Adelaide Hills & River Murray Lunch Cruise: 3-hour paddle wheeler

Relax with a two-course meal and wetland views from the Captain Proud’s observation deck

This 8.5-hour tour from Adelaide combines a drive through the Adelaide Hills with a 3-hour lunch cruise on the Captain Proud, a side paddle wheeler on the Murray River. You start at Mount Lofty for panoramic views over the city, pass Thorngrove Manor and the 1860s Bridgewater Mill, then board the boat for a 2-course meal and time on deck or in the observation area watching the river landscape. The tour ends with free time to explore Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. Groups stay under 24 passengers, a live English-speaking guide leads the day, and pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Adelaide Hills and River Murray Cruise

• View Adelaide City from Mount Lofty
• Drive past Thorngrove Manor
• Visit Bridgewater Mill and Waterwheel
• Board Captain Proud for lunch cruise
• Enjoy 2 course lunch on 3 hour cruise
• Relax and observe Murray River scenery
• Free time in Hahndorf village

The experience

The day starts at Mount Lofty, where you look out over Adelaide's panorama: the vantage point Mathew Flinders discovered in 1802. From there the drive takes you through the Adelaide Hills past Thorngrove Manor, a baroque-style hotel, and into the charming town of Bridgewater to see the old mill and its waterwheel, built in 1860 by a mill engineer from Devonshire. The mill now houses Petaluma wines and a restaurant, a landmark of the area's cultural draw.

Then you board the Captain Proud for the 3-hour cruise. The paddle wheeler heads upriver toward spectacular cliffs or explores the lower reaches around Murray Bridge depending on conditions: either way, you sit down to a 2-course lunch while the landscape unfolds. Between courses or after, you can move to the observation area overlooking the wetlands, or visit the licensed bar. The pace is built for watching the river, not rushing through it.

After the cruise, you have free time in Hahndorf to walk around the town on your own. The settlement has the charm of its German heritage and draws visitors year-round. An air-conditioned vehicle carries the group throughout, and the guide stays with you from start to finish.

What’s included

• Lunch (2 courses).
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel or city pickup.
• free time in Hahndorf.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by CP Tours and Charters

Is this one for you?The small group size (under 24 passengers) and fixed itinerary mean the day stays organized without you building it: transport, the cruise timing and the meal are all arranged so you move through the Adelaide Hills and the Murray River without managing logistics between stops.

Traveler reviews

4.38★★★★★★★★★★

436 verified traveler reviews

5 ★264

4 ★102

3 ★50

2 ★11

1 ★9

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Bridgewater Mill and why does the tour stop there?

Bridgewater Mill, built in 1860 by mill engineer John Dunn, sits in the Adelaide Hills and is now home to Petaluma wines and a restaurant. The tour includes it as a landmark of the area's cultural heritage, though the waterwheel is a static display and not in operation.

Does the Captain Proud paddle wheeler go upriver or downriver?

The Captain Proud heads upriver toward spectacular cliffs or explores the lower reaches around Murray Bridge depending on water conditions: the route varies, but either way you get a full view of the Murray River landscape during the 3-hour cruise.

What does the 2-course lunch include, and can I order drinks?

The lunch is included with the cruise. You can purchase drinks from the licensed bar on board, though alcoholic beverages are not part of the included meal.

What happens if the weather is bad at Mount Lofty?

Mount Lofty can be very cold and fogged in depending on conditions, so the views are weather permitting. You will still visit the location, but visibility may be limited on some days.