Torrens River Paddle Boats

Such an Adelaide institution!
I think pretty much every single person in this fair city paddled their hearts out along the Torrens on these primary-​coloured boats when they were kids. If you didn’t: YOU MISSED OUT AND WILL NEVER AGAIN HAVE THE CHANCE TO RECLAIM YOUR YOUTH.
Wow that came out harsher than intended. But it still stands. Nostalgia aside, the paddle boats are a great novelty and cute way to spend a pocket of holiday time whether you’re a kid or grown up– but as Kristy warned, if you take a little one on the boats, you *will* be doing 99% of the paddling. More fun that legit exercise in my book anyway.
The river is smooth sailing, and it’s a lovely local experience to glide past the black swans (don’t be fooled they will attack you for your sandwiches) and reeds along the river bank, watching the sights from a unique perspective. Going under bridges is especially fun.
If it’s ridiculously hot (and c’mon, we’re in Adelaide, when isn’t it?), the boats also have handy umbrellas to keep you in the shade.
Highly recommended for the little people, only topped by a ride on the Popeye and a trip to the zoo!

Guys… Im pretty sure there aren’t any paddle boats left on the Torrens.
No wait I was just corrected by my mother, god bless her, they were only gone when the Torrens had to be drained, what a sad time for Adelaide that was. Imagine what they found at the bottom amongst the radioactive fish…
The paddle boats are colourful and leisurely while you get a work out at the same time! Watch out for the massive fountains of water though, they could tip you and send you to davey jones locker which is where all sailors go when they die… or something along those lines.
Paddling is fun but I remember finding it awfully strenuous as a kid and so my mum ended up paddling most of the way with murder in her eyes.

The brightly coloured paddle boats are an Adelaide institution. Show me a self respecting South Aussie who’s never been on the Paddle Boats on the Torrens and I’ll show you someone who’s allegiances lie across the border. They’ve been around for so many years now that I’m sure nearly every living Adelaidean bugged their parents for a ride on them when they were kids.
Technically known as Captain Jolleys Paddle Boats, they’re available for hire just down from the Festival Theatre near the Popeye landing in Elder Park. The cost is $ 15 per adult and the boats are open between 10am and 5pm 7 days a week. If the weather’s dodgy though you will find the paddle boats closed for the day.
There’s nothing better than a paddle around the fountains on the Torrens as you avoid the water sprays and then glide amongst the beautiful black swans and ibis. If you have your camera with you don’t forget to look back and take a photo of Elder Park from the water — it’s a view that you don’t always get to see.
Just be aware that when you go on the paddle boats with a younger person, you usually end up doing all the leg work when they get puffed out but it’s a small price to pay though for such good fun.