AUSTRALIA Day marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip. 
Australians love Australia Day; not only is it a public holiday but we celebrate the historic occasion with friends over a few drinks, an Aussie barbecue and an Australian flag.
But how many of us really know the history of Australia's Outback and the Dreamtime stories of the Aborigines who were here long before 1788.
As Adelaide celebrates Australia Day with a range of festivities, why not escape the city and celebrate in the South Australian Outback, experiencing real Australian history and culture on the historic River Murray.
Captain Cook Cruises is having a special Australia Day four-night cruise on paddle wheeler PS Murray Princess, a replica of the high-end paddle wheelers that first cruised the Murray in the 1800s. The Australia Day cruise discovers the heritage and real history of the Murray, combined with Australia Day fun and special guest, "knockabout" Australian authentic livestock auctioneer, international quiz master and crime/action novelist, Tom Penna.Tom, who has self-published six books of short stories and poems about rural life in Australia, will entertain guests with his amazing Australian stories and bush poems, put his quiz master skills to the test with some Aussie quizzes and Aussie bingo and even sell and sign his books.
Throughout the cruise, guests will also visit the sacred Aboriginal site of Nguat Nguat Conservation Park, an Australian woolshed, historic ports such as Swan Reach, enjoy guided nature walks, speedboat tours and a vineyard tour and wine tastings at Burk Salter Winery.
The four-night cruise departs from Mannum on Monday,   January 25, 2016.VISIT WWW.MURRAY PRINCESS. COM.AU OR PH 1300 729 938