Adelaide City Kayak Tour with Earth Adventure | Review

Adelaide City Kayak Tour with Earth Adventure – Review

by Carla Caruso

View the CBD from the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri and paddle past riverbank icons along the way on this scenic, guided tour.

The River Torrens is as quintessentially South Australian as the Mall’s Balls and FruChocs.

But how close have you ever really got to it?

Well, we got super-up-close and personal recently during a 90-minute, guided Adelaide city kayak tour with Earth Adventure. 

The company offers all sorts of outdoor adventures, from rock-climbing and abseiling to snorkelling and surfing. Experiences range from half-day adventures to day trips, multi-day experiences, and private, bespoke tours.

But back to the kayaking… My sister and my twin sons joined me on the caper. My kayaking experience was limited to once doing a guided tour in Port Adelaide and undertaking a week-long aquatics course on the Onkaparinga in high school (where I remember getting stuck on the reeds for eons, without much help).

This was far better than my high school experience!

Our tour guide was very chilled, accommodating, and informative.

After taking us through the basics of kayaking and safety aspects at Pinky Flat, he helped us into the water in our double kayaks – life-jackets provided. (Nicely, we were able to stow any valuables in the company’s van and were given a waterproof pouch to put our phones in, in case we wanted to take any pics on the water.)

With the double kayaks, it’s asked that the stronger kayaker sits at the back as they have to steer and paddle. (I left this to my sister.)

If you’re totally new to kayaking, going the river option is great as it’s smooth sailing, without any currents. As our tour guide told us, they haven’t had anyone capsize on the Torrens yet. It’s pretty easy to get into the swing of things.

We first paddled to the Torrens Weir, where we were given some of its history, then we headed back in the direction of the Adelaide Zoo.

Along the way, we floated past landmarks like the Red Ochre Barrel & Grill, SkyCity casino and Adelaide Oval, plus the iconic origami-like boat sculptures, the King William Road bridge, and wild birdlife.

We also encountered other marine traffic, such as the Popeye and BBQ Buoys. It was very easy to keep out of each other’s way and evoked a sense of community on the water.

While we did catch a sprinkle of rain while out, it didn’t last long, and it was actually nice to see the raindrops pinging on the water. (Earth Adventure advises you dress for the weather and assume you’ll get a bit wet from the paddles. I’m glad I brought a towel for later and could’ve done with some waterproof pants or a change of clothes!)

Each guided tour is limited to a maximum of eight people, and kids must be at least eight years old and accompanied by an adult.

Would we do it again? You betcha. As an Adelaidean (or otherwise), it’s a great way to get a deeper understanding of the waterway – while making memories.

What we like about it

It’s a truly unique way to experience Adelaide’s CBD, from a fresh vantage point!

Things to consider

Bring clothes and shoes (like Crocs!), which you don’t mind getting wet. And don’t forget a towel for your car trip home, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

Coffee and food options nearby

The historic Lounders Boatshed Cafe is nearby. Read our review of it here. 

Location:

For more information, please visit Earth Adventure’s website here.

What:  Adelaide city kayak tour with Earth Adventure

When:   Various times

Where:  River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri, Adelaide CBD