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History of the area
European settlers first arrived in South Australia in 1836 and the upper
reaches of the tidal inlet now known as the Port River was soon a major landing site. Known as Port Misery because of the need to disembark through mangroves, mud and mosquitoes at low tide it was soon recognised as an area that could be developed into the main harbour for the new settlement. Work commenced and the new Port Adelaide site opened for shipping in 1840.
Further addition of wharves, basins and docks over the years with dredging to widen and deepen the channel have developed the Port Adelaide we cruise today.
The Ship’s Graveyard
Several Ships Graveyard sites exist in the Port area, one of the largest and most
diverse in the world is on the southern shore of Garden Island. Timber and metal
sailing ships, motor vessels, ferries, barges and dredges lie here on the tidal mudflats
and amongst the mangroves providing maritime history links from 1856 to
1945. The rusted and rotting hulls are in various stages of disintegration, some
extensively salvaged and some not, but all are marine archaeological treasures and
present a study for photographers.
The Saint Kilda Mangrove Trail
A two kilometre boardwalk that meanders through the mangrove forest of the Barker
Inlet Aquatic Reserve. Starting from the Interpretative Centre visitors can wander
along the boardwalk on this self guided tour through tidal salt marshes, seagrass
channels and mangrove forest, with explanatory signage along the route.
Broad Creek
Shallow, narrow and flanked on both sides by mangrove forest, this creek runs from the Barker Inlet and leads to a disused wharf and railway track where munitions for all South Australian mining and construction were unloaded and stored. No longer dredged, it is now only accessible at high tide and can be included in the cruise only on those days with suitable tidal conditions.
Angus Inlet
Originally separating Torrens and Garden Islands a power station has now closed one end. Wide and easily accessible with mangroves on each side, there are several marinas and a small ships graveyard leading to the power station. Here the discharge warms the water and dolphins often visit. Visited when Broad Creek is not available.
The Port River Dolphins
A pod of bottlenose dolphins, estimated at more than 30 animals, has made the Port
Estuary home. These friendly animals are regularly seen cruising, feeding or playing
in the area and the Port Adelaide Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society maintains
a watch and cares for sick or injured dolphins. The Society has identified and named many of these dolphins and a portion of every passenger fare paid to Spirit of the Port Cruises goes to the Society to assist in dolphin care and research.
The Birdlife
The estuarine environment of the Port River is a haven for a wide range of bird life. From the large Australian pelican, local gulls, waders, cormorants and migratory birds of the tidal flats to the tiny blue wrens and flycatchers of the mangrove forest. |
Cruising: Tuesdays & Saturdays
Duration: 11.00 am to 3.30 pm.
Adult $78 –
Senior $74
Child $58 (3-14 yrs)
Family $244 (2 adults + 2 children)
Coach pickup in the CBD Adelaide:
Adelaide Sightseeing 1300 769 762
• Dolphin Watching
• View the Ships graveyard
• Mangrove Interpretive Centre
• Expert commentary
• Plasma Screen viewing
• Guided walk
For further information
and
bookings:
Main Wharf, Goolwa SA 5214
Australia: 1 800 442
203
International: +61 8 8555 2203
Fax: (08) 8555 5101
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