Have you ever wanted to see wild Dolphins from the comfort of land and near the city for free? Then you have a good chance if you follow the Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide.
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Port River Dolphin Trail
If you’re visiting South Australia, one experience that you don’t want to miss is the Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide. This unique trail takes you on a journey through the historic port town of Port Adelaide, while also giving you the opportunity to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dolphin Trail.
What is the Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide?
The Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide is a walking trail that takes you through the historic port town of Port Adelaide. The trail follows the Port River, where you’ll have the opportunity to see wild dolphins swimming and playing in the water. Along the way, you’ll also see historic buildings, museums, and other points of interest.
You can also find other locations on the Port River, where you have a chance to see Dolphins. You will need a car to get to these other locations and you’ll also have a chance to go on a Kayak Trail with Shipwrecks and Dolphins.
Where does the Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide Start?
The Dolphin Trail starts at the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre, located at 66 Commercial Road. From there, you’ll follow the signs to the trail, which runs along the Port River.
You can get more information from the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre which is open daily 10 am – 5 pm except Christmas Day.
What can you expect to see on the Dolphin Trail?
On the Dolphin Trail, you’ll see a variety of historic buildings and landmarks, including the Port Adelaide Lighthouse, the South Australian Maritime Museum, and the Port Adelaide Railway Station. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see wild dolphins swimming and playing in the water. These dolphins are known to be very friendly and often swim up to boats and kayaks.
How long does the Dolphin Trail take?
The Dolphin Trail is approximately 5.5 kilometres long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. However, you can take as much time as you like to explore the various points of interest along the way.
What should you bring on the Dolphin Trail?
When walking the Dolphin Trail, it’s important to wear, comfortable shoes, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Additionally, you may want to bring a camera to capture photos of the dolphins and the historic landmarks along the way.
No Luck in Port Adelaide? Try These Other Locations.
Haven’t had any luck finding Dolphins in Port Adelaide? Then try these other locations along the Port River.
Garden Island (2)
Garden Island is a bit out of the way, but it’s less than a 10-minute drive from Port Adelaide.
It’s a lovely parkland with a large car park where birds love to fly around. You have a long Broadwalk beside the Mangroves and over the water, which is a good spot to see Dolphins.
This part of the Dolphin trail in Port Adelaide is also where the Kayak Tours of the Shipwreck, Dolphins and Mangroves leave from.
You get to Garden Island by following the signs when you’re on the Grand Trunkway. To get there from Port Adelaide, take St Vincent Road East, turn left and the end and straight ahead from the traffic lights. This will lead you onto the Grand Trunkway.
Moorhouse Road (3)
Moorhouse Road is a turn-off before Garden Island. There are no signs directing you to this spot, but it has Markets on Sundays and is across the river from Snowdens Beach.
This part of the river is very industrial, but you might be lucky to see a dolphin or two on this side of the river rather than the other.
Largs Bay (4)
Largs Bay is a great beach and has a long Jetty you can go out on to spot Dolphins.
It is like a small village, with cafes, a Kiosk, a Jetty and a walkway along the waterfront.
North Haven Marina (5)
Further along the waterfront from Largs Bay, is North Haven Marina. This is another location to spot a Dolphin or two swimming amongst the moored boats.
Snowden Beach (6)
Snowdens Beach is a nice place to come just to watch the ships go in and out of the Port. There are two large car parks here as well as a small beach and grassed area to walk along.
This is another spot where I have seen Dolphins, but unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos of them. Hopefully, you’ll be luckier than me.
The Port River Sailing Club is also located here with small sailing craft sailing in front of the beach, and hopefully, you’ll have Dolphins playing with them.
To get here, just follow the signs for the Dolphin Sanctuary off Victoria Road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re visiting South Australia, the Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide is a must-see experience. With its historic landmarks and the opportunity to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, it’s a unique and unforgettable journey. So why wait? Plan your trip to the Dolphin Trail of Port Adelaide today and experience the best that South Australia has to offer!
If you want to find more to do while you’re in Port Adelaide, then check out my blogs on Where to Find Beautiful Street Art in Port Adelaide, South Australia, Love Trains at the National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide, S.A. and Enjoy a Tour of the Clipper Ship, City of Adelaide.
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I love dolphins & always get a thrill when I spot some. I’ll save this for my next trip to Adelaide! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Linda. I hope that you see the Dolphins like I did, but also get photos of them, which I didn’t.
Wow! Dolphin watching is so much fun. Bookmarking this post for later.
I hope you enjoy.
This would be fun for the whole family.
It would, Jolayne. You could turn it into a game for the kids, Dolphin Spotting!
I would love to experience the Dolphin Trail! It seems like it would be a great place to visit with the family.
Yes it is.
I love spotting wildlife while traveling so this is so helpful! Looks like such a fun time!
It is, Alanna.
Never heard of Dolphin Trail but it sounds like a great place to visit and you wrote such a comprehensive guide to it. Definitely saving for later!
Thanks, I hope you get to visit the Dolphin Trail one day.