securely locked away. The Sealink Travel Group coach will meet you at the garaging facility at 12.30pm for your transfer to Renmark. Please see Proud Mary coach transfers for additional information. On the completion of your cruise, you will be collected from the Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge by the "Proud Mary" coach at approximately 4pm for your transfer to the garaging facility at Murray Bridge where you will collect your vehicle.

Proud Mary coach transfers

Transfers for embarking or disembarking in Renmark / Murray Bridge are operated by the Sealink Travel Group / Proud Mary Coach.

The Sealink Travel Group Coach departs from the Adelaide Central Bus Station on 85 Franklin Street (Bay 2) at 11.30am sharp ( please check-in at 11am with the Coach Captain ), via Murray Bridge before arriving at the Renmark Wharf, Renmark at approximately 3.00pm. Please note the coach must leave on time, should you be unable to make the departure time, alternative arrangements to get to Renmark will have to be made. You will have some free time to explore Renmark prior to boarding the Proud Mary vessel at 7pm. On the completion of your cruise, you will be collected from the Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge by the 'Proud Mary' coach at approximately 4.15pm for your transfer to Adelaide Central Bus Station where you will arrive at approximately 5.45pm.

Directions to Jaensch street garaging facility, Murray Bridge

Travelling from adelaide.

Take the South Eastern freeway out of Adelaide to the first Murray Bridge exit. Turn right onto Swanport Rd then turn left onto Joseph St, turn right onto Sturt Reserve Rd and turn right onto Jaensch Rd

Travelling from the Eastern States

After travelling through Tailem Bend take the Murray Bridge exit and continue onto the township over the bridge. Take the first left once off the bridge. Turn right onto Swanport Rd then turn left onto Joseph St, turn right onto Sturt Reserve Rd and turn right onto Jaensch Rd.

Proud Mary's cruise was a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The peaceful surroundings and the attentive crew made it a true retreat. Jill Marchall, Nov 2023

More testimonials

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Proud Mary Cruises

Proud Mary Cruises offer 2, 5 or 7 -night cruises in a small 18 cabin Murray River Cruise boat. Small numbers, personal travel with great service. Book now!

Welcome Aboard the Proud Mary

The Proud Mary was designed by naval architect Peter James and built back in 1982. It was inspired by the vessels that cruise the legendary Mississippi in the United States of America, and the original paddle steamers that provided vital transport along the Murray River during the 1800s.

The Proud Mary features 18 riverview cabins, each with ensuites and access to outdoor balcony areas. Suites are configured with either a double or twin beds and include air-conditioning units, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers and daily servicing.

The intimate lounge and dining areas, spacious open decks and the wheelhouse is open to all passengers at any time. Bikes and canoes are also available for passengers free of charge.

The Proud Mary offers two and five-night cruises, as well as two-hour lunches on Mondays and Fridays. All tours depart from Murray Bridge, in the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region.

Vessel Features

Dining area

Open deck area

Hair dryers provided

WiFi available

Onboard bar

Airconditioned

Tea and coffee facilities

T win single or double

Proud Mary: 8 tours found

2 Night Proud Mary Cruise

Proud Mary Cruise Murray River cruising, where you will enjoy a for a terrific 2-night discovery Murray River cruise on the Proud Mary Boat.

5 Night Proud Mary Cruise

Embark upon a 5-night indulgence Murray River cruise, aboard the intimate Proud Mary. The Proud Mary is one of the best river cruises on the Murray River.

5 Night Proud Mary Cruise + Kangaroo Island Package

Enjoy a 5-night Proud Mary Cruise with a Kangaroo Island Tour. Includes coach and Sealink ferry transfers. A great cruise and Kangaroo Island packages.

2 Night Proud Mary Cruise + Kangaroo Island Tour

This Proud Mary Cruise Package is a great way to enjoy a 2 Night Murray River Cruise and Kangaroo Island Tour. Cruise from Adelaide.

7 Night Proud Mary Christmas in July Cruise

7 Night Proud Mary Christmas in July Cruise 2025. Travel from Murray Bridge to Renmark, travelling through 5 locks, and historic locations. Book today!

7 Night Proud Mary Murray Bridge to Renmark Cruise

7 Night Proud Mary Murray Bridge to Renmark Cruise. Unique 456 km cruise, navigating through 5 locks. Only runs every couple of years (max 36pp). Book now!

7 Night Murray Bridge to Morgan Cruise Christmas Cruise

Embark on our 7-Night Murray Bridge to Morgan Cruise Christmas Cruise 2024 in Deluxe River View Cabins visiting historic towns. Book now!

7 Night Proud Mary New Years Eve Cruise

7 Night Proud Mary New Year’s Eve Cruise 2024 aboard the Proud Mary. Travel from Murray Bridge to Morgan through locks and historic locations.

About the Proud Mary

About the cruises

Operating two, five-night and special event cruises 365 days of a year, departing from and returning to Murray Bridge, just 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Adelaide, the Proud Mary caters for a maximum of only 36 passengers. This boutique product provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover the Murray River. The well-appointed bar, lounge and dining area provide the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery.

Australia’s River Murray is one of the world’s legendary rivers, in fact, the fourth longest river system in the world. Mysterious, massive and meandering 3,700 kilometres, it ranks with the Mississippi, the Nile and the Amazon. Boasting some of the most spectacular and rugged Australian landscapes, the River Murray is home to an array of abundant wildlife and bird life. It is aboard your intimate cruising that you can discover the River Murray’s ecosystem at its best.

This boat boasts 18 spacious river-view cabins that have been renovated, a lounge, a dining area, and well-appointed bar.

Order a drink and venture out onto the boat’s spacious open decks or enjoy the intimate lounge and dining area. The captain’s commentary may spark an interest to peruse the vessel’s resource centre and learn more from one of the many books available. You may like to enjoy a cuppa from the continuous tea and coffee available in the dining room or browse the souvenirs available for purchase.

Explore at your leisure any of the spectacular mooring locations; enjoy a walk through the bushland or discover the backwaters in one of the available canoes. For those who like a spot of fishing, reels, and bait are available, simply ask one of the crew.

Wi-Fi is available on board. 350MB is free and then the cost is $10 per 1GB. Service can vary along the river.

Your boat boasts 18 spacious river-view cabins. With only one room type, each cabin has twin or double beds, individually controlled air conditioning units, private en-suite. tea & coffee making facilities and hair dryers. Each cabin is approximately 9 square meters and the ensuite is 2.5 square metres. All rooms offer spectacular river views and open onto balcony areas. Cabins are serviced twice daily.

Cabin Selection – Although all cabins are lovely, en-suite, outside cabins with a river view, some passengers may prefer a cabin on the View Deck (middle deck) for easy access. Other passengers may like the Sun Deck (top deck) as it is a little quieter. We are happy to request the deck of your choice, however, a surcharge applies per cabin per night will be applied for all cabin requests. Cabin requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. View the deck plan .

This cruise boat is a boutique vessel providing an intimate and friendly atmosphere, offering a true insight into South Australia’s Outback. A modern vessel built to provide the ideal way to experience Australia’s most famous river, The River Murray. Accommodating only 36 passengers in deluxe river view cabins, the boat provides a unique nature-based experience with a touch of luxury.

The vessel, originally designed by Mr Peter James, a Naval Architect was built in Berri, South Australia on the banks of the River Murray, by the Berri Ship building company in 1982. Purpose-built with a shallow draft, allowing the vessel to safely navigate shallow sections of the river. The original style of the vessel was taken from the Mississippi River cruisers.

The first cruise was in August 1982 from Murray Bridge in South Australia. The proprietors have owned & operated the vessel since it was built and has been refurbished on a periodical basis since 1982. The vessel produces its own power from onboard generators and wastewater is stored onboard and then removed when in port in accordance with environmental guidelines.

Find your dream Murray River cruise

Our Luxury Murray River Cruise Aboard the PS Murray Princess

When we started planning our great Australian road trip, we made a list of some of the things we absolutely had to see and do as we travelled around. Quite near the top of that list was taking a Murray River cruise.

Recently, we got the chance to do just that, thanks to Captain Cook Cruises and their luxurious paddlewheeler, the PS Murray Princess . Our four night cruise was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. And we can’t wait to tell you about it, so let’s get started!

About the PS Murray Princess

30 years old this year, the PS Murray Princess is the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere and is propelled through the river by a massive wheel at the stern (back) of the vessel. Four of its five decks are named after some of the Murray Rivers greatest pioneers; Charles Sturt ; William Randell ; Francis Cadell ; and the Chaffey brothers, George and William.

The vessels interior is tastefully decorated with mahogany style furnishings and decoration. On-board is a two-story lounge at the back of the vessel which offers the best view of the paddlewheel; a spacious dining room with dance floor and buffet; adjacent bar which offers views out the front of the vessel from both inside and the outside balcony; a sundeck on the roof; and below deck facilities like gym, spa, sauna and laundry.

Cruises can fit up to 120 people in the 60 rooms on-board. However, the crew told us most cruises have less than 100 people on-board making it a more intimate experience which allows guests more of a chance to get to meet their fellow passengers.

While visiting the wheelhouse, we were told by Captain Keith Halloran, our cruises Captain, that the vessel moves at an average speed of just 10 km per hour. It a very smooth, calm and relaxing ride.

Practical and Comfortable Accommodation

For a relatively small vessel, Captain Cook Cruises have made good use of the little space they have to create practical and comfortable accommodation for guests.

Now, we’re not going to go ahead and tell you the rooms are spacious, but they are arranged to be functional and serve their purpose, a place to sleep, store your belongings and freshen up. On-board, there are many other areas perfect for relaxing and socialising, so you’ll spend very little time in your room itself.

There are three different room types on-board, staterooms; outside cabins; and inside cabins, each with its own small private bathroom that includes toilet, shower and basin and a wardrobe for your clothes. We got to take a peek inside each of the room types.

Inside cabins are located below deck and have a small porthole to let in some natural light. They come in either twin or double.

Outside cabins are much the same in size as the inside cabins, with the difference being their location on the upper decks and that they also come in triple configuration. A door opens directly onto the outside deck and the cabin has picture windows letting in plenty of light.

Staterooms , of which there are only six on-board, are the most spacious. They are similar to the outside cabins with the addition of a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities and come in either a double only or double and single configuration.

We were fortunate enough to spend our four nights in a stateroom which we found quite comfortable. There was plenty of room to store our belongings, the bed was reasonably comfortable with plenty of blankets and pillows and everything was exceptionally clean on arrival, and after each mornings service.

All in all, accommodation on-board the Murray Princess is comfortable and on-par size-wise with larger cruise ships we’ve been on in the past.

Exceptional Service

One of the highlights of our cruise was the staff. Every single staff member we met during our cruise was incredibly helpful and friendly. Straight away you can tell that each of them love their jobs and know what good customer service is.

There are a multitude of staff on-board that each play their part in ensuring the smooth running of the cruise as well as making the guests feel welcome and comfortable. And because we were cruising during the quieter part of the year, with only 45 passengers on-board, the staff were taking the chance to do some training, so we had an extra few people around helping out.

Stand outs for us were our Cruise Director Kevin and his trainee Kelly. They were both a constant source of information about our cruise and kept everything running smoothly, even when we had a minor mechanical hiccup. They also took the time to get to know us and the other passengers on-board.

The other standout was our Bar Manager Gary. Gary has worked on the Murray Princess for 16 years so he knows a thing or two about the vessel and the Murray River. He’s got many stories to tell about past cruises and he does an excellent job of remembering your name and what you drink!

While all staff are immaculately presented and professional, they are relaxed enough to make the atmosphere feel unpretentious, which made us and our fellow passengers relaxed also.

So Much Delicious Food

The only thing better than the staff was of course the food. And boy was there plenty of it!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day during the cruise, as well as tea, coffee and biscuits which are available in the lounge 24 hours a day and a basket of fruit in the dinner room.

Meals change each day with lots of variety in both the ingredients and style of meal. One day its a three course meal, the next a BBQ or a buffet. There are lots to choose from and they also do their best to cater for people with dietary requirements too.

Breakfast each day was a buffet that included hot and cold items like eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, mushroom, beans, cereals, fruit, yogurt, toast and a daily special. Everything we ate was delicious especially the special muffin on the last day!

Lunch was different each day and served in the dining room. Our first lunch was a delicious two course meal with a choice between a steak burger or a smoked trout and salmon mornay both served with salad. And for dessert a pavlova which was the best thing we ate on the whole cruise.

The following day was a lunch buffet which included a lamb curry, roast chicken pieces and salad with fruit for dessert.

And for our last lunch we had a choice between chicken and chips and fish and chips, both served with salad and a trifle for dessert.

Dinner was just as varied as lunch starting with a five-star three course meal on the first night. Entrée was a parsnip and cauliflower soup, then a choice of mains, either pork or duck served with sweet potato mash and greens and a delicious banoffee tart to finish.

On day two we were served hot and cold canapes in the bar before enjoying a two course dinner in the dining room with a choice between barramundi or lamb served with vegetables and sauté potatoes. Dessert was a vanilla panna cotta with figs and chocolate.

The third night was lots of fun with a BBQ onshore at Sunnydale which included lots of BBQ’ed meats, salads, billy tea and picklets with jam for dessert.

And finally on the last night we enjoyed the Captains Buffet which was full of seafood, a hot and fresh-cut ham and turkey and lots of salad accompaniments. After petit four and cheese platters were served at our table.

Everything we ate during the cruise was of such a high standard. We left every meal feeling satisfied and the only complaints we heard from other guests was that they were too full because they couldn’t resist eating everything on their plates!

Fun & Interesting Experiences

One of the great things about cruising the Murray River on the PS Murray Princess is that the pace is slow which gives you time to relax but also allows you to take in every inch of the spectacular scenery along the river.

Like the food, each day on-board is different. One day you might spend most of the day cruising, the next could be packed with shore excursions, or another day could be a bit of both. Everything is optional, so if you don’t feel like heading onshore to explore, you’re welcome to stay on-board.

And for those times when the boat is cruising, you have the option to just sit and enjoy the view, or join in on one of the organised activities to break up the day a bit.

Here are some of our highlights from the cruise:

• Visiting Burk Salter Winery  – while the wines weren’t exactly to our taste, we loved meeting the passionate wine makers and hearing about how they produce their wine.

• Sunrise and sunset – this is the most magical time of day on the Murray River, especially if the weather is fine. Despite it being cold, we made the most of these moment on the outside deck.

• The massive cliffs – something we didn’t realise was that parts of the Murray River are lined with giant cliffs that tower well above the vessel. We just loved sitting up on the top deck in the sun watching them slip by and seeing the range of birds that nest in them.

• A Woolshed Tour – our shore excursion to a working sheep farm included lots of interesting information on sheep and shearing as well as a bit of fun participating in a sheep auction and race.

• BBQ Dinner – not only was the food great at the included onshore dinner but the atmosphere around the campfire, games and entertainment made this the highlight of the trip for us. It really gave everyone a chance to mingle, have fun and be entertained in a relaxed setting.

• Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Conservation Park tour – an informative and interesting tour where you get to hear stories from the local Aboriginal tribe and see carvings that are thousands of years old. We took the full tour to the top of the cliffs, which rewarded us with spectacular views of the Murray River and its surrounding landscape.

• Pelicans – the Murray River is full of pelicans and you’ll see them everywhere both during the day and at night. They are such elegant creatures.
• Daily on-board entertainment – the crew put on lots of fun on-board activities for guests that choose to join in. We played trivia, bingo and even placed bets at Murray River Cup.

Read Next: 7 Things You Can Expect on a PS Murray Princess Cruise

More Murray River Cruise Details

Captain Cook Cruises offer cruises on the Murray River aboard the PS Murray Princess all year round. Standard cruises range from three to seven days with longer special event cruises available at certain times of the year. Packages that include other South Australia highlights can be arranged as well.

Cruise prices start from $787.00 AUD per person and include all meals, on-board entertainment and most shore excursions.

Cruises depart from Mannum which is about one and a quarter hours drive east of Adelaide. There is parking available in Mannum or Captain Cook Cruises can arrange for coach transfers from/to Adelaide, both are free of charge.

If you’d like to enjoy a Murray River Cruise on the PS Murray Princess just like we did, then check out the Captain Cook Cruises website for full details and to book.

We would like to thank Captain Cook Cruises for hosting us on-board the PS Murray Princess. As always, all opinions expressed in this review are our own and were not influenced in any way by receiving a complimentary cruise.

Over to you!

Is a Murray River Cruise something you’d like to do someday? Have you tried river cruising before?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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3 thoughts on “Our Luxury Murray River Cruise Aboard the PS Murray Princess”

Some longer cruises allow you the opportunity to get off the boat and experience Aboriginal culture, shearing exhibitions and other tours to learn, engage and explore the local region.

That’s exactly what we did Wilton!

I know it is not a good time at the moment but we (2 older ladies ) are going to do a 7 day cruise on the Murray, we do not need to go in the high season .What price would it be for a stateroom in low season ,one person has a walker ,I guess it will be 2021 before anyone can travel,thank you Margaret Hassett

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A Complete Guide To The Murray River

Creating the border between Victoria and New South Wales is the mighty Murray River. Measuring as Australia’s biggest river the Murray River home to countless country towns, an abundance of native wildlife and is a wonderful place to relax, unwind and take a step back from big city life.

It’s one of Thom’s favourite places in Australia so far, somewhere he grew up coming with his family since he was a kid, so it has a soft spot in our hearts.

The remote location also means limited reception and internet, giving you the perfect excuse to unplug, switch off, disconnect from technology and take some time to relax and reconnect with nature.

In this post:

Where is the Murray River

The Murray River creates the boarder between Victoria and New South Wales, running for  1,880km – almost the whole length of the VIC/NSW border.

Depending on which part of the Murray you’re visiting, it can be anywhere from 2.5 to about 6 hours away from Melbourne, and is a nice easy spot for a quick weekend getaway in nature.

Best time to visit the Murray River

The Murray River is absolutely huge, crossing over three states and running 2,530 kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko all the way to the Southern Ocean near Goolwa in South Australia. Because of this, the best time to visit really depends on which part of the river you are visiting.

For any towns from Echuca to about Albury Wodonga the best time to visit is during the summer time and the shoulder seasons when the weather is nice and hot and you can really enjoy swimming and all the water activities you can take part in on the Murray.

For the more rural locations from Swan Hill over to Renmark, the summer is almost unbearable, with temperatures regularly hitting over 40 degrees. Visit either during spring or autumn for the best weather, when the high temps have calmed down a little bit.

No matter where you’re planning to visit along the Murray River, school holidays and Victorian long weekends are always absolutely crazy, wither thousands of people flocking to the Murray to take advantage of the warmer weather.

If you’re planning on travelling during these peak periods it’s a good idea to go up a few days earlier to beat the crowds and secure yourself a good Murray River camping spot before the weekend begins. One weekend after a long weekend and you can find you have whole sections of the river to yourself and it’s much calmer and more pleasant!

For this post, we’re going to start at the end of the Murray River, at the Murray Mouth Lookout in South Australia and follow it back up through SA, across to Victoria and all the way to almost the end at Albury Wodonga.

Murray Mouth Lookout

This is the place where the Murray River finally comes to an end and runs into the Southern Ocean in South Australia. It’s such a unique place to visit, with different conditions each and every day. In fact, the Murray Mouth location actually moves around, as the sand dunes move over time, so it has not always been in exactly the same place.

About 10km east of Goolwa, the mouth of the Murray is surrounded by sand dunes, islands and national parks and offers some beautiful landscapes and views of the whole area. It’s a great place to visit, especially if you’re as obsessed with the Murray River as Thom is!

Also in the area:  Hindmarsh Island, Long Island, Goolwa, Lake Alexandria

Book a Murray Mouth cruise for the best views of where the river meets the ocean.

Murray Bridge

Along the Murray River in South Australia, there are lots of different ferries that can cross you from one side of the river to the other, but the original river crossing is between Murray Bridge and Wellington.

Built in 1839, the Wellington Punt was the first crossing taking people and their vehicles from one side of the Murray to the other. It’s a short trip, only about 10 minutes and can generally fit around 15 cars on board (depending on car size, trailers, caravans, etc) and is a very unique way to cross the Murray.

Everyone at the Murray Bridge/Wellington ferry are so lovely, and the ferry operates for free each and every day, cutting quite a bit of time off your trip if you’re heading down to the SA coastline.

Also in the area:  Mannum, Tailem Bend, Lake Alexandria

One of the main places to access the Murray River in South Australia, Renmark is a great location for a weekend on the water. It has a big main town with everything you could need, including a great laundromat if you’ve been camping for a few weeks and need some fresh clothes!

Renmark Visitors Information Centre  || 84 Murray Avenue, Renmark || Ph: 1300 661 704

Also in the area:  Nelbuck Island, Murtho, Berri, Hunchee Island

Things to do in Renmark

Grab a hard lemonade at the Woolshed Brewery , located in the 100 year old woolshed of Wilkadene Station, the Woolshed Brewery offers local craft beers and their infamous hard lemonade drink. Overlooking the river and with a beautiful outdoor beer garden, it’s a great place to embrace the heat and enjoy a taste of rural South Australia.

Camp on the river at Plushs Bend Free Camp , which is easy to access with sealed roads and even has real toilets on site for a little bit of camping luxury.

Canoe around Riverland  with kayaks available for rent and lots of self-guided trails in the area. These trails will that you through the wetlands from a riverfront property, through looping creeks with lots of beautiful wildlife.

Check out  Headings Cliffs Lookout on Headings Road for beautiful views over the Murray River and the amazing Golden Limestone Cliffs.

Visit the Almond Co Almond Hut and pick up a sample of some of the local grown almonds that are roasted in all kinds of flavours.

Check out more of our adventures in South Australia

From Renmark, we cross the boarder and jump the half hour time zone forwards to end up in Mildura, the biggest Victorian town along the Murray River. There is so much to see and do around Mildura, with everything from rivers and wetlands to pink lakes and desert plains just outside the town walls. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a whole week, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained for days on end.

Mildura is also the iconic birth place of Australia’s (and my) favourite  Mildura Juice , if you’ve never tried it before make sure you try some while you’re here!

Mildura Visitors Information Centre  || 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura || Ph: (03) 5018 8380

Also in the area:  Wentworth, Red Cliffs, Monak, Buronga

Things to do in Mildura

Hit up the local fishing spots and see if you can catch a meter long Murray Cod (that’s Thom’s dream). If you’re not sure where to start, check out Bruce’s Bend, Johnson’s Bend, Merbein Common, Kings Billabong and Butler’s Creek which all also offer great free camping spots.

Lots of National Parks lie just outside Mildura, offering an abundance of wildlife, pink lakes, sand dunes and 4X4 tracks to explore. The main park in the area is  Murray Sunset National Park  offering you a taste of the outback just an hour drive from Mildura. There is also  Hattah-Kulkyne National Park only 45 minutes out of town, where you can find all kinds of lakes, sand dunes and native wildlife.

Find the best places to stay in Mildura

Also, heading up into New South Wales is  Mungo National Park , which has such a surreal landscape it kinda looks like you’re visiting the Moon! It’s incredibly beautiful with sweeping views over the outback and insane rock formations looming out of the horizon, it’s a great place to visit at sunrise and sunset.

A little bit overlooked by it’s big sister Mildura around the corner, Wentworth can be found where the iconic Murray River meets the Darling River. While here make sure you check out the  Wentworth Makers  who are infamous for their beautiful works of art and local crafts around the area, which you can find in local galleries and markets.

Just a couple of hours along the river from Mildura you can find Swan Hill, another river town with more sunshine than you can imagine and a rich pioneer history of early days along the Murray.

Swan Hill Visitors Centre  || Corner McCrae & Curlewis Street, Swan Hill || Ph: (03) 5032 3033

Also in the area:  Murray Downs, Lake Boga, Beveridge Island

Things to do in Swan Hill

Grab a multi-attraction ticket to see all the best that Swan Hill has to offer. First head to the  Pioneer Settlement where you can step back in time and experience the best that pioneer history has to offer, complete with old fashioned cars, horse and carts and historical old stores.

From the settlement, jump on a luxury river cruise on the  PS Pyap  that will take you upstream past the historical Murray Downs Homestead.

End the night with the spectacular  Heartbeat of the Murray show, a dramatic laser and sound show that tells an epic story of the Murray River against the back drop of a 9 metre water screen. The show starts just after the sun has set (around 9:15pm each night) and everything comes to life under the bright stars of the night.

Only about 20 minutes out of Swan Hill, Lake Boga is a hot spot for water sports and activities including boating, fishing, skiing, sailing and swimming. It’s a great place to camp if you want the ultimate water experience, and is also rich in history with the  Flying Boat Museum  right in the area.

Check out the best places to stay in Swan Hill

One of the biggest and most popular towns along the Murray River, Echuca is a beautiful piece of the river, with a town rich in great restaurants, historical features, music festivals and of course the iconic river feels.

Home to the iconic Port of Echuca and with sunny weather all year round, Echuca is a hot spot for families and holiday goers, and can be super busy during school holidays and public holiday long weekends throughout the year. If you’re visiting at these times, expect larger crowds and book accommodation in advance to avoid missing out.

Echuca Moama Visitors Centre || 2 Heygarth Street, Echuca || Ph: (03) 5480 7555

Also in the area:  Moama, Barmah, Kanyapella, Cohuna, Kerang

Things to do in Echuca

Take a step back in time at the Port of Echuca   which is a pioneer town that has been preserved since the 1860s. Here you can learn all about the history of Australia’s inland river systems, the paddlesteamers and how they connected the community of Echuca with the rest of the country.

During the school holidays you can take an authentic horse and cart ride down the Murray Esplanade with  Billabong Carriages for an even more unique step back in time.

Cruise down the mighty Murray River on the iconic PS Emmylou  for some delicious scones with jam onboard this relaxing cruise. There are actually a few paddlesteamers that you can take a cruise on, including the Pride of the Murray and PS Canberra.

With a thriving local produce industry take yourself on a tasting tour around Echuca and the surrounding regions. There are lots of local wineries to check out, as well as the local  Echuca Farmers Market which is a great place to start with all kinds of fresh produce from the area.

Take a winery tour with  For The Love of Grape who lets you choose your own wineries and local specialty food producers and then create a personalized tour for you to check them all out. A great way to explore, you don’t have to worry about directions or organizing anything and can just sit back and enjoy the experience.

Book your paddlesteamer cruise on the Murray River here

Ulupna Island

Ulupna Island might just be my favourite place to camp along the Murray. We stopped there unexpectedly overnight in January and were amazed to find more than 35 wild koalas and heaps of kangaroos happily chilling in the campsites around the area and coming down to the river to have a drink.

It’s a great place to camp along the river, with sandy beaches, easy boat access, grassy camp sites and even drop toilets available in the area. Away from the main towns of the Murray River, it’s also a much quieter place to camp and the perfect nature experience.

Also in the area:  Strathmerton, Tocumwal, Cobram

Things to do around Ulupna Island

For a super unique experience in what feels like the middle of nowhere, take a walk around the epic Cactus Country . This amazing garden is home to more than 4,000 species of cacti from all around the world, as well as some delicious frozen margaritas.

Tick another of Australia’s big things with a visit to the Big Strawberry , just out of Tocumwal. Whether you want to pick your own strawberries or just come to try their light meals and strawberry deserts, it will definitely be a very sweet visit!

Sun country on the Murray River, Yarrawonga and it’s surrounding towns actually boast more sunny days each year than the Sunshine Coast in Queensland! There’s heaps of free camping to explore here, with lots of different tracks winding down to the Murray River, with lots of river beaches to camp on as well.

Also in the area:  Mulwala, Bundalong, Boomanoomana, Burramine

Things to do in Yarrawonga

Check out the epic  Lake Mulwala just at the end of the main street of Yarrawonga. The bridge across the river takes you from Victoria to New South Wales (or vice versa) and both sides of the river offer a huge range of water activities to try.

Rent a boat  on Lake Mulwala and try your hand at trying to catch a Murray Cod. You can rent boats at either the Yarrawonga Yachy Club or the Mulwala Water Slide. The Yarrawonga/Mulwala website says that you don’t need a boat or fishing licence, but I would double check that if you’re planning to rent one just to be safe!

Explore the river on the  Chinaman’s Island Walking Track  which takes you on a 2km return walk from the Yarrawonga Yacht Club car park. It’s a great way to explore more of the river if you choose to stay in accommodation in town rather than camp at the river.

From Yarrawonga, the Murray River winds through Albury Wodonga and Corryong and into the Australian Alps, coming to an end around the base of Mount Kosciuszko.

Fun facts about the Murray River

Want to know more about this epic river? Here are some insane facts we found out on our journey along the river.

• The Murray River is Australia’s longest single river
• It forms a major arm of the Murray-Darling basin, which is the driest major water system in the world
• The Murray River actually starts at Mount Kosciuszko in the Australian Southern Alps
• It is about seven times longer than the Thames
• The world’s largest River Red Gum forest grows along the banks of the Murray
• It is also home to Australia’s largest freshwater fish species – The Murray Cod (which might also be Thom’s favourite animal)
• The Murray River is more than 60 million years old, with Indigenous Australians living in the Murray River valley for at least 40,000 years
• All users of the Murray River are required by law to protect it, as stated in the Murray River Act 2003
• Only 4% of the rainfall in the Murray-Darling Basin arrives at the Murray River Mouth and flows into the ocean

The Murray River is a wonderful place to visit for the ultimate camping holiday. The perfect place to get back to nature and disconnect from technology and the outside world. Whether you’re staying for a night or a week you will have a wonderful time.

Where’s your favourite place on the Murray River?

Explore more of our adventures around Australia

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Happy travels, if you enjoyed this post, we'd love you to share it for us follow us on instagram @exploreshaw to see our latest adventures around australia. check out our travel favourites: click here to subscribe to our newsletter, for blog posts and updates emailed straight to your inbox use this link for $25 aud off your next hotel stay with booking.com, or this link for $55 aud off your first booking with airbnb..

Emma is a travel writer, photographer and blogger, chasing the sun around Australia. Travelling in her recently renovated vintage Viscount caravan, along with her husband Thom and daughter Macey, she's sharing the very best experiences from around her beloved sunburnt country.

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Why the best way to see Australia is on a cruise

K nown for its epic road and rail trips through the vast, open countryside of the dusty Outback , Australia is often overlooked by Brits as a cruise destination. Yet the world’s largest island has over 37,000 miles of coastline fronting the Southern, Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus various smaller seas. Even the locals know the appeal of the sea, with 85 per cent of Australians living within 50km of the coast.

As a result, almost every kind of cruise imaginable can be found here; be it on a mega-ship with stacks of facilities; a boutique brand with a more refined air; a luxurious riverboat; or an expedition ship that can venture to truly out-of-the-way places. And with most of Australia's key attractions and cities scattered around its fringes, explorations by cruise (preferably topped and tailed with land-based touring) can pack any number of Down Under wonders into a single trip.

I've been lucky enough to visit Australia more than a dozen times, and some of my greatest memories are of experiences that I've had from the deck of a ship. I once set sail to New Zealand from Sydney, with the tiles atop the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine as we passed, and far from land on the Great Barrier Reef, I leaned over the railings to marvel at its underwater patchwork of cobalt and turquoise in an otherwise midnight-blue sea. 

Perhaps the most incredible experience of all was a cruise in the Kimberley : the little-visited wilderness region at the top of Western Australia. It's vast and sparsely populated – bigger than Britain but with fewer residents than a mid-sized English town – and its attractions are so remarkable that they would be crowded with visitors were they easier to access. But on a small-ship sailing with Coral Expeditions, I was one of just 120 guests exploring the waterfalls, reefs and ancient rock art for which the Kimberley is famed.

At the uninhabited Lacepede Islands, we saw seabirds and turtles in mind-boggling numbers. In Talbot Bay, we powered through one-of-a-kind Horizontal Falls in a Zodiac. And at Montgomery Reef, we watched a coral-encrusted plateau seemingly rise from the sea on a falling tide. 

It wasn’t only the epic landscapes and their intriguing wildlife – humpback whales, lemon sharks, saltwater crocs – that impressed. Etched in my memory is the experience of first seeing the Wandjina (ancient rock art). These alien beings stare down from rock art galleries across the region: a symbol of the oldest continuous culture on the planet, and of the Indigenous people's long connection to the land. A land littered with surprises best experienced by boat. 

Classic Kimberley 

Remote, isolated and with little infrastructure for land-based journeys, there are few parts of the world as suited to expedition cruises as the Kimberley. Explore it with Coral Expeditions – the pioneers of cruising in the region – on a formula perfected over four decades of operations. Itineraries are timed to experience key sites at optimal tidal phases: expect to see Montgomery Reef being drained by dozens of miniature cascades, and Horizontal Falls at its powerful best.

How to do it

Ten-night cruises between Darwin and Broome with Coral Expeditions operate between April and September and cost from £3,965pp; excludes flights.

Aussie icons

Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef are two of Australia’s most recognisable icons. Experience both with Princess Cruises, whose journeys up the eastern seaboard from Sydney to tropical North Queensland stop in Cairns for reef and Daintree Rainforest excursions, and Airlie Beach, gateway to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. 

How to do it 

A 16-night Sydney & Queensland Showcase cruise-and-stay from Cruise Kings (0800 197 8050) includes an 11-night round-trip cruise from Sydney aboard Majestic Princess and a three-night pre-cruise Sydney stay from £2,799pp. Departs January 26 & March 26 2024;  departs September 8 2023; includes flights. . 

Southern comforts

Make the festive season extra-special on a cruise along Australia’s entire south coast, taking in nine ports of call. Esperance, Adelaide, Cape Le Grand National Park and Kangaroo Island are among the highlights, with shore excursion that include wine tastings and local wildlife sightings. Better still, spend Christmas Day at sea before arriving in Sydney for a two-night stay that coincides with New Year’s Eve.

The 14-night Australia Intensive Voyage from Perth to Melbourne with Azamara Cruises (0344 4934016) departs December 21 2023 & December 20 2024 and costs from £2,859pp. Excludes flights. 

Over the top 

Nobody is more qualified to share Australia’s stories than its traditional owners and custodians. On a voyage through remote Barrier Reef islands en route to Cape York and Arnhem Land, you will meet indigenous Torres Strait islanders and other Aboriginal peoples to experience their culture, art and homelands, including Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Along the way, spy dugongs, turtles, saltwater crocodiles and the birdlife of Kakadu’s wetlands.

A 13-night Australia's Top End cruise from Cairns to Darwin with Scenic (0808 273 6069; scenic.co.uk ) departs April 28 2024 and costs from £11,108pp. Excludes flights. 

Murray river flow 

River cruises are rare down under, ­making an active experience on the mighty Murray – the nation’s principal waterway – all the more remarkable. Murray River Trails offers short cruises aboard a 12-berth houseboat, with a daily programme of guided walks and activities. The small-group, into-the-wild nature of the experience lends itself to wildlife encounters, with sightings of echidnas, emus, koalas and ­unusual native birds all possible. It is a fascinating insight into authentic inland Australia.

The three-night Murray River Walk departs May–Sep and costs from £1,500pp. Excludes flights. 

Kim and swim

The Kimberley may have beguiling blue waters, but dips in the sea are foolhardy (and forbidden) due to the dangerous saltwater crocodiles that call the region home. Sidestep that inconvenience on a voyage with Ponant, which combines classic Kimberley elements ­(Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls) with the little-visited Rowley Shoals – one of the world’s most sensational snorkelling and diving destinations. Located west of Broome, in the Timor Sea, these croc-free coral atolls brim with colourful sea life.

An eight-night cruise round-trip from Broome departs September 8 2023 and costs from £11,835pp through Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630; mundyadventures.co.uk ); includes flights. 

Queensland immersion 

Take a deep dive down under on a Great Barrier Reef & Beyond itinerary with Windstar Cruises. This holiday is particularly good for wildlife-lovers. Look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and noddies while passing Willis Island; spot dingoes on sandy Fraser Island; and cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo (established by the late Steve Irwin). Show-stopping Whitehaven Beach is an unforgettable trip highlight.

An 11-night sailing from Cairns to Melbourne with Windstar Cruises (0808 178 2233; windstarcruises.com ) departs December 6 2023 and costs from £7,499pp. Includes flights and pre-cruise overnight in Cairns. 

Western wonders 

Unlike the Barrier Reef, which clings to the continental shelf, magnificent Ningaloo Reef fringes Western Australia’s coast. Discover it and the archipelagos of Abrolhos, Monte Bello and Dampier on a small-ship expedition that mixes snorkelling and shipwrecks with whale-watching and indigenous rock art. Enhance the experience by foraging and fishing for mud crabs and oysters, or take sightseeing to new heights in the ship’s helicopter. 

How to do it  

The 10-night West Coast Explorer cruise with True North sails from Fremantle to Dampier on March 7 2024 and costs from £12,208pp. Excludes flights

Island state

Raw nature meets colonial history and premium produce in Tasmania, not to mention one-of-a-kind wildlife such as white wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Sip local cool-climate wines and visit the likes of Bruny Island and Wineglass Bay while sailing from Hobart. The cruise is complemented with a self-drive exploration of the island’s west and north coast regions.

A 17-night holiday with Tasmanian Odyssey (01534 735449) combining Coral Expeditions' 10-night Coastal Wilds or Coastal Treks cruise with a 7-night self-drive land tour costs from £5,475pp. Departs Jan–Feb 2024 & 2025; excludes flights. 

All the way

Go all out and see more of the continent on a full circumnavigation of the vast island. Sail the Coral, Timor and Tasman Seas, the Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight on an odyssey starting and finishing in Sydney. Travelling via every coastal state and territory, ports of call include cosmopolitan Melbourne, tropical Darwin, lively Fremantle and Phillip Island with its unforgettable koala and penguin encounters. 

A 34-night Australian Panorama sailing with Oceania Cruises is available through Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk ) from £8,729pp, including flights. Departs December 22 2024.

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Moscow (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Russia Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-26 02:07

Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

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Man arrested, homicide squad investigating death of woman in Victoria's north

A 39-year-old man has been arrested as Victorian homicide squad detectives investigate the death of a woman in Cobram on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to an address on Campbell Road around 2:15pm where they discovered the body of a 49-year-old woman who is yet to be formally identified.

Police say they are working to "establish the exact circumstances around the death". 

A 39-year-old Cobram man believed to be known to the woman has been arrested.

Cobram is on the Murray River about 260 kilometres north of Melbourne.

Campbell Road stretches for 9km between the border town's central district and rural properties.

The investigation comes after a rise in violence against women that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday described as a "crisis".

Mr Albanese told ABC News Breakfast the government would "look at every measure" to stop "horrifying" rates of violence against women in Australia.

"The fact that more than one woman per week has died at the hands of someone that they know — whether it's a partner or someone in a relationship — is just completely unacceptable," Mr Albanese said.

Twenty-five women have died from gender-based violence in Australia this year, according to data interpreted from Counting Dead Women. 

'This has to stop', says premier

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she had not been briefed on the incident and it was difficult to comment on the incident.

"In the broader context, over the course of this year we have seen too many women already in 2024 lose their lives," she said.

"They've lost their lives either at the hands of a current or former partner, or they've lost their lives at the hands of a complete stranger who seemed intent on inflicting harm against women — this has to stop" she said.

"We know as a government we need to do more … governments around the country need to do more.

"We need to look at our programs, we need to look at our systems, we need to look at our legal systems about how we can strengthen the supports for women and that's why I have asked the attorney-general, the minister for women, the minister for the prevention of family violence, to come back to cabinet with what more we can do to build on the substantial work that we have already done here in Victoria."

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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• Published: 18 April 2024

Sustained increase in suspended sediments near global river deltas over the past two decades

• Xuejiao Hou 1 , 2 ,
• Danghan Xie   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7594-2727 2 , 3 ,
• Lian Feng   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4590-3022 4 ,
• Fang Shen 5 &
• Jaap H. Nienhuis   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4296-7450 2  

Nature Communications volume  15 , Article number:  3319 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Environmental impact
• Marine chemistry

River sediments play a critical role in sustaining deltaic wetlands. Therefore, concerns are raised about wetlands’ fate due to the decline of river sediment supply to many deltas. However, the dynamics and drivers of suspended sediment near deltaic coasts are not comprehensively assessed, and its response to river sediment supply changes remains unclear. Here we examine patterns of coastal suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and river sediment plume area (RPA) for 349 deltas worldwide using satellite images from 2000 to 2020. We find a global increase in SSC and RPA, averaging +0.46% and +0.48% yr −1 , respectively, with over 59.0% of deltas exhibiting an increase in both SSC and RPA. SSC and RPA increases are prevalent across all continents, except for Asia. The relationship between river sediment supply and coastal SSCs varies between deltas, with as much as 45.2% of the deltas showing opposing trends between river sediments and coastal SSCs. This is likely because of the impacts of tides, waves, salinity, and delta morphology. Our observed increase in SSCs near river delta paints a rare promising picture for wetland resilience against sea-level rise, yet whether this increase will persist remains uncertain.

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Introduction.

Suspended sediments in the coastal ocean play a crucial role in maintaining coastal wetlands, marine ecosystems 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , and deltas 5 . In recent decades, various global-scale assessments have highlighted a decline in sediment supply from many rivers due to the construction of river dams 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 . Such a decline is often assumed to limit coastal suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and subsequently leads to increased risks of coastal wetland loss 2 , 11 , 12 . However, evidence of a link between river sediment supply reduction and coastal SSC decline is mixed. For example, an extensive compilation of coastal suspended sediment accumulation rates shows that coastal sediment deposition increased in the 20th century despite the construction of river dams 13 . A possible explanation is that coastal SSCs are also affected by feedbacks between coastal hydrodynamics (e.g., river flow, tides, and waves) and sediment transport (e.g., suspension, erosion, deposition, and movement) 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 . As such, a better understanding of the long-term variations of coastal SSCs and their controls is essential for accurately assessing the future of coastal communities.

Previous evaluations of global coastal SSC changes have been conducted using satellite images, revealing a decrease in SSCs in many coastal areas 18 , 19 . However, these findings were based on a limited monitoring period (e.g., from 2003 to 2012), and the underlying factors driving these changes remain unclear, impeding our comprehensive understanding of global deltaic SSC changes over recent decades. Nevertheless, for individual deltas such as the Yangtze and Mekong, numerous studies have thoroughly investigated the long-term trends in SSCs and their potential influences, revealing a decrease in SSCs attributed to dam construction and subsequent decline in river sediment supply 20 , 21 . However, it remains uncertain whether these declines hold globally, and what the relevant drivers might be.

To address these knowledge gaps, we utilized globally available satellite data between 2000 and 2020 to obtain a monthly record of coastal SSC near 349 major river deltas. We attempt to answer three fundamental questions: (i) What are the spatial and temporal patterns of coastal SSC near river deltas worldwide over the past two decades? (ii) How does SSC respond to the changes in river sediment supply? (iii) What are the possible other controls on coastal SSC near river deltas?

Mapping coastal SSC near global river deltas

We mapped coastal surface SSC near deltas using 500-m resolution moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua 8-day surface reflectance (SR) products. This mapping employed a precise coastal SSC retrieval algorithm (root mean square error = 24.9%), which we adapted from a global algorithm developed by ref. 22 based on our collected coastal in situ SSC measurements (Supplementary Fig.  1 ) (see Methods). The satellite-derived SSCs generated by this algorithm are consistent with in situ measured SSC, SSC from OLCI products (with a spatial resolution of 4 km), and SSC documented in other local studies (Supplementary Fig.  1 and Supplementary Tables  1 , 2 ). Using this algorithm and 0.58 million MODIS 8-day SR image composites from 2000 to 2020, we obtained long-term records of coastal surface SSCs around 349 major river deltas covering six continents. These examined rivers account for 64.2% of the global total water discharge 5 , covering a wide range of delta morphologies (Supplementary Fig.  2 ), including river-dominated ( n  = 136), tide-dominated ( n  = 87), and wave-dominated ( n  = 126) (from ref. 5 ). In addition to the SSC, we investigated the river sediment plume area (RPA, unit: km 2 ) as the extent where the monthly mean SSC over an SSC threshold determined for each river mouth (see Methods) (Supplementary Fig.  3 ). This metric was then used to capture the spatial variations of coastal sediment plumes at the sea surface. Our observations primarily reflect surface SSC and RPA, SSC dynamics deeper down in the water column may be different and were not considered here.

We find that the long-term mean surface SSCs displayed substantial spatial heterogeneity among the 349 deltas (Fig.  1a ), varying from 2.8 (Tamar, Australia) to 379.7 mg/L (Mahi, India), with a median of 29.1 mg/L. Among all the deltas examined, 21.5% exhibited mean SSCs below 10 mg/L, while 31.5% displayed mean SSCs over 50 mg/L. Deltas with higher SSCs, particularly those with water discharge exceeding 10,000 m 3 /s, were predominantly located in Asia (median of 41.0 mg/L) (Fig.  1b ). This higher SSC can be attributed to the substantial sediment loads from large rivers such as the Yangtze, Mekong, Ganges, and certain Arctic rivers (e.g., Kolyma and Lena) in this region (Fig.  1d ). On the other hand, deltas with lower SSCs were mainly found in Europe, with a median SSC of 20.9 mg/L. Additionally, the long-term mean SSC also varied among different delta morphologies (Fig.  1c ), with the highest SSC observed in tide-dominated deltas (median of 35.1 mg/L), while the lowest was found in wave-dominated deltas (median of 16.3 mg/L).

a The long-term mean SSC (unit: mg/L) for 349 deltas. The different circle sizes represent varying magnitudes of water discharge, while the different circle colors indicate different levels of SSC. b – d Box plots of long-term mean SSC in different continents (AF:Africa, AS:Asia, EU:Europe, NA:North America, OC:Oceania, SA:South America) ( b ), various delta morphologies ( c ), and the Arctic (with latitude >50°N) and non-Arctic deltas ( d ). The box plots in b – d show the distributions (10, 25, 50, 75, and 90% values) of SSC.

Long-term averaged RPAs also exhibited notable differences across the six continents. Large RPAs were found in South America (median of 54.8 km 2 ) (Supplementary Fig.  4a ). However, North America exhibited the largest RPAs, with a median value of 78.8 km 2 , despite having relatively low SSC values (Fig.  1 and Supplementary Fig.  4a ). This can be attributed to certain deltas within North America that have large RPAs but low SSC values, such as the Saguenay (mean SSC: 8.7 mg/L; mean RPA: 151.5 km 2 ) and Mississippi (mean SSC: 43.1 mg/L; mean RPA: 750.9 km 2 ). Additionally, the median RPA of Arctic deltas is over two times that of non-Arctic deltas (Supplementary Fig.  4c ). Heterogeneities were also observed across different delta morphologies, as both the river-dominated (median of 55.8 km 2 ) and tide-dominated (median of 52.3 km 2 ) deltas exhibited high RPAs, while the lowest RPA was found in wave-dominated deltas (median of 37.7 km 2 ) (Supplementary Fig.  4b ).

Long-term trends in coastal SSC near global river deltas

Global deltas experienced an increase of +0.46% yr −1 (or +0.23 mg/L yr −1 , p  < 0.05, Mann–Kendall test) in coastal SSC between 2000 and 2020 (Fig.  2b ). 59% (206/349) of deltas had their SSC increases over the past two decades, with approximately twice as many deltas showing a significant ( p  < 0.05) increase compared to those experiencing a significant decrease in SSC (Fig.  2a ). Increasing SSC is widespread across all six continents (Supplementary Fig.  5 ). Africa and North America exhibited the most significant increases in SSC, with a rate of +0.41 and +0.32 mg/L yr −1 , respectively. In contrast, deltas in Asia experienced a decline in SSC, with a mean decrease of −0.1 mg/L yr −1 , despite pronounced SSC increases observed in high-latitude regions (latitude >45°N) in Northern Asia (Fig.  2a ). This decline has been attributed to recent dam constructions and sediment extractions in many rivers (e.g., Yangtze and Mekong) between 2000 and 2020 21 , 23 . Additionally, deltas along the east coasts of North America, where dams are older, exhibited prominent increases in SSC, while some deltas along the southeast coasts of South America, such as Jequitinhonha (−0.59 mg/L yr −1 ) and San Francisco (−0.34 mg/L yr −1 ), experienced noticeable declines. Arctic deltas exhibited prominent increases in SSC, with a mean rate of +1.29 mg/L yr −1 , which is 18.4 times that of non-Arctic deltas (Supplementary Fig.  6a ). Among three delta morphologies, the most pronounced increase was found in river-dominated deltas, with 62.0% of these deltas displaying an increasing trend and having a mean rate of +0.36 mg/L yr −1 (Supplementary Fig.  6c ).

a Spatial patterns of the SSC trends (Mann–Kendall test) in 349 deltas. The latitudinal profiles exhibit the percentages of deltas with significant ( p  < 0.05) and insignificant SSC change trends (increase or decrease). b Variations in monthly mean SSC and RPA, along with their long-term change trends at global scales. The orange and blue dash lines represent the long-term trends of SSC and RPA, respectively. These trends were derived based on long-term monthly anomaly SSC and RPA, which were estimated as the difference between the monthly mean SSC and RPA and their long-term average for that month (see Methods). The Sen’s slope and p value obtained from the Mann–Kendall test are annotated.

We find that RPA also increases at +0.48% yr −1 (+0.64 km 2  yr −1 , p  < 0.05, Mann–Kendall test) globally (Fig.  2b ). The number of deltas with a significant ( p  < 0.05) increasing trend in RPA was 78.2% greater than those with the opposite trend (Supplementary Fig.  7 ). Increases in RPA were also observed across different continents, with the most pronounced increases found in North America (+1.94 km 2  yr −1 ) and Oceania (+0.72 km 2  yr −1 ) deltas, such as the Mississippi (+11.9 km 2  yr −1 ) and the Ord (+12.4 km 2  yr −1 ) (Supplementary Figs.  5 and 7 ). However, the RPA in Asia exhibited an insignificant ( p  > 0.05) decreasing trend, likely due to the evident decline in many large rivers, such as the Yangtze (−64.2 km 2  yr −1 ) and the Mekong (−2.8 km 2  yr −1 ) (Supplementary Figs.  5 and 7 ). Similar to SSC, a considerable increase in RPA was observed in Arctic deltas, with a mean rate of +3.94 km 2  yr −1 , which is far more than that in non-Arctic deltas (mean rate of +0.23 km 2  yr −1 ) (Supplementary Fig.  6b ). Meanwhile, over 62% of both river-dominated and tide-dominated deltas exhibited an increasing trend in RPA, with a mean rate of over +0.8 km 2  yr −1 , more than double that of wave-dominated deltas (Supplementary Fig.  6d ).

Within the latitudinal range of 30°N to 60°N, the number of deltas with a significant ( p  < 0.05) increase in RPA surpassed the numbers exhibiting other trends (e.g., insignificant increase/decrease and significant decrease) (Supplementary Fig.  7 ). However, such latitudinal patterns in SSC changes are not evident (Fig.  2a ). Moreover, ~60% of deltas with a latitude of around 5°N exhibited a significant increase in SSC, while such an increase was not notable in RPA. These trend disparities are mainly due to the complexity of the spatiotemporal response of sediment plumes to SSC variations under the influences of tide and wave forces. In fact, high sediment concentrations do not necessarily imply larger RPAs due to the intricate movements of sediment under the integrated effects of river flow, salinity, and tide and wave forces (Supplementary Fig.  3m–p ) 24 , 25 .

Response of coastal SSC near delta to river sediment supply change

To understand the potential response of SSC to river sediment supply ( Q river ), we compared the Q river change trends collected from ref. 6 with SSC variations for 186 deltas. Among these deltas, 47.9% have an increasing trend in Q river during 2000–2020 (Fig.  3 ). We observed consistent variations between Q river and SSC in 54.8% of examined deltas (Fig.  3 ). Specifically, among these 54.8% of deltas, 32.8% are gaining SSC as well as Q river . Many of these deltas are large river- and tide-dominated deltas, such as the Amazon and the Mississippi (Fig.  3b ). Consequently, these consistent increments may be attributed to the large river inputs and tidal forces, which then outweigh other controls on SSC (Fig.  3c, d ) (see also in refs. 26 , 27 ). Meanwhile, 22% of the deltas experience a redcution in both SSC and Q river , primarily located in South Asia and the southeast of South America (Fig.  3a, b ). These deltas exhibit lower Q river and higher Q wave and salinity (Fig.  3c, d ).

a Spatial patterns of the trends (increase or decrease) in Q river and SSC. The different colors represent different combinations of Q river and SSC trends (Inc.: increase; Dec.: decrease). b Scatterplot of change rates (Sen’s slopes from the Mann–Kendall test) in Q river and SSC for 186 deltas. Each quadrant (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) represents a combination of SSC and Q river  trends. The numbers in parentheses represent the percentages of deltas. The circle, triangle, and square represent river-, tide-, and wave-dominated deltas, and different colors represent different continents. The circles filled with orange represent that both the change rates of SSC and Q river are magnified 10 times, respectively. The circles filled with blue and green indicate a magnification of 10 times separately in only the change rates of SSC or Q river , and the circles filled with red indicate a tenfold decrease in Q river . The gray lines point out several representative deltas. c – f Box plots of long-term mean Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity in different quadrants in b . The box plot shows the distributions of 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% values.

In contrast, we observed opposite trends between Q river and SSC in 45.2% of the deltas (Fig.  3b ). Among these, 30.1% of the deltas exhibited an increase in SSC while Q river declined, and 15.1% of the deltas showed a decline in SSC while Q river increased. Many of these deltas had lower Q river and weak tidal forces, or higher salinity and strong wave energy (Fig.  3c–f ). These findings highlight the complexity of coastal sediment in response to Q river . Other controls, such as wind, wave, or tidal currents, as well as salinity might obscure the response of SSC to Q river 16 , 28 , 29 . Furthermore, anthropogenic activities may also contribute to opposite changes between Q river and SSC. For example, channel deepening and dredging activities have resulted in high SSC in the Ems delta, despite its small and decreasing Q river 30 .

Controls on coastal SSC

Seasonal variations in coastal SSC typically correspond well to fluctuations in river sediment supply ( Q river , Pearson correlation coefficient: R  = 0.76, p  < 0.05), tidal sediment discharge in- and out of deltaic channels ( Q tide , R  = 0.71, p  < 0.05), and wave sediment movement ( Q wave , R  = 0.94, p  < 0.05) for individual deltas. Seasons with high river sediment discharge, spring tide, or strong wave energy often exhibit higher SSCs (Supplementary Fig.  8 ). However, such relationships do not necessarily extend to the long-term trends observed across deltas. Deltas with higher average wave sediment fluxes, for example, tend to have lower SSCs ( R  = −0.40, p  < 0.05, Fig.  4c ), while large tidal sediment movement ( R  = 0.31, p  < 0.05) and high river sediment discharge ( R  = 0.23, p  < 0.05) often lead to higher SSC (Fig.  4a, b ). The deviation between individual seasonal and inter-delta long-term relationships signifies the influence of coastal morphology on coastal SSC. This is evident from the fact that wave-dominated deltas showed the lowest median SSC compared to river-dominated and tide-dominated deltas (Fig.  1 ). Moreover, wave-dominated deltas are more likely to have a decreasing SSC compared to river- and tide-dominated deltas (Supplementary Fig.  6c ). This discrepancy between seasonal intra-delta and long-term inter-delta SSC dynamics suggests that wave-dominated deltas, characterized by the absence of distributary networks and sandy shorelines 31 (Supplementary Fig.  2a–f ), do not efficiently retain coastal sediment. Waves increase SSCs temporarily, but the long-term effect of higher wave dominance tends to lead to a decrease in SSC. In tide- and river-dominated deltas, on the other hand, seasonal and long-term SSCs change in the same pattern, showing their capacity to retain coastal sediments nearshore for extended periods.

a – d The relationships between SSC and Q river ( a ), Q tide ( b ), Q wave ( c ), and salinity ( d ). The number of deltas ( n ), correlation coefficients ( r ), and p values were annotated. Out of our 349 deltas, the Q river is only available for 186 deltas and salinity is available for 139 deltas, thereby the relationship analyses between Q river , Q tide , Q wave , salinity, and SSC were conducted for these deltas. The correlation coefficients are obtained based on the logarithm-transformed SSC and different factors. e Contributions of four drivers ( Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity) on long-term SSC changes in 139 river deltas. The contributions (see Supplementary Table  3 ) of four drivers in each delta are presented through pie charts. The pie charts consist of five colors, representing the four drivers and residuals, with the size of each slice indicating the respective proportion.

In addition, we also found that nearshore salinity has an inverse relationship with coastal SSC. The long-term, high salinity exhibited a significantly negative correlation with delta-averaged SSC ( R  = −0.38, p  < 0.05, Fig.  4d ). Meanwhile, a significant negative correlation ( R  = −0.61, p  < 0.05) was observed between seasonal SSC and salinity for individual deltas, indicating that low SSC is greatly correlated to high salinity (Supplementary Fig.  8 ). These findings align with previous studies that have suggested an increase in coastal SSC (or turbidity) with a decrease in salinity 32 , 33 , likely associated with high freshwater river discharge events that carry sediments, or the effects of salinity on sediment flocculation and settling 34 .

To further comprehend the impacts of the four drivers ( Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity) on SSC variations across different deltas, we assessed the contributions of these drivers to SSC long-term changes in 139 deltas (Fig.  4e , Methods). We observed that changes in Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity significantly ( p  < 0.05) accounted for the SSC changes in 36%, 13%, 9%, and 7% of the 139 deltas, respectively (Supplementary Table  3 ). On average, the combined influence of these four drivers explained 84.3 ± 14.2% of the variations in SSC across the 139 deltas. Increases in Q river and Q tide along the Atlantic coasts of North and South America contributed the most to SSC increases there, whereas their decreases, coupled with increases in Q wave and salinity, likely led to declines in SSC in South Asia (Fig.  4e and Supplementary Fig.  9 ). Moreover, we found that Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity significantly ( p  < 0.05) contributed to the SSC changes in 33%, 2%, 12%, and 7% of Arctic deltas, respectively (Supplementary Table  3 ). Despite the slight decreases in Q river and Q tide in Arctic deltas, the SSC of many deltas in this region has increased (Fig.  2 and Supplementary Fig.  9 ). This might be attributed to the weaker effects from wave and salinity, which have both decreased (Supplementary Fig.  9 ). These findings underscore the intricate responses of coastal SSCs to changes beyond river sediment supply.

We developed global coastal surface SSC and RPA datasets based on satellite images from 2000 to 2010 for 349 deltas over the past two decades. Our results indicate that in over 59% of global deltas, both coastal SSC and RPA have increased from 2000 to 2020. Prominent gains in SSCs and RPAs were observed across all six continents, except Asia, where many rivers have been widely reported to have an evident decline in river sediment flux to the ocean due to extensive dam constructions 7 , 35 .

We did not observe covariation between SSC and RPA, possibly due to limitations in satellite observations of water surface SSC and RPA. In many coastal environments, especially those governed by estuarine and wave dynamics, surface SSC can be highly localized 36 , 37 , 38 . In our study, we found significant relationships between SSC and Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity (Fig.  4 ). Notably, Q river also exhibited a significant correlation with RPA (Supplementary Fig.  10a ), as supported by other studies 39 , 40 . However, we did not observe a significant relationship between RPA and Q tide (Supplementary Fig.  10b ), despite the documented impacts of tides on RPA 39 . This discrepancy may arise from strong three-dimensional effects in estuaries. For instance, tidal pumping and density-driven estuarine circulation could result in high sediment concentrations near the bed without generating a surface expression of tides on RPA 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 . In addition, waves may also confine river plumes nearshore (Supplementary Fig.  10c ) 45 . Other factors, such as the strength and direction of the wind 46 , 47 , 48 , could also modulate the horizontal extent of river plumes and obscure the relation between SSC magnitude and RPA. For instance, strong winds could result in significantly high SSC and an extensive RPA near the Yangtze estuary. In contrast, weak winds might lead to high SSC near the shore but a smaller RPA outside the river mouth, primarily due to the limited spread of turbid water 47 . Additionally, winds blowing towards the shore can lead to extremely high SSC near the coast and a constrained RPA in the Yangtze estuary, while offshore winds may result in relatively low SSC yet a broader RPA 48 .

We observed that near certain deltas, coastal SSC are closely related to Q river variations, as has also been shown elsewhere 21 , 49 . However, not all deltas exhibited consistent changes between SSC and Q river (Fig.  3a, b ), likely due to the complex influences from hydrodynamic forces (e.g., tide and wave), salinity, and human interventions (e.g., sediment dredging) 9 , 50 , 51 , 52 . For instance, although Q river has declined due to dam construction in the Mekong, there has been wave-driven enhancement of seasonal coastal SSC 20 . Additionally, river plume dynamics induced by river flow density may also complicate the relationship between Q river and SSC. Increases in Q river might densify the river flow, stimulating the development of hyperpycnal plumes without generating a surface expression in the SSC 53 , 54 , 55 . For example, in the Huanghe delta, ~80% of the river sediment on the delta front is deposited from hyperpycnal flows 56 , making surface SSC signature hard to detect. However, satellite imagery is relatively easy to capture the distinct surface SSC signature for low-density hypopycnal plumes 53 , 57 , 58 . As such, the satellite observed variations in SSC from the water surface may have poor correlations with changes in river sediment supply (Fig.  3b ).

The global SSC dynamics that we observe and their dependence on Q river offer valuable insights into sediment availability for coastal wetlands. Coastal SSC is a vital predictor when evaluating the resilience of coastal wetlands in the face of sea-level rise 19 . Previous research has raised concerns that the decline in Q river could potentially limit the availability of coastal SSC, thereby threatening the survival of wetlands 2 . To protect coastal wetlands, various studies have therefore proposed removing dams to enhance Q river and subsequently increase coastal SSC 59 , 60 . However, this may be less straightforward than previously thought. Our results indicate that not all Q river declines will lead to SSC loss, at least within the timeframe of our analysis (Fig.  4b ). In addition, we observed a prominent increase in SSCs over the past two decades. This could enhance wetland resilience to future sea-level rise, and suggest that wetland vulnerability might be overestimated in previous studies 1 .

Nonetheless, the response of coastal wetlands to SSC change appears to be complex. Through a comparison of changes between wetland areas (from ref. 61 ) and coastal SSC across 180 matched deltas, we found that nearly one-third of wetlands experienced area loss despite an increase in coastal SSC (Supplementary Fig.  11 ). This phenomenon can likely be attributed to human activities, such as coastal development 59 and land conversions 62 , as well as natural influences like land subsidence and accelerated sea-level rise 63 . Therefore, although the link between wetland accretion and coastal SSC is well-established 64 , it does not necessarily imply that increases in SSC will lead to wetland gains. The complex connections between global coastal SSC and wetlands necessitate a thorough analysis, particularly with the anticipated availability of more extensive data in the future.

Our SSC dataset could also serve as a valuable resource for the management and restoration of coastal environments. Increased coastal sediment can lead to delta area expansion, as large sedimentation creates new mudflats, which could provide more habitats for various creatures 65 . However, not all increased SSCs have positive effects on coastal ecosystems 66 . Elevated SSCs can affect underwater photosynthesis and the survival of aquatic organisms due to increased water turbidity and reduced underwater light visibility 67 . Furthermore, the increased sediment can exacerbate the deterioration of water quality and even promote algal blooms, as sediment is one of the significant carriers of land-based pollutants (such as pesticides, nutrients, and heavy metals) 68 , 69 . For example, the nutrients released from sediment, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, have enhanced the phytoplankton blooms in many lakes and coastal regions 70 , 71 . As such, whether the increased coastal SSC is beneficial to the coastal zone needs further local investigation.

In conclusion, our study contributes to understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of coastal SSC near deltas. We observed a global increase in delta coastal SSC and RPA between 2000 and 2020. This increase is partially explained by increases in river sediment supply, but some deltas go against the grain. Waves, tides, salinity, and coastal morphology also modulate coastal SSCs and explain SSCs gains despite declines in river sediment supply (Fig.  4 ). We also found that not all coastal wetlands exhibited consistent fluctuations with SSC. Our results offer valuable insights into the present distribution and dynamics of coastal sediments near river deltas. The SSC dataset can be utilized to assess the deltaic sediment balance around coastal wetlands and evaluate the threat of sea-level rise. Furthermore, it could offer crucial information for the protection and restoration of coastal areas, especially those experiencing sediment deficits.

Data sources

The MODIS Terra and Aqua 8-day SR products, with a spatial resolution of 500 m, were utilized to estimate SSC. We used 0.31 million Terra images (MOD09A1) (2000–2020) and 0.27 million Aqua images (MYD09A1) (2002–2020), totaling 0.58 million composites. All products were atmospherically corrected using an atmospheric correction algorithm based on the 6S radiative transfer 72 . A Quality Control (QC) flag indicating the quality of each pixel was used to exclude the potential artifacts (such as atmospheric correction failure) from SSC estimation. In addition, MODIS Aqua daily SR product (MYD09GA), consistent with the field sampling dates, was used to build the SSC inversion algorithm. The MODIS SR products are all accessible on Google Earth Engine (GEE).

We used six field SSC datasets to calibrate and validate the SSC inversion algorithm, including the Pearl River estuary, the Yangtze River estuary, the Yellow and East China Seas (YECS), the SeaSWIR, the CoastColour Round Robin (CCRR), and the AquaSat. Details are presented in Supplementary Fig.  1a .

We conducted three cruise surveys in the Pearl River estuary from September 2018 to January 2020, comprising 64 sampled stations. The SSCs of these samples range from 0.16 to 137.5 mg/L. Three field surveys were arranged in the Yangtze River estuary in February and June 2011 and March 2013, with 99 water samples collected. The collected SSCs vary from 0.1 to 2068.8 mg/L. The YECS dataset includes 150 water samples measured from Spring and Autumn cruises covering the Yellow and the East China Seas in 2003, with SSCs varying from 0.5 to 1762.1 mg/L.

The SeaSWIR is a publicly accessible dataset 73 , including 137 sediment samples collected from three turbid estuarine sites: the Gironde of France, the Río de La Plata of Argentina, and the Scheldt of Belgium. The SSCs in this dataset range from 48.4 to 1400.5 mg/L.

The CCRR, also an online free dataset 74 , compiles diverse in situ SSC data measured from multiple coastal regions worldwide. This dataset was designed to calibrate and evaluate algorithm performance. The SSCs used in this research range from 0.17 to 506 mg/L.

The AquaSat assembled various in situ water constituent data encompassing inland and coastal waters across the USA. This compilation was sourced from two existing publicly available datasets, namely the Water Quality Portal and LAGOS-NE 75 . AquaSat contains over 400,000 estuary sediment samples. However, we only considered samples meeting two specific criteria: (1) collected after 2002 to align with MODIS Aqua data availability and (2) situated at open river mouths to mitigate potential disturbances from land adjacency effects. A total of 10,686 samples met these criteria, with SSCs ranging from 0.2 to 305.3 mg/L.

To validate the accuracy of our SSC inversion algorithm, we acquired the monthly mean 4 km SSC products generated from Sentinel-3 OLCI spanning 2016–2020. These products were collected from https://sentinels.copernicus.eu/web/sentinel/user-guides/sentinel-3-olci/product-types/level-2-water , which is derived using the inherent optical property—the backscattering coefficient. The inversion formula is expressed as: SSC = 1.06*B bp442.5 ^0.942. Due to the coarse spatial resolution of Sentinel-3 OLCI, data are only available for 227 out of the 349 deltas studied. The long-term monthly dynamics and the long-term mean OLCI SSC were used to validate SSC inversion accuracy in this study.

The long-term mean river water discharge (in m 3 /s) data for 349 deltas were collected from ref. 5 to investigate the river water discharge on SSC variations. These mean water discharges were generated from river discharge stations.

We obtained the annual river sediment flux ( Q river ) between 2000 and 2020, as well as the multi-year monthly mean Q river , from a global fluvial sediment flux dataset created by ref. 6 . Out of the 349 examined deltas, 186 deltas were successfully matched with ref. 6 ’ s dataset. The Q river dataset was generated using the river SSC derived from Landsat images and water discharge from matched river discharge stations. The Landsat-derived SSC mainly originates from pixels in the river channels, which may be several times larger than our coastal SSC. Such a significant discrepancy arises partly due to the size and flow rate of the river, and also because of the different areas estimated (e.g., river channels vs river coasts), which have different driving forces. The water discharge (measured in cubic meters per second, m 3 /s) represents the fluvial flow passing through the entire river cross-section. Note that the Q river employed in this study, derived from remote sensing surface SSC and water discharge, may be more applicable to the well-mixed macro-tidal estuaries. This is because, in meso- or micro-tidal estuaries, three-dimensional effects may significantly modulate river flow, introducing uncertainties in Q river analysis. In the future, to obtain a more accurate Q river in these systems, the combination of remote sensing and modeling could be considered as an alternative approach.

We collected the monthly tidal sediment flux ( Q tide ) using the monthly mean tidal amplitude ( a ), angular velocity ( ω ), channel slope ( s ), tidal efficiency coefficient ( k ), upstream channel depth ( du ), and the channel aspect ratio ( β ) of estuaries. The daily tidal amplitudes during 2000–2020 were extracted from OSU TPXO, and were aggregated into monthly means. Other coefficients were obtained from ref. 76 . Similar to ref. 5 , Q tide was evaluated as follows:

Where Q river is fluvial sediment flux (kg/s) and Q wriver denotes water discharge (m 3 /s), both of which are obtained from ref. 6 .

We assessed the daily wave sediment flux ( Q wave ) using the daily mean wave height ( h ) and wave period ( p ) from 2000 to 2009 extracted from NOAA WaveWatch III for each delta, following the method of ref. 5 :

Where k 1 is an empirical constant, approximately equal to 0.06. Further details about k 1 are described in ref. 31 . Finally, all daily Q wave values were aggregated into monthly means.

All the monthly Q tide and Q wave data were aggregated into annual means to track long-term changes and their contributions to SSC changes. As Q wave data are not available after 2010, we utilized the mean values from 2009 to represent conditions from 2010 to 2020 and conducted the trend and contribution analyses. Finally, these three sediment flux data were collected for the 186 matched deltas to investigate the relationships between hydrodynamic forces (river sediment discharge, tides, and waves) and changes in SSC.

We utilized the monthly salinity dataset from 2000 to 2020 to explore the relationships between salinity and coastal SSC changes. This dataset was acquired from the GLORYS12V1 product ( https://data.marine.copernicus.eu/product/GLOBAL_MULTIYEAR_PHY_001_030/description ), which is a reanalysis product with a spatial resolution of 1/12° (~8 km). Due to the coarse resolution of this product, only 139 out of 349 examined deltas had available salinity data. All the monthly salinity data were aggregated into annual mean to track the long-term salinity changes and their contributions to SSC changes.

We obtained wetland change data for the 349 deltas from the global tidal wetland change dataset 61 , available on the GEE platform, to investigate potential responses of wetlands to SSC changes. This dataset was derived from Landsat satellite images and offers insights into global wetland gain and loss extents within a 5-km buffer around intertidal ecosystems or along the coastal line from 1999 to 2019 61 . Among the 349 deltas examined, 180 deltas were matched with the wetland dataset.

We acquired the dataset on delta morphologies from ref. 5 , which classified deltas into river-dominated, tide-dominated, and wave-dominated categories based on the dominant sediment flux shaping delta morphology. This data was utilized to assess the relationship between delta morphology and SSC change.

Determination of studied river deltas

We examined 349 river deltas distributed across the globe, ranging from small to large deltas, with mean annual river water discharges from 1.3 to 138,650 m 3 /s, representing 64.2% of the global total water discharge 5 . These deltas were compiled from ref. 5 , encompassing a diverse range of delta systems, including river-dominated, tide-dominated, and wave-dominated (Supplementary Fig.  2 ).

SSC retrieval algorithm

To retrieve coastal SSC with a wide dynamic range (e.g., from clear to turbid) using satellite images, numerous algorithms have been developed over the past decades 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 . Nevertheless, most of these algorithms require a reflectance threshold from specific wavelengths as the blending boundaries, which varies among different research. Recently, several algorithms for estimating global coastal sediment have been proposed 18 , 22 , 81 , enabling the quantification of coastal sediment at global levels. In this study, we conducted accuracy assessments for these algorithms based on in situ measured data and MODIS SR data to select the most accurate algorithm for SSC inversion.

Initially, we selected matchups between the daily MODIS Aqua SR data and in situ SSC data for the same day, excluding samples within three pixels of land-water boundaries or clouds to prevent land or cloud contaminations. This resulted in a total of 509 matchups. Subsequently, we used these matchups to conduct a recalibration (details see Supplementary Note  1 ) of several typical existing coastal SSC inversion algorithms, including the algorithm from ref. 77 (hereafter as Han_adapted), ref. 78 (hereafter as Feng_adapted), and ref. 22 (hereafter as Yu_adapted), and assessed their accuracy. We found that after calibrating algorithm parameters based on our in situ measured data and MODIS SR data, Han_adapted had the largest error (overall accuracy >51%), with RMSE exceeding 50% in both clear (<50 mg/L) and turbid water (≥50 mg/L) (Supplementary Table  1 ). Feng_adapted achieved a better overall accuracy of around 28%, with accuracies of 28.5% for clear water and 48.6% for turbid water. The model with the highest accuracy was Yu_adapted, with an overall accuracy of 24.9%, particularly performing well in clear water (RMSE = 24.9%), and 49.1% for turbid water (Supplementary Fig.  1 and Table  1 ). Considering the SSCs of the majority of deltas are not extremely high, in this study, we adopted the Yu_adapted algorithm (see below) to invert SSC from MODIS SR products.

Where R 469 , R 555 , R 645 , and R 859 represent the blue, green, red, and NIR reflectance from MODIS SR products.

To further validate the accuracy of Yu_adapted, we first compared the ranges of our MODIS-derived SSC to the previously reported SSC through a review of published literature. In total, 31 deltas across the globe were examined (Supplementary Table  2 ). We observed that our MODIS-derived SSC aligns well with the published SSC for most deltas, yet discrepancies also exist in some deltas. Considering the disagreements of the investigation time and satellite sensor selections, these disparities are considered acceptable. Additionally, we compared the multi-year average SSC between 500-m MODIS and 4-km Sentinel-3 OLCI, noting that the average SSC from MODIS compared to OLCI has a mean ratio of 1.41 ± 0.83 (Supplementary Fig.  1e ). However, when SSC exceeds 100 mg/L, the average SSC from MODIS is noticeably higher than that from OLCI. Given the differences in spatial resolution, we believe such discrepancies are acceptable. Furthermore, we separately compared the temporal variations in monthly mean SSC from 2016 to 2020 for several typical estuaries, ranging from clear to turbid. We observed that the trends based on MODIS and OLCI are very similar (Supplementary Fig.  12 ). Consequently, we applied the Yu_adpated algorithm to MODIS Aqua and Terra 8-day SR products to retrieve coastal SSC for the 349 deltas. The MODIS Terra has been noted for its radiometric degradation and calibration errors, often deemed unreliable in the ocean color community 82 . However, we observed comparable magnitude and dynamics of SSC from Terra and Aqua across clear to turbid waters (Supplementary Fig.  13 ), which has also been documented in previous research 83 . Therefore, we adopted Terra data to complement Aqua observation in this research.

We acknowledge that ideally, the MODIS remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), generated using an atmospheric correction approach tailored for ocean color application 84 , should be utilized to derive SSC. Since the MODIS SR were produced using a land-based atmospheric correction algorithm 72 , which does not correct for skylight reflection at the air-water interface (e.g., Fresnel reflection), potentially introducing errors in clear water body inversion. However, a high spatial resolution (i.e., <1000 km) Rrs product is not readily available globally, which limits monitoring capabilities for small estuaries or bays. Indeed, the MODIS SR has been proven to have good agreement with Rrs in both spatial and temporal patterns in turbid inland or coastal water 85 . Moreover, the skylight reflection problem could be mitigated to some extent through band ratio methods 24 , 86 . More importantly, the MODIS SR product (with a resolution of 500 m) has global coverage and can be freely accessed through GEE, enabling general users to perform global applications. To date, the MODIS SR has been widely used in inland and coastal water quality monitoring 83 , 87 , 88 . In the future, with continued advancements in data processing and storage capabilities, we believe it will be feasible to estimate global SSC based on Rrs derived from ocean color atmospheric correction.

Determination of the studied region and RPA of the river delta

To determine the final study region for 349 deltas, a 70% frequency with SSC over a specific SSC threshold was adopted to delineate the region boundary (Supplementary Fig.  14 ). The detailed methodology is outlined as follows: (1) A point near the river mouth was designated, and a 5-km buffer around this point was computed. Subsequently, median SSC values within the 5-km buffer in each monthly mean SSC image during 2000–2020 (totaling 251 months) were collected. (2) These 251 median SSC values were arranged in ascending order, and the 5th percentile (5%) of these ascending SSC was selected as the SSC threshold (SSC threshold ). Then the frequency of each pixel with SSC over SSC threshold in the 251 months was counted, and pixels with a frequency exceeding 70% of 251 (e.g., 251 × 70% = 176) were chosen to form the final study region.

To assess the impact of the study region determined by using different frequency percentage thresholds (e.g., 70%) on the average SSC, we performed a sensitivity test. Specifically, we calculated the mean SSC determined by using low-frequency ( S low ) and high-frequency ( S high ) thresholds, respectively. Subsequently, we calculated a relative difference (RD) between S low and S high to illustrate the potential impacts arising from the use of different frequency thresholds (for example, RD 65%  = ( S 70% − S 65% )/S 65% ). We found that the RD remains at 5% when employing a frequency percentage from 50% to 70%, yet increases to over 10% when using a frequency threshold exceeding 70%. Consequently, we opted for a threshold of 70%.

The monthly RPA was delineated for the aforementioned final study region using the monthly mean SSC and the specific SSC threshold for each delta. We identified the pixels with a monthly mean SSC exceeding the SSC threshold (as described above), and the maximum extent formed by all these pixels was regarded as the RPA for that month (Supplementary Fig.  3 ).

Given the potential for incomplete data coverage in monthly synthesis from Terra and Aqua, we assert that the monthly SSC and RPA are reliable only when the valid data in monthly images exceeds 50% (i.e., a ratio of valid pixels to the total pixels in study region). Through sensitivity analysis, we found that when the valid ratio threshold varies from 50% to 70%, less than 2% of deltaic SSC trends alter. However, when the threshold exceeds 80%, over 5% of deltaic trends change, likely due to a notable reduction in the data volume used in trend analysis. We noted that, for most months between 2000 and 2020, valid coverage for the majority of deltas exceeded 50%. Hence, the 50% threshold was adopted. Nonetheless, certain deltas may not meet the 50% threshold in specific months. In such instances, we mitigated data gaps by averaging data from preceding and subsequent months or from the same month in adjacent years. It’s important to mention that some high-latitude estuaries may lack data during winter and spring seasons. In such instances, our statistical analysis relies solely on available data for certain quarters.

Delta wetland area changes

We gathered data on wetland gain and loss extents near deltas from the wetland dataset and computed the net wetland area change (in km 2 ) for each delta by taking the difference between increased and decreased area.

Statistical analysis

The SSC and RPA monthly mean anomaly, determined as the differences between the monthly mean SSC and RPA and their corresponding long-term average for that specific month, were used to examine the long-term change trend in these two parameters over the past two decades. This anomaly processing is primarily used to remove the seasonal interference in long-time series data, thereby achieving precise monitoring of long-term changes 89 . We employed Sen’s slope (obtained from the Mann–Kendall test) of the long-term monthly mean anomaly, multiplied by 12 (representing 12 months a year), as the mean yearly change rate to evaluate the SSC and RPA variations for each delta, and the associated P value ( p ) was used to assess whether the changing trends were statistically significant ( p  < 0.05). The monthly anomaly SSC and RPA at global or continental scales were generated by using the average monthly SSC and RPA from 349 deltas or from deltas located on different continents.

Furthermore, the Sen’s slope (Mann–Kendall test) of the annual mean Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity was adopted to indicate the long-term changes in Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity, with associated p value used to assess the significance of the change trends. The trend analysis using Mann–Kendall was conducted in MATLAB 2021.

Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between the annual mean SSC and four drivers ( Q river , Q tide , Q wave , and salinity). Subsequently, a multiple general linear model (GLM) regression analysis 90 was performed to quantify the contributions of these four drivers to SSC changes over the past two decades. The relative contribution of each factor was determined by calculating the ratio of the mean sum of squares (MeanSq) of the specific driver and the total MeanSq (Supplementary Table  3 ). The p value (e.g., p  < 0.05) was estimated to examine whether the correlation coefficients and contributions were statistically significant. Due to the data unavailability for all four drivers, only a total of 139 examined deltas were included in the GLM analysis. Both correlation relationship and GLM analysis were conducted using R 3.3.0.

Data availability

The entire MODIS-derived global deltaic coastal SSC data in this study have been deposited in the Figshare database under accession code https://figshare.com/s/153cf61cd73819cb2e30 .

Code availability

Code to reproduce the findings is available on https://codeocean.com/capsule/6854747/tree .

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Acknowledgements

We thank the NASA LP DAAC for providing MODIS SR data and GEE for providing image processing resources. We also thank Dr. Murray for providing the wetland area change data and Dr. Dethier for providing the river sediment flux data. L.F., X.H., and F.S. were supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos: 42321004, 42301392, and 42271348). X.H. was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Sun Yat-Sen University (NO: 23qnpy08). J.N. was supported by the National Science Foundation (EAR-GLD-1810855) and the Dutch Research Council (VENI.192.123).

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Xuejiao Hou

Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Xuejiao Hou, Danghan Xie & Jaap H. Nienhuis

Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

Danghan Xie

School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China

State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

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X.H.: methodology, data processing and analyses, and writing; L.F. and J.N.: conceptualization, methodology, supervision, and writing; D.X.: analyses and writing; F.S.: in situ data acquisition and writing. All authors participated in interpreting the results and refining the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Lian Feng or Jaap H. Nienhuis .

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Hou, X., Xie, D., Feng, L. et al. Sustained increase in suspended sediments near global river deltas over the past two decades. Nat Commun 15 , 3319 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47598-6

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Russia-Ukraine war: Germany stands by decision not to provide long-range missiles – as it happened

This live blog is now closed, you can read more of our Ukraine war coverage here

• 1d ago Closing summary
• 1d ago UK prime minister says Ukraine has support from UK and Germany 'for as long as it takes'
• 1d ago German leader says Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help
• 1d ago West must boost defence as era of peace in Europe is over, says Ukrainian foreign minister
• 1d ago Russian forces make significant gains in eastern Ukraine
• 1d ago Nato drills in Finland are 'provocative', says Russia's foreign ministry
• 2d ago Russia will expand Ukraine 'buffer zone' if Kyiv gets longer range missiles, says Kremlin
• 2d ago Ukraine struck two Rosneft-owned oil depots in overnight attack, intelligence source says
• 2d ago Russian minister detained after taking especially large bribe, law enforcement agency says
• 2d ago Zelenskiy thanks US Senate for approving 'vital aid to Ukraine'
• 2d ago What is the $95bn US Senate aid bill and why has it taken so long to pass?
• 2d ago Opening summary
• 2d ago US Senate passes $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

German leader says Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help

German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that Europe must continue to step up its help for Ukraine even after the approval of a big US aid package, but made clear that he is sticking to his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv , reports the Associated Press (AP). Scholz spoke after meeting the UK prime minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin . The two countries are Europe ’s biggest suppliers of military assistance to Ukraine as it counters Russia ’s full-scale invasion, and both vowed to keep that up “for as long as it takes.” Scholz described the progress made on a US military aid package that had been held up for months as “an encouraging and necessary signal.”

“But I also want to say clearly that the United States’s decision doesn’t release us here in Europe from the task of further expanding our support for Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against the aggressor,” he said. According to the report by the AP, Scholz, whose country recently pledged to supply a third Patriot missile battery to Ukraine, appealed again for other European countries that have the system to examine whether they can spare one. The AP reports that when he was asked whether he will reverse his often-criticised refusal to send Taurus missiles, Scholz listed at length the military hardware Germany has provided and added: “As far as the weapons system you mention is concerned, my decision won’t change.” Scholz has argued that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine, and says that is a line he does not want to cross. Sunak, who on Tuesday pledged new military aid to Ukraine, praised Germany’s efforts on air defence in particular and said “every country has got different things that it can bring to the table”. Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defence systems, allowing Russian forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pleaded for greater international assistance, warning that his country will lose the war without it.

Closing summary

It has gone 6pm in Kyiv and in Moscow . We will be closing this blog soon, but you can stay up to date on the Guardian’s Russia and Ukraine coverage here .

Here is a recap of today’s latest developments:

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said the UK and Germany will provide “unwavering support” for Ukraine “for as long as it takes” , as he visited Berlin to deepen defence and security ties between the two allies. Sunak said “every country has got different things that it can bring to the table” after German chancellor Olaf Scholz said his decision not to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv “will not change”.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that Europe must continue to step up its help for Ukraine even after the approval of a big US aid package, but made clear that he is sticking to his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv. “But I also want to say clearly that the United States’s decision doesn’t release us here in Europe from the task of further expanding our support for Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against the aggressor,” he said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged “speed” on providing weapons to Ukraine. In a social media post on X, Zelenskiy wrote: “The key now is speed. The speed of implementing agreements with partners on the supply of weapons for our warriors. The speed of eliminating all Russian schemes to circumvent sanctions. The speed of finding political solutions to protect lives from Russian terror.”

The US Senate voted resoundingly on Tuesday to approve $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan , as a bipartisan super-majority united to send the long-stalled package to Joe Biden’s desk for signature. “Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a floor speech on Tuesday afternoon. “We are showing Putin that betting against America is always, always a grave mistake.”

Ukraine’s foreign minister enthusiastically praised US politicians for approving a long-delayed $61bn military aid package for Ukraine , but cautioned that fresh supplies would not immediately turn the tide on the battlefield. “Hallelujah,” Dmytro Kuleba said when asked for his reaction to Tuesday’s final vote by the US Senate. He added that he was hopeful that the White House would unveil a new package of weapons “within days, maybe hours,” and it was “just a matter of logistics” to get the supplies to the frontline.

Zelenskiy said he is “grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today”, after a US bill was passed which allocates $60.84bn to support Ukraine in its battle to repel Russia’s invasion. In a social media post on X, Zelenskiy thanked Schumer and the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, for “their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation”. He also thanked “all US Senators on both sides of the aisle who voted in favor of it”.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia would further expand its “buffer zone” inside Ukraine if Kyiv takes delivery of longer-range Atcams missiles from the US that allow it to strike deeper inside Russia. The US is preparing a $1bn military aid package for Ukraine, the first to be sourced from the yet to be signed $95bn foreign aid bill, two US officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

Ukrainian drones attacked oil facilities in western Russia overnight, defence sources in Kyiv confirmed on Wednesday. Officials in the western Russian regions of Smolensk and Lipetsk first announced the attacks, blaming Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles for starting blazes at energy sites. “The fire is localised. There is no threat of its spread beyond the facilities,” Smolensk regional governor Vasily Anokhin said, adding that no one was injured or killed.

Another drone attack targeted the Lipetsk region farther south, which houses metallurgical and pharmaceutical sites , governor Igor Artamonov said on Wednesday.

Russian forces hit a Ukrainian drone production facility and a Ukrainian army fuel depot , Russia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday.

Russian missiles damaged residential buildings and injured six people in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, early on Wednesday , governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram. The attack damaged three residential buildings, two offices, three non-residential buildings and a gas pipeline in the central district of the city, according to the governor’s statement.

Russia’s RIA state news agency reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources within Russian forces, that their attack hit soldiers’ quarters in Kharkiv where Ukrainian military personnel were stationed . Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

A well-connected Russian deputy defence minister has been charged with bribe-taking , in the highest-profile corruption scandal in the country in years. Timur Ivanov, 47, who was responsible for Russia’s military infrastructure projects, was detained by the FSB services late on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, Ivanov, wearing his military uniform, appeared behind a glass cage in a Moscow court, where he was formally arrested and charged with high bribery. The court remanded him in custody for two months and placed him in the high-security Lefortovo prison in Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday dismissed media speculation about the reasons behind the arrest of Ivanov on bribery charges , and urged reporters to focus on official information.

Russian forces have made significant advances in a narrow corridor in eastern Ukraine as an offensive by Moscow to take territory before western military aid arrives appears to be gathering pace. Footage posted by Kremlin military bloggers shows a Russian tricolour flying above the shattered village of Ocheretyne. Russian troops reportedly entered the territory on Sunday, north-west of the town of Avdiivka , after advancing about 5km in 10 days. Moscow’s defence ministry claimed Ukrainian troops fled Ocheretyne in small groups and under heavy fire.

Nato exercises starting on 26 April in Finland and in close proximity to the Russian-Finnish border are provocative in nature , Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, told RIA state news agency in remarks published on Wednesday.

The UK has been accused of “helping Russia pay for its war on Ukraine” by continuing to import record amounts of refined oil from countries processing Kremlin fossil fuels. Government data analysed by the environmental news site Desmog shows that imports of refined oil from India, China and Turkey amounted to £2.2bn in 2023, the same record value as the previous year, up from £434.2m in 2021. Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to India and China, while Turkey has become one of the biggest importers of Russian oil since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The priest who oversaw a memorial service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended for three years by the head of the country’s Orthodox Church. An order on the Moscow diocese website demoted Dmitry Safronov from his position as priest to that of a psalm-reader and stripped him of the right to give blessings or to wear a cassock for the next three years. According to the Associated Press, no reason was given for the decision.

Here are a couple of images from the newswires that appear to show Russia ’s Smolensk oil depot on fire after a Ukrainian drone attack on Wednesday.

The Guardian has been unable to independently verify the images.

West must boost defence as era of peace in Europe is over, says Ukrainian foreign minister

Dan Sabbagh and Luke Harding report from Kyiv:

Ukraine’s foreign minister has enthusiastically praised US politicians for approving a long-delayed $61bn military aid package for Ukraine, but cautioned that fresh supplies would not immediately turn the tide on the battlefield.

“Hallelujah,” Dmytro Kuleba said when asked for his reaction to Tuesday’s final vote by the US Senate. He said it had been “my belief that we would have a positive outcome”, based in part on the cultivation of religious conservatives, but the west had to “realise the era of peace in Europe is over” and build its defence industry.

Speaking to the Guardian, Kuleba said he was hopeful that the White House would unveil a new package of weapons “within days, maybe hours,” and it was “just a matter of logistics” to get the supplies to the frontline.

Pentagon officials have indicated that some munitions have been already stockpiled in Europe , with artillery and air defences expected to be among the priorities.

Kuleba also said Ukraine had identified seven Patriot air defence systems it could use to protect civilians in major cities outside Kyiv. One had been obtained from Germany, four more had been located and negotiations were taking place, Kuleba said, and two more were in his sights.

Read the full story here .

Russian forces have hit a Ukrainian drone production facility and a Ukrainian army fuel depot, Russia’s defence ministry said today, Reuters reported.

Speaking in Berlin, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said that “defending our democracy, our democratic processes and institutions is an absolute priority, and we won’t tolerate any activity that undermines that.”

More from the press conference now and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said Ukraine has the country’s “unwavering support … for as long as it takes”.

Sunak’s comments were made at a joint press conference in Berlin with Germany ’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz .

Scholz told journalists that the US package of support for Ukraine does not free Europe from the obligation to keep helping, Reuters reports.

He also said there was no change to his position on sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine after the US Senate approved $60bn worth of aid to support its war efforts.

Scholz also expressed his desire to work with the UK on the European sky shield.

More details soon …

The UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak , and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz , held a joint press conference in Berlin , in which they discussed funding for Ukraine .

You can watch it back, below:

This handout photograph published on Wednesday on the official Telegram account of the Smolensk regional governor Vasily Anokhin , reportedly shows a firefighter working to extinguish a fire at an oil depot in the Smolensk region.

Ukrainian drones attacked oil facilities in western Russia overnight, defence sources in Kyiv confirmed on Wednesday, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Officials in the western Russian regions of Smolensk and Lipetsk first announced the attacks, blaming Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles for starting blazes at energy sites.

“The fire is localised. There is no threat of its spread beyond the facilities,” Smolensk regional governor Vasily Anokhin said in a later post on social media, according to AFP.

He distributed images of first responders in helmets at the scene of the attack dousing flames as plumes of black smoke billowed over the site. No one was wounded or killed, the governor said.

Another drone attack targeted the Lipetsk region farther south, which houses metallurgical and pharmaceutical sites, governor Igor Artamonov said.

A source in the Ukrainian defence sector confirmed to AFP that drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had carried out the attacks.

The source made no mention of the attack on Lipetsk but claimed two oil depots were destroyed in the Smolensk region.

“Rosneft lost two storage and pumping bases for fuels and lubricants in the towns of Yartsevo and Rozdorovo,” the source said, referring to the Russian state-controlled energy company.

Russian forces make significant gains in eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have made significant advances in a narrow corridor in eastern Ukraine as an offensive by Moscow to take territory before western military aid arrives appears to be gathering pace.

Footage posted by Kremlin military bloggers shows a Russian tricolour flying above the shattered village of Ocheretyne . Russian troops reportedly entered the territory on Sunday, north-west of the town of Avdiivka , after advancing about 5km in 10 days.

It comes as Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it was suspending consular services for military-age men living abroad, except for those heading back to Ukraine , in a move designed to increase conscription.

The Ukrainian army retreated from Avdiivka in February and has been trying to establish a new defensive line in settlements along the Durna River but in recent weeks reinforced Russian units have been pushing forward , using air-launched glide bombs to pulverise Ukrainian bunkers.

Moscow’s defence ministry claimed Ukrainian troops fled Ocheretyne in small groups and under heavy fire. Video showed a destroyed administration building, with its windows blown out and streets full of debris. Civilians appeared to have left.

You can read more of the report by Luke Harding and Dan Sabbagh in Kyiv here:

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the priest who oversaw a memorial service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended for three years by the head of the country’s Orthodox Church .

Dmitry Safronov held a memorial service at Navalny’s gravesite in Moscow on 26 March to mark 40 days since the politician’s death, an important ritual within Russian Orthodox tradition.

The AP reports that an order on the Moscow diocese website demoted Safronov from his position as priest to that of a psalm-reader and stripped him of the right to give blessings or to wear a cassock for the next three years.

According to the news agency, no reason was given for the decision, which was signed by Patriarch Kirill , the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a key ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin .

Nato drills in Finland are 'provocative', says Russia's foreign ministry

Nato exercises starting on 26 April in Finland and in close proximity to the Russian-Finnish border are provocative in nature, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova , told RIA state news agency in remarks published on Wednesday.

“Nato military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature. Their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force,” Zakharova said, reports Reuters.

“The drills … increase the risks of possible military incidents,” added Zakharova.

Russia will expand Ukraine 'buffer zone' if Kyiv gets longer range missiles, says Kremlin

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia would further expand its “buffer zone” inside Ukraine if Kyiv takes delivery of longer-range Atcams missiles from the US that allow it to strike deeper inside Russia, reports Reuters.

The US is preparing a $1bn military aid package for Ukraine, the first to be sourced from the yet to be signed $95bn foreign aid bill, two US officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

When asked about the possibility that the package would include longer-range Atcams missiles, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s stance on the subject – that it will be forced to expand what it calls a buffer zone in Ukraine if longer-range missiles are delivered – had not changed.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday dismissed media speculation about the reasons behind the arrest of deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov on bribery charges, and urged reporters to focus on official information, reports Reuters.

Asked about a report that Ivanov was suspected of treason, Peskov said: “There are many different interpretations around all this now.”

“You need to focus on official information,” Peskov said. “It is necessary to focus on the information of the investigative authorities and, ultimately, on the court’s decision.”

Pjotr Sauer is a Russian affairs reporter for the Guardian.

A well-connected Russian deputy defence minister has been charged with bribe-taking, in the highest-profile corruption scandal in the country in years, triggering speculation about a possible purge within Moscow ’s elites.

Timur Ivanov , 47, who was responsible for Russia’s military infrastructure projects, was detained by the FSB services late on Tuesday evening at his work.

On Wednesday, Ivanov, wearing his military uniform, appeared behind a glass cage in a Moscow court, where he was formally arrested and charged with high bribery. The court remanded him in custody for two months and placed him in the high-security Lefortovo prison in Moscow. He faces 15 years in jail if convicted.

Ivanov was widely seen as a long-term confidant of the powerful defence minister, Sergei Shoigu , having worked with Shoigu across various agencies for more than a decade.

The sudden arrest of an ally of Shoigu, who in turn Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine , sparked speculations about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption that has plagued Russia’s post-Soviet armed forces.

“It is hard to find an official who has done more for Shoigu than Ivanov,” said a former defence official who worked directly with Ivanov, asking for anonymity so they could speak freely.

“This is an attack on Shoigu’s standing. But Shoigu has weathered other storms before.”

The UK has been accused of “helping Russia pay for its war on Ukraine” by continuing to import record amounts of refined oil from countries processing Kremlin fossil fuels.

Government data analysed by the environmental news site Desmog shows that imports of refined oil from India , China and Turkey amounted to £2.2bn in 2023, the same record value as the previous year, up from £434.2m in 2021.

Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to India and China, while Turkey has become one of the biggest importers of Russian oil since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This comes as Russia is increasingly targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with only a few major power plants not yet damaged or destroyed. UK politicians have been lobbying the US to approve £60bn in military aid for Ukraine, which finally passed on 20 April . The UK foreign secretary, David Cameron , has been advocating for frozen Russian assets to be deployed to Ukraine’s war effort.

In response to the 2022 invasion, allies of Ukraine pledged to divest from Russian oil and gas. The UK officially banned the import of Russian oil products from 5 December 2022. However, a loophole in the legislation has allowed Russian oil to continue to flow into the UK.

You can read the full piece by Sam Bright here:

The Ukrainian online newspaper, the Kyiv Independent , says its sources have told them that Russia ’s state-controlled company Rosneft “lost two storage and pumping bases for fuel and lubricants in Yartsevo and Razdorovo in Smolensk oblast” on Wednesday.

The Kyiv Independent has also shared a screengrab from footage circulating on social media of what was purported to be a burning oil terminal in Yartsevo .

The Guardian could not independently verify the image or footage.

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