Events at Port Princess Dolphin Cruises, Port Adelaide

About Port Princess Dolphin Cruises

Port Princess Dolphin Cruises was a long-running Port Adelaide attraction – a double-deck tour boat (built in South Australia and launched in 1997) that took visitors through the Port River to see wild dolphins and local landmarks. For two decades the family-run Port Princess was a unique part of Adelaide’s maritime character (www.abc.net.au) (www.abc.net.au). The boat was licensed to carry 200 passengers (www.abc.net.au) and became well-known for its friendly captain and commentary. Captain Brian Thomas had been running dolphin tours in the Port since 1993, originally on the smaller MV Foxy Lady and then on the purpose-built MV Port Princess. By 2017, after 20 years (and reduced business due to parking changes and a new competitor), the owners retired and the MV Port Princess left Adelaide (www.abc.net.au) (www.abc.net.au). This was widely lamented by the community – even the city mayor noted the boat was “certainly well-known and will be sadly missed” (www.abc.net.au). Today, the Port Princess lives on in local memory as a symbol of Port Adelaide’s tourism charm.

Although the Port Princess brand has ended, dolphin watching in the Port continues under new operators. Visitors to Port Adelaide can still book guided cruises with companies like Port River Cruises (operating a similar catamaran) or Dolphin Explorer Cruises, using essentially the same wharf location at McLaren Wharf. In other words, the legacy of the Port Princess survives through these tours. The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is an official marine protected area, home to around 30 resident bottlenose dolphins (with hundreds of transients visiting) (www.abc.net.au) (portrivercruises.com.au). The Port River itself is a rich habitat of ancient mangroves (some 10,000 years old) and birds (portrivercruises.com.au), anchored by historic items like the “Ships’ Graveyard” of abandoned steamers and barges. This mix of cultural history and nature is what makes the cruise so special – tourists see wharfs, dry docks and heritage sites onshore while hoping to spot dolphins, shearwaters and pelicans along the way (portrivercruises.com.au). In short, Port Princess Dolphin Cruises (and its successors) mattered because they offered a rare chance to experience Port Adelaide’s maritime heritage and wildlife in one trip.

Events and Programming

The Port Princess experience was primarily a sightseeing cruise rather than a traditional “event venue,” but the operators did offer variations to appeal to different audiences. The standard program was a scenic dolphin-and-gravesite tour of about 90 minutes, running multiple times a day (in prior years often at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm) (portrivercruises.com.au) (portrivercruises.com.au). These daytime cruises included commentary by the captain about local history and pointing out wildlife. Families were common; activities included storytelling about the river and a special children’s activity pack for younger guests (www.tripadvisor.com.au). The boat had an onboard bar and dining area, so snacks and drinks were available throughout the cruise. Many passengers chose to add a meal: a popular option was fish-and-chips with dessert (the menu was chosen on boarding) (www.tripadvisor.com.au). In 2020, customers reported that adding the lunch package cost around A$25 and included freshly cooked fish & chips and sweets (www.tripadvisor.com.au).

Besides the regular cruises, the Port Princess also ran occasional special sails. These included two- or three-hour heritage cruises (sometimes featuring visits past the naval dockyards or a 2,500-ton submarine on the slipway), sunset cruises with evening views, and festive holiday cruises. Dinner cruises were offered at times, with larger meal spreads; for example, one 2014 review mentions a 4-hour dinner cruise (including food and entertainment) that cost about $55 per person (www.tripadvisor.com.au). The vessel could also be chartered for private events – it was popular for birthday parties, corporate outings, weddings and school excursions. In fact, local history and cultural tours were featured, leveraging the rich Kaurna Aboriginal heritage of the Port River area. While on-board concerts or celebrity performances were rare, the company sometimes advertised themed cruises (for example, live folk music evenings or community festival tie-ins). Overall, events at Port Princess Dolphin Cruises were family-friendly and informative rather than pop-concert style – essentially guided tours of the Port River ecosystem with the occasional special dinner option.

Tickets and Booking

Since Port Princess Dolphin Cruises technically closed in 2017, there is no “Port Princess” ticket office today. However, the practical information still applies to current operators using the same wharf, namely Port River Cruises and Dolphin Explorer Cruises. Tickets for dolphin cruises should be booked in advance, especially during summer holidays and long weekends when tours sell out quickly. Walk-up purchases can be risky if you arrive on a busy day. In past years, tickets were sold online and at the wharf kiosk next to the red-and-white lighthouse (at 1 McLaren Wharf) (portrivercruises.com.au). Nowadays, it’s best to check the official Port River Cruises website or local tourism guides for booking procedures, or call the operator for real-time availability. Tickets typically go on sale a few months or weeks before the departure date and are offered as timed entries. Families and groups should book together, as private group tours can also be arranged.

Pricing varies by cruise type. A standard 90-minute dolphin and ships-cruising tour has cost around $80–$100 per adult in recent years (children at reduced rates) (www.tripadvisor.com.au). For example, one reseller lists a 90-minute tour at about AU$88 per adult. Shorter “express” tours (no meal) may be slightly cheaper, while the 2-hour extended cruises can be a bit more. Lunch-included sailings or special charters are higher: in 2020 one observer noted lunch added $25 to an adult ticket (www.tripadvisor.com.au), and a 2014 dinner cruise was $55pp (www.tripadvisor.com.au). Concession fares (students, seniors) or family deals are sometimes offered by the operator. Cheapest tickets are usually standard daytime tours; peak season and evening cruises can cost extra.

When booking, look for tiered pricing or online specials. Some tour companies bundle a Port Adelaide pub meal voucher or museum entry with the cruise. If a particular date is popular (like school holidays), try booking early or off-peak times. Note that ticket offices might have limited hours, so if purchasing on site, arrive well before departure. If dealing with private charters, there may be minimum group sizes (often 16–20 people) and a personalized rate. Overall, expect to book through legitimate channels – check that the provider is accredited. Tip: read reviews (e.g. on TripAdvisor) before buying to make sure you get the right cruise length and amenities for your group.

Seating and Layout

The Port Princess itself (and similar boats now in use) was a spacious catamaran with multiple decks designed for sightseeing. Access was via a gangway from the wharf. By far the most popular seating was on the outside decks, where you get 360° open-air views of the river and dolphins. The upper deck (open-air with sun canopies) was great in fair weather – you could stand at the rail for photography and scanning the water. Outdoor seating was also available at the bow and stern on the main deck. Inside the boat was a large air-conditioned lounge and dining area (with windows on both sides) (www.tripadvisor.com.au) (portrivercruises.com.au). This interior had bench seating, a snack bar and the tables for those who paid for on-board meals. Customers commented that the indoor saloon was comfortable and wheelchair-accessible via a lift (www.tripadvisor.com.au) (portrivercruises.com.au).

Seating was generally unassigned, so early arrivals could choose their spot. For a front-row dolphin experience, aim for the outdoor bow or upper decks – dolphins often surface near the boat and the captain frequently guides the vessel to good viewing positions. If you prefer shade or are prone to sunburn, the covered seats inside or under the upper deck canopy are better. One reviewer noted the boat has both sheltered lounge seats and sunny open seats (www.tripadvisor.com.au). A few caveats: avoid standing too far back on the lower deck when the boat is in motion (spray can reach the stern). Also, on windy days an upper deck hat rack is provided. No seat is truly bad – even the indoor cabin offers good windows – but some photos are sharper from topside.

For sections to avoid: try not to crowd the engine room area (usually midship and closed off). If the boat is full, some folks prefer the edges to peer over railings, but keep children safe. The view of Fremantle Markets-like warehouses and tall cranes is clear from anywhere, but perfect sightlines to dolphins come from up front. Notably, the very back of the lower deck (near the galley and bathroom) can be busy during meal time and may feel cramped. Best seats for families with kids are typically outside so children can look into the water. In short: grab a railing on the upper deck for the most open view; otherwise, inside the main cabin is cozy for lunch or hearing the captain’s commentary (www.tripadvisor.com.au). All areas were kept clean with clear sightlines, so it’s mainly about personal preference and weather.

Getting There and Parking

Port Princess (and today's cruises) depart from McLaren Wharf in Port Adelaide. The exact address is 1 McLaren Wharf, Port Adelaide (postcode 5015). A handy landmark is the Port Adelaide Lighthouse – the ticket booth and boarding ramp are directly next to this iconic red-and-white lighthouse tower (portrivercruises.com.au). When you pull up by road, you’ll actually see the wharf extending into the river on the left, adjacent to the historic Fisherman’s Wharf precinct. If using GPS, enter “Port River Cruises” or use the Lighthouse as a guide. The wharf is a short drive north of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, located just off the Port River Expressway.

By car, several parking options exist nearby. On-street parking is available along St. Vincent Street and Commercial Road, with 2-hour limits (free or metered) (portrivercruises.com.au). On weekends or holidays you may find free or cheaper parking a few blocks away; for instance, Harts Mill carpark is a free all-day lot about 500m west (accessible via McLaren Parade) (portrivercruises.com.au). Note that the small Fishermen’s Wharf Hotel carpark immediately opposite the lighthouse was closed for maintenance (as of mid-2025) (portrivercruises.com.au), so plan accordingly. Rideshare services (Uber/DiDi/taxis) can drop you right at the boarding area. There is no major ticketed parking lot at the wharf itself, so most visitors use nearby street parking.

Public transport works too. The closest bus stop is “McLaren Wharf” on Commercial Road, about a 3–5 minute walk to the pier. Several Adelaide Metro buses serve Port Adelaide at a 15–30 minute frequency, including routes along Commercial Road and St. Vincent Street. One convenient strategy is to ride any bus that terminates at McLaren Wharf or Port Adelaide Railway Station and walk the short distance. The Port Adelaide train station (Outer Harbor line) is about 700m south of the wharf; from there it’s a 10-minute walk north along Womma Road and McLaren Parade. In fact, Port River Cruises notes that public transport stops along Commercial Road are within a 5-minute walk of the dock (portrivercruises.com.au). By far the quickest route is a taxi or rideshare from the CBD: downtown Adelaide is roughly 15–20 minutes away, and drivers can drop you directly at the wharf. Late at night, note that regular, return trains stop around midnight; after that taxis and rideshares are the fallback, while some late-night buses (Nightriders) operate on weekends.

Inside the Venue

Once on board, visitors find a relaxed, marine-themed atmosphere. Entering is via the port side, where staff scan tickets and ensure everyone puts on a lifejacket (these are mandatory and demonstrated during the pre-departure safety briefing). The Port Princess crew prided themselves on a casual but safe operation. The captain gives a short talk about emergency procedures and then passengers are free to move about the boat. The main deck’s interior is well-lit and comfortable, with several tables and chairs. The snack bar is stocked with drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks) and light bites (chips, ice cream, candy) for purchase. If you pre-ordered lunch or dinner, the food is served at the tables shortly after departure. Families can take advantage of the kids’ menu and colouring kits available on request (www.tripadvisor.com.au). Restrooms are located at the rear of the cabin and kept clean throughout the cruise.

The ambience onboard is generally laid-back. The vessel was never jam-packed, so queuing lines were minimal. There was no formal coat check, but passengers could hang jackets on rail hooks. DJs or loud entertainment are not part of this cruise – it’s more like a relaxed harbor tour. Often the captain or crew would engage the crowd with dolphin facts. Seating is unassigned, so some priority may be given to families or seniors. During peak season, some boat tours have a brief intermission mid-trip for photography (everyone lines up along the rail to watch the whales or seabirds). If the boat does stop or drift for wildlife viewing, staff usually remind everyone to remain seated.

In terms of special facilities: the Port Princess had a wheelchair lift at the boarding ramp and an onboard elevator, making the main cabin accessible (www.tripadvisor.com.au) (portrivercruises.com.au). Parents with strollers found ramp access easy. For connectivity, the boat does not advertise Wi-Fi, so expect no internet service once you leave the marina. That said, many guests simply turn off their phones and enjoy the view. There’s no official coat check or baggage locker, so it’s best to keep valuables in a small daypack. One useful tip: because the river breeze can be cool, even on sunny days bring a light jacket. Also, since the boat serves food and drink onboard, check the menu prices first (non-alcoholic drinks and snacks were reasonably priced). Photography is encouraged – you’re welcome to use flash or video cameras. Drones are generally not allowed (to comply with wildlife rules and harbor regulations). Overall, going aboard feels like a casual aquatic outing: the focus is on scenery and dolphins, so the boat’s interior supports comfort (toilet, air-conditioning, bar) without distractions.

Nearby Amenities

The boarding point at McLaren Wharf is at the heart of Port Adelaide’s redeveloped waterside. Directly adjacent is the Fishermen’s Wharf precinct, which houses several pubs, cafés and a hotel. For a pre-cruise meal or post-cruise drinks, popular choices include the Lighthouse Wharf Hotel (a modern gastro-pub right on the quay) (www.tripadvisor.com.au) and the historic British Hotel Port Adelaide (a classic Aussie pub about 1–2 streets away) (www.tripadvisor.com.au). Both serve hearty pub fare and have outdoor beer gardens. Just a minute’s walk past the Lighthouse Hotel is the Banksia Tree Café (café/lunch spot) and Portside Tavern. The quirky La Popular Taqueria (Mexican, about 900m away) and Carmine (Italian, 1.1km away) also get great reviews (www.tripadvisor.com.au) (www.tripadvisor.com.au). For grab-and-go lunches, there’s AguaGibbs bakery and a fish-and-chips shop on St. Vincent Street.

If you need to kill time before a cruise, the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre (inside the Harts Mill building) is a short stroll west on Commercial Road. It has restrooms and staff who can answer quick queries. There are also brief museums nearby: the Port Adelaide Maritime Museum and the Dolphin Interpretive Centre (though the latter is seasonal). Shopping options include nautical gift shops and a surf shop along Commercial Road.

For overnight stays, the luxury Lighthouse Wharf Hotel on the wharf offers waterfront rooms and fine dining (Conrad Hotel group) – it’s actually where many tourists staying in Port Adelaide book due to proximity. A bit farther (2 km) is the Travelodge or Ibis hotels near the Entertainment Centre, and the city center of Adelaide is only a 15-minute drive. Late-night options: the buses from Port Adelaide run until about midnight usually (earlier Sun–Thu), so if your cruise ends late you may need a taxi or rideshare back to the city. There is no strict dress code at the boat or surrounding venues – casual beachwear or smart casual is perfectly fine. Insiders say arriving 20–30 minutes early gives you time to find parking or a bite to eat in one of the quayside pubs. After the cruise, the same pubs serve as debrief spots – The British Hotel and Carlise Tavern (on Port Road) are open late and are great for a post-cruise drink. Finally, for transportation home: street parking is abundant (free after 8pm in many spots), and taxis can be flagged on Commercial Road. Port Adelaide is generally safe at night but stay on main roads after dark.

What Makes This Venue Special

Several factors set Port Princess Dolphin Cruises apart and made it a beloved Adelaide experience. First, it combined wildlife watching with local history. Few Australian cities have a dolphin sanctuary located so close to a downtown port. The Port River is full of natural treasures (millennia-old mangroves and a migratory bird sanctuary) but also relics of industry (sheep punts, old wooden ships rusting in the North Arm). Cruising on the Port Princess (or the newer tour boats) meant you float past World War II-era submarines, colonial wharves, and the active DMG shipyard, all while looking out for pod dolphins. This juxtaposition of old and new – the crumbling Ships’ Graveyard alongside a modern catamaran – held strong appeal. Even local media noted that passengers included visitors from overseas who “always come on my boat” when they visit Adelaide (www.abc.net.au).

Second, the Port Princess was run by excited local guides. The captain would cheerfully point out a dolphin fin or an ibis roosting in the mangroves, and children were kept engaged. That personal touch – the owner-source-captain integrity – gave the boat character that no other Adelaide attraction had. The Cape Grim breeze, Indonesian-style fish lunch, and constant promise of dolphins made every cruise a small adventure. (One TripAdvisor reviewer compared the view from the boat to that of a cosy 1920s rail carriage on water (www.tripadvisor.com.au).)

Third, it connected people to Port Adelaide’s renaissance. Traditional locals have stories of “dinner at Fishersman’s Wharf then onto the Princess for a night-sail.” The homey tradition of Port Princess cruises brought together families, sports clubs, and even cruise-ship passengers (often disembarking in nearby Outer Harbour) to spend the afternoon in the Port. Being on the river at sunset, watching dolphins somersault while city lights glimmered, became a kind of local rite of passage. This cultural impact was highlighted when the government recognized Port River Cruises as an award-winning tourism business (SA Tourism Awards, 2023) – a nod to the fact that these dolphin tours are now a signature Greater Adelaide attraction (portrivercruises.com.au).

Lastly, on a practical note, there is really nothing else like it in the area. You won’t find dolphin tours in Holdfast Bay (dolphins there are usually offshore), and the only other dolphin-watching in Adelaide is a boat from Glenelg which is smaller and mainly photographic. Port Princess stood out because it could carry large groups (families, tour buses) in one go – up to 200 people at once (www.abc.net.au) – and had onboard facilities (toilets, cafeteria) that smaller boats didn’t have. For artists and photographers, the lighting at dusk and dawn in the Port River is stunning, and they often rented the boat for those reasons too. In summary, it was special for its combination of wildlife, history, comfort and heart. Perhaps that explains why even after two decades, people still reminisce fondly about the Port Princess experience (www.abc.net.au) (www.abc.net.au).

Visitor Tips and Information

• Accessibility: The cruise is wheelchair-friendly. A boarding ramp and onboard lift make the main cabin accessible (www.tripadvisor.com.au) (portrivercruises.com.au). Let the operator know in advance if you need a mobility aid. Children and seniors are welcome; strollers and prams can be used via the ramp. There are grab bars and toilets on board for convenience;
• What to bring: Dress in layers. The sun can be strong, so bring a hat and sunscreen (the boat is open-air). A windbreaker or light jacket is handy in cooler months – although it’s rare to get wet, the river breeze can be chilly. Wear non-slip shoes (the deck can be slippery on damp days). Binoculars and a camera are recommended. The boat provides lifejackets and often a snack menu, but you may buy extra snacks and drinks. Cash or card will work for onboard bar purchases;
• Age & fitness: There is no lower age limit – babies and children ride free or reduced. The short, calm cruise is fine for unaccompanied children from 12 and up; under 12s should be with an adult. There are no strenuous aspects, but people with severe mobility issues should inform staff. Seniors appreciate the sit-down tour vibe. Pregnant women should be cautious – it’s usually smooth, but the boat does move;
• Food & drink: Outside food and drink are generally not allowed (the boat runs a small snack bar). Onboard menu includes light meals and a licensed bar with beer, wine and soft drinks. A special lunch package (fish & chips + dessert) is optional but must be chosen in advance for a small surcharge (www.tripadvisor.com.au). Alcohol is served responsibly – children must have adult supervision at the bar;
• Photography rules: You may take photos and videos freely (flash is allowed). Please be respectful of other guests. Avoid using flash at night to not disturb dolphins. Drones and fishing are forbidden in the sanctuary area;
• Weather policy: Tours run rain or shine (the vessel is covered inside). If weather is extremely poor, the operator may cancel for safety. In that case you should get a full refund or rebooking. Be sure to check the forecast (the operator will not guarantee any sightings, however (portrivercruises.com.au)). As Port River Cruises advises: “Check local weather; dress to the conditions” (portrivercruises.com.au) and know that the tour is never a high-speed wet experience – you should stay dry;
• Arrival time: Board at least 15 minutes before departure to secure good seats. The ticket booth may close early on slow days if the staff are on tour – calling ahead or booking online is wise (portrivercruises.com.au). Keep your ticket/time on hand as you may be asked for it again.
• Common mistakes: Underestimating the Port spelling (“River” vs “R.”) – GPS to “Lighthouse, Port Adelaide” is easiest. Forgetting cash (some boats want $10 bills) for drinks. Over-packing a large bag (space is limited). Assuming dolphins are always around – sightings are likely (30+ live there) but not guaranteed (portrivercruises.com.au). If no dolphins appear, it’s still a scenic port cruise.
• Safety first: Listen to the safety briefing. Keep arms inside railings, especially if leaning out to watch dolphins. Never walk around the boat during docking or wiggle near the edge when in motion;
• COVID/Emergency protocols: As a precaution, tours may have reduced capacity and hand-sanitiser onboard. Masks are usually not required on outdoor decks. For any illness situation, staff will direct you to the nearest facilities at the wharf.