Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour

Garden Island, AU
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Restroom on board
  • inclusion
    Mobility and/or wheelchair ramp

Meeting Point

Our Ticket Booth and dock are located next to Port Adelaide's famous red and white lighthouse.

Meeting point

Port Adelaide SA 5015 , Australia

End point

End Point

Our Ticket Booth and dock are located next to Port Adelaide's famous red and white lighthouse.

Meeting point

Port Adelaide SA 5015 , Australia

End point

What to expect

1

Garden Island Ships' Graveyard

The remains of at least 40 abandoned vessels lie embedded in silt and partially hidden by mangroves in the backwaters of the Port River, in Adelaide's north west. The collection includes large and small sailing, steam and motor vessels, barges, pontoons and dredges. The Port Adelaide graveyards are made up of five abandonment sites (ships' graveyards), including Garden Island. The Garden Island ships' graveyard is the largest site, with 25 known vessels to have been abandoned between 1909 and 1945. As vessels within the Port fell into disrepair or were no longer viable, harbour authorities needed to cater for their disposal. South Australia's relatively shallow gulf waters meant that scuttling at sea was not generally an option. The alternative was that most obsolete vessels were beached and broken up at various sites around Port Adelaide - some were completely salvaged but others were only partially scrapped.

Duration 30 minutes
2

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary

The Ade­laide Dol­phin Sanc­tu­ary is one of the gems of met­ro­pol­i­tan Ade­laide. Locat­ed only 20 min­utes from Ade­laide, this marine park is home to around 30 res­i­dent bot­tlenose dol­phins, with anoth­er 400 tran­sient dol­phins that vis­it at var­i­ous times. These wild dol­phins come here to feed, play, socialise and nurse their calves. Inside the Sanc­tu­ary you will find a 10,000 year-old man­grove for­est, as well as sea­grass, salt­marsh, tidal flats and tidal creeks, which all pro­vide habi­tat and food for the dol­phins. The Sanc­tu­ary is a part of South Aus­trali­a’s largest port, and has a num­ber of Abo­rig­i­nal and Euro­pean cul­tur­al and his­tor­i­cal places of interest. The area is also a pop­u­lar bird watch­ing site and shares most of its north­ern coastal habi­tat with the Ade­laide Inter­na­tion­al Bird Sanc­tu­ary.

Duration 30 minutes
3

Port Adelaide

The area now known as Port Adelaide was traditionally inhabited by the Kaurna people, who also occupied the Adelaide Plains, the Barossa Valley, the western side of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and northwards past Snowtown. The Kaurna people called the Port Adelaide area Yartapuulti, and the estuarine area Yertabulti, which means ‘land of sleep or death’. Port Adelaide was founded by European settlers January 6th, 1837, although it was originally known by the title Port Creek Settlement. Shipping began one month after foundation although at that time it was unsuitable for large ships who had to instead land at Holdfast Bay until the port was chartered.

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Port River Cruises

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary nearby.
  • icon
    Check out local eateries near the lighthouse.
  • icon
    Dress in layers; it can get chilly at dusk.
  • icon
    Capture the sunset views from the deck.
  • icon
    Arrive early for the best seating options.

More About this Experience

Introduction

The Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes place from October to March. This captivating tour allows you to witness the Port River transform into a mesmerizing twilight hue while cruising past the semi-scuttled vessels in the Ships Graveyard. Your knowledgeable skipper, who doubles as your guide, will share fascinating stories of local history, famous ships, and iconic locations along the way.

What to expect?

During the Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour, you can anticipate a truly unique and unforgettable experience. As you cruise along the Port River, you will be awestruck by the sight of the giant wrecks, partially submerged in the hidden backwaters of the river. These semi-scuttled vessels take on a whole new hue in the twilight light, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Along with the mesmerizing views, you will also learn about the rich maritime history of the area, discovering famous ships and landmarks that have played a significant role in the region's past.

Who is this for?

The Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour is perfect for anyone with a curiosity for maritime history and a love for unique experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a stunning sunset cruise, this tour is designed to appeal to a wide range of individuals. It welcomes both locals and visitors, providing an opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the Port River and learn about the intriguing stories behind the semi-scuttled vessels.

Why book this?

Embarking on the Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour offers a multitude of unique selling points and advantages. Firstly, the tour provides a rare opportunity to witness the twilight transformation of the Port River, creating a truly magical ambiance. Additionally, the knowledgeable skipper-guide adds a personal touch to the experience, sharing captivating stories and historical facts that bring the maritime history of the area to life. Moreover, the complimentary drink provided onboard adds an extra touch of luxury and relaxation to the cruise, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine, beer, or a refreshing soft drink.

Good to know

For potential buyers, it's important to note that the Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour offers facilities to accommodate individuals with mobility needs or wheelchair access. Additionally, there are restrooms available on board for your convenience. The tour's itinerary starts and ends at the ticket booth and dock located next to Port Adelaide's famous red and white lighthouse. Furthermore, throughout the duration of the cruise, a PowerPoint display provides additional information and visuals to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the tour.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the Twilight Ships Graveyard Tour have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback and opinions. Many have expressed their awe at the haunting beauty of the semi-scuttled vessels in the twilight light, creating a truly memorable and captivating experience. The knowledgeable guides have been praised for their engaging storytelling and ability to bring the maritime history of the area to life. Overall, customers have expressed their high satisfaction with the performance of the tour, highlighting it as a must-do activity for both locals and tourists alike.

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