RIVER TRIPS · ADELAIDE RIVER CRUISES
Good adelaide river cruises fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend 45 minutes aboard Adelaide’s heritage Popeye boat, cruising from Elder Park toward the Torrens River Weir Gate and Adelaide Zoo. An English-speaking captain such as Sam or James provides history, jokes, landmark commentary, and wildlife notes, while a deckhand sells drinks and snacks.
“Great tour , funny and informative commentary from James. Good value and nice sights.”
Board Popeye at Elder Park for a 40 to 50 minute Torrens River cruise with live commentary. Captains such as Tom, Tony, and Sam share stories about Adelaide Oval, the Festival Centre, Popeye’s boatshed, Adelaide Gaol, the zoo, and St Peter’s Cathedral. General admission seating is first come, first served.
“It was OK but nothing really exciting... very few nice stuff to see... same for the story telling with ongoing "jokes" and all... I was very much stressed because the guide was looking at us while talking and not driving the boat "straight forward"...”
Spend about 8.5 hours with a small group of up to 24, traveling from Adelaide to Mount Lofty, Bridgewater, the Murray River, and Hahndorf. Guides such as Paul, Phil, Roy, and Karen provide local stories, while Captain Proud carries you on a three-hour lunch cruise.
“A fun day out. The food was fantastic. The captain was very entertaining. The views are amazing. A great way to see the river.”
Join Port River Cruises at 1 McLaren Parade for a 90-minute ride through Port Adelaide’s dolphin sanctuary, Ships’ Graveyard, and bird sanctuary. Skippers such as Alex, Jim, Naomi, and Jacob share local stories, help spot dolphins, and return you to the starting point.
“The tour is very informative about the local ship wrecks and history of the port river. Unfortunately we didn't to get to see any dolphins, which was fine as thebcruise was still great and peaceful.”
Board Popeye at Elder Park for a 45-minute River Torrens cruise with live English commentary, two fresh scones with jam and cream, and tea or coffee. You will pass Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI, Adelaide Gaol, and reach the Adelaide Zoo stop, with help available on the steps.
“The guide and staff are very friendly welcoming and accommodating there are some interesting little facts about some of the sights we saw it’s also kid friendly the highlight for the kids was getting to press the horn and Devonshire tea was served fresh and warm and tasted delicious everything is well worth the price.”
Travel from Adelaide to Mannum for a two-hour Proud Mary cruise with a two-course lunch, river wildlife, red gums, cliffs, and local commentary. You’ll also have free time in Mannum and a choice of Melba’s Chocolate Factory or Woodside Cheese Wrights. Guides may include Phil, Roger, or Peter.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. The lunch was very appetising. Our coach driver was very knowledgeable of aspects of the country we drove through and had lots of anecdotes to share of his own experiences. Thanks.”
Travel from Adelaide to Mannum by air-conditioned coach, then spend two hours aboard the Proud Mary with a buffet lunch and river commentary. You’ll have free time in Mannum, scenic stops in the Adelaide Hills, and a choice of Melba’s Chocolate Factory or Woodside Cheese Wrights before returning to Adelaide.
“Very nice trp, relaxed and not rished at all. Very knowledgeable guide and lovely places to visit. The cruise was the highlight of the trip.”
Spend eight hours with CP Tours and Charters, travelling from Adelaide through the Hills to Mount Lofty, Bridgewater Mill, Beerenberg, Murray Bridge, and Hahndorf. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Phil, Karen, or Chris, handles the journey, while Captain Proud serves a two-course lunch during its three-hour river cruise.
“Weather does always help make a good trip. Everything was great. Karen our driver was very good and informative during our travels & boat trip was just so laid back fantastic. Meals were amazing. Could not fault trip.”
Meet Kelly in Mannum for a six-hour evening through the Murray region. Expect a sunset dinner at Swan Reach Hotel, an Aboriginal cultural visit, river views, and telescope-led stargazing with astronomer How at Walker Flat. Bring a thick coat, as the night can turn cold.
“The tour exceeded all expectations, leaving me at a loss for words. With a full bus of 12 people, we met in Mannum where Kelly efficiently assisted in hanging our coats in the trailer brought for the chilly night - a must-bring thick coat, givRead more”
Spend four nights aboard the PS Murray Princess, a traditional paddle wheeler cruising from Mannum through South Australia’s rural river country. You’ll visit a vineyard, historic Swan Reach, a wildlife shelter, Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, and enjoy an Aussie barbecue, all with meals, an outside cabin, and Adelaide transfers included.
“The cruise was fantastic. The food was great and the staff helpful. the room was small but comfortable.”
Spend three nights aboard the classic PS Murray Princess, sailing from Mannum through the Murray River region. You’ll visit Murray Bridge, explore a historic roundhouse, join a nature walk, taste local food and wine, and take the Dragon-fly boat for close views of river birdlife. Adelaide transfers and meals are included.
“This was a trip for the older generation so it was perfect for us. The crew were helpful and friendly.”
Start at Adelaide Town Hall with a small group of up to 12, then walk through Rundle Mall, Adelaide Arcade, North Terrace, Parliament, and Elder Park. Your guide, possibly Dax, adds local stories and snacks before a 45-minute Popeye cruise on the Torrens.
“Dax did an excellent job walking us through the highlights of Adelaide. We saw local monuments (including the pigs!) and heard the stories and history behind them. We saw various different areas of the city, and heard about the culture, aRead more”
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