Connecting Community, Culture, and Conservation on the Port River Featuring Port River Cruises
Port River Cruises
Port River Cruises are the winners of the 2026 Best Tourism Experience Nick Blight Award.
Operating within the marine tourism sector, Port River Cruises has established itself as an economic driver for the local region, drawing thousands of customers to Port Adelaide over the past 12 months. By highlighting the area's rich maritime history and showcasing the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, the business effectively fills a distinct gap in the local market while fostering a deep community connection. Owners Tony Coppins & Sandy Hammat have operated in the marine tourism sector for over 15 years, establishing Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari in 2011 and being inducted into the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame.
Deepening Indigenous and Environmental Connections
Tony Coppins, a proud Aboriginal man, collaborates directly with local elders to offer immersive Cultural Cruises. These distinct corporate and community experiences integrate traditional Smoking Ceremonies, Welcome to Country protocols, and native bush tucker platters to educate passengers on the deep Indigenous heritage of the waterway.
Alongside this cultural preservation, environmental protection forms a core pillar of the operation. Port River Cruises has secured formal Eco Accreditation and implemented strict on-board recycling protocols. Furthermore, a recent investment in new, highly efficient marine engines has successfully reduced the commercial vessel's fuel consumption by 30 per cent.
Barriers Removed: A Commitment to True Accessibility
The business continuously demonstrates excellence by removing physical and financial barriers for visitors. Port River Cruises engineered and custom-built a specialised wheelchair ramp and maintains a dedicated transfer wheelchair on-site to assist guests boarding the vessel.
Demonstrating their commitment to community inclusion, the operator provides complimentary tickets to registered companions on all scheduled tours, alongside offering tailored children's activities packs. This service-first ethos is exemplified by their delivery of private charters, including a recent end-of-life voyage arranged specifically to fulfil a passenger's final wish.
"Our connection to the Kaurna community and this unique marine environment is at the heart of everything we do. For us, true hospitality means ensuring every single guest can access the water safely, comfortably, and with a deep respect for the ancient and maritime history of this river."
Member Special: Free of charge tour available. Just give us a call or email us, and mention you are a member – we will put you on free of charge.
Get in touch:
Phone: 08 7082 9608
Email: info@portrivercruises.com.au
Address: 1 McLaren Wharf, Port Adelaide, South Australia 5015
Website: www.portrivercruises.com.au
