The “Mighty Murray” is to Australia what the Mississippi is to the United States. Stretching from its mountain source in Victoria to near Adelaide in South Australia, the Murray, combined with the Darling River that feeds it, is Australia’s longest river. Navigated since ancient times by Aboriginal tribes, then European explorers and traders, today it’s most trafficked by recreational houseboats and historic paddle steamers. Sample the river’s bounties aboard an authentic paddle wheeler. Captain Cook Cruises’ well-appointed, 60-stateroom PS Murray Princess, from the historic town of Mannum, is situated about 50 miles east of Adelaide (complimentary connections are available). Their four-night Outback Heritage Cruise combines history- and nature-based activities, like outdoor hikes, vineyard tastings, and aboriginal history talks, on a riverboat cruise route dotted by locks, old river port towns, and dramatic Australian outback scenery. Expect towering cliffs, red gum forests, and wildlife sightings ranging from kangaroo to egret. Cruises run year-round. From about $1,140 per person.