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Gin Flight Cruise
Highlights
- Step aboard the historic M.V. Maranui for a unique 90-minute cruise through the tranquil Coorong Quays Marina.
- Savour a curated gin flight tasting, guided by your crew, revealing the stories behind each exquisite pour.
- Indulge in a handcrafted cheese platter featuring fresh, local ingredients that beautifully complement the gin flavours.
- Enjoy an intimate experience with a maximum of 12 guests, perfect for small groups or a solo escape.
Back for summer 2025/2026! This exclusive experience blends leisure with indulgence. Step aboard the beautifully restored historic fantail vessel M.V. Maranui (c.1897) for a truly unique 90-minute Gin Flight Cruise through the serene waters of the Coorong Quays Marina.
Savor a curated gin flight tasting, expertly guided by your crew, as they share the stories behind each pour. Pair your tasting with a delectable handcrafted cheese platter, brimming with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, perfectly complementing the flavors of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Whilst aboard you can also indulge in our fabulous gin cocktails crafted by your crew!
With a seating capacity of just 12, this intimate tour offers a personalized and luxurious experience, ideal for small groups or an elegant solo escape. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to relax and connect with the region, this indulgent cruise promises a memorable journey through the heart of the Fleurieu.
Book your spot today and embark on a flavor-filled adventure with Spirit of the Coorong!
Itinerary highlights
Coorong Quays Marina
Coorong Quays Marina
Located on picturesque Hindmarsh Island, Coorong Quays Marina is the starting point for our Gin Flight Cruise and a vibrant hub for life on the water. Set against a backdrop of sheltered waterways, moored yachts, and pelicans gliding across the marina, it’s the perfect place to begin a relaxed afternoon on the Murray River.
The marina is part of a unique residential and lifestyle development, blending modern facilities with natural surrounds. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this island setting, with easy access to boardwalks, cafes, and viewing spots that capture the beauty of the river and wetlands.
Coorong Quays also reflects the region’s strong connection to both river and sea. Nestled between the Murray Mouth and Goolwa, the marina provides a gateway to explore the meeting of two remarkable environments, the mighty Murray River and the iconic Coorong.
For visitors, it’s more than just a departure point: Coorong Quays Marina offers a glimpse of riverside living, a touch of luxury, and a perfectly calm beginning to a memorable gin-tasting experience on the water.
Tour details
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Available from 27 September 2025 to 30 April 2026
Features
Service facilities
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Staff are trained in disability awareness.
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
- Staff are trained in communicating with people with learning or behavioural challenges.
- Uses Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Vision
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
- Information in audio format (includes an audio described map of their venue, audio descs of performances and/ or displays) is available.
- Staff are trained in customer service for people with vision loss (training would incorporate way finding and communicating with people with vision loss).
Hearing
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
- Staff are trained in communicating with people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Access & Inclusion
An access and inclusion statement is available on the business website.
- https://www.spiritofthecoorong.com.au/access
Operation information
Spirit of the Coorong
Spirit of the Coorong offers an exceptional experience to explore the end of the Murray River and the Coorong National Park. This award-winning tour and transport operator earned Gold at the SA Tourism Award in 2023 and 2024, and Silver at the Australian Tourism Awards 2024, highlighting their excellence in providing memorable and high-quality tours.
With over 50 years of water-based tourism experience spanning four generations, this family-owned business has become a cornerstone of Coorong tourism. In 1998, Spirit of the Coorong was launched, revolutionizing tourism in the region by offering access to untouched areas only reachable by small vessels. Today, the company operates three commercially surveyed day cruise boats, with capacities ranging from 12 to 50 passengers, allowing for intimate and personalized tours of the Coorong National Park.
Cruising through the iconic Storm Boy country, guests are treated to the expert commentary, providing insights into the rich culture of the Ngarrindjeri nation & the Tanganekald people, and the history of the riverport of Goolwa.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant and diverse species that can be observed during the cruise. From majestic birds to the intricate ecology of the Coorong, the Spirit of the Coorong offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness and learn about the natural beauty and historical richness of this remarkable area.
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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EcoStar Accreditation
- Marine Tourism Accreditation
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certified by Ecotourism Australia
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
- Tourism Emission Reduction Commitment
Memberships
- Boating Industry Association
- Tourism Industry Council of SA
- Visitor Information Centre
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