Reviewed by: Upside News
Review by Gigi Pinwill | 05 March 2024
All aboard for a buzzing party vibe: from pumping surround-sound music and well-stocked bar to extras like twinkling fairy lights and tasteful bunting! After a fun safety induction from super friendly and welcoming staff, we set off past the Adelaide Festival Centre and other city highlights quickly realising there are more beautiful trees and bullrushes in CBD Adelaide from this watery perspective than even we locals generally realise. While a full boat of patrons happily chatted and laughed, the first 40 minutes of our journey took us as far west as Torrens Weir: a large, impressive structure rarely seen from off-the-water and a fun photo opportunity. We passed waterside restaurant Red Ochre Barrel + Grill, tennis courts, and other sometimes hidden treasures accessed by land via War Memorial Drive. Next we docked back at our departure point for a toilet break, on shore. Toilets were respectable, but no soap in dispensers on this occasion. However, sanitiser provided onboard. The second half of our journey we travelled through idyllic and nature abounding regions near University of Adelaide, Adelaide Zoo, and beyond. We even saw the top of the chimpanzee’s enclosure. We journeyed at a leisurely pace until the riverbank rose high around us, alive with flora and beauty! Passengers took to the dance floor amid views feeling like untouched nature! We arrived back to civilisation about 1.5 hours after initial departure. So delightful passing underneath Adelaide’s iconic bridges like Albert Bridge with wine or cider in-hand onboard Popeye III! I’d recommend arriving early to secure best seats, and eating beforehand as no food provided. If sound sensitive, maybe this is not the event for you. Enchanting experience ideal for a group of fun friends or for making new friends while dancing on the Torrens River!