Port River exploration Adelaide

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a marine protected area located on the east coast of Gulf St Vincent in and adjoining the north-western part of the Adelaide metropolitan area. It was established in 2005 for the protection of a resident population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). It is a real delight to encounter these wonderful creatures when you paddle in this area – something that happens quite frequently.

Hint: Some of the sanctuary’s resident dolphins have even been given names, like Twinkle and Hunter. You may like to familiarise yourself with their unique markings and see how many you can recognise on your next visit.

Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve (Point A: GPS: 34.7744 S; 138.5124 E)

https://birdssa.asn.au/location/mutton-cove-conservation-reserve/

Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve is on the LeFevre Peninsula adjacent to the Port River. The reserve is part of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. The area has been significantly degraded since European settlement. It is the last remaining biodiverse area of salt marsh and Grey Mangrove (Avicenna marina) woodland including several species of samphire. With periodic breaches of the seawall at Mutton Cove, inundation is occurring more readily and the damage becoming more and more progressive. Friends of Mutton Cove aim to preserve the diverse vegetation of Mutton Cove and to protect the habitat of native birds, reptiles, and migratory birds.

The corroding shell of the screw steamer Excelsior (1897 – 1945) also sits in the Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve, and the paddle steamer the Jupiter can be seen where it was abandoned nearby around 1945.

City of Adelaide ship (Point B: GPS: 34.8415 S; 138.5079 E)
The City of Adelaide is the world’s oldest surviving clipper ship. Built-in Sunderland, England, and launched on 7 May 1864 it was used for transporting passengers and goods between Britain and Australia. Between 1864 and 1887 the ship made 23 annual return voyages from London and Plymouth to Adelaide, South Australia playing an important part in early immigration to Australia.

The City of Adelaide was returned to Adelaide in recent years. The creation of a maritime precinct within Port Adelaide’s inner harbor is planned to include the City of Adelaide and several other historic vessels and to tell this important story to young and old, as part of the state’s living history.

Hart’s Mill:
The Hart’s Mill complex has its origins in the construction of a multi-storey flour production facility at Prince’s Wharf in 1855. Captain John Hart, for whom the mill is named, was the major shareholder in its establishment and operation. An English mariner who arrived in Western Australia in 1829, Hart spent the next decade operating coastal trading vessels in Australian waters.

Hart invested in the shore-based whaling station at Encounter Bay and managed the facility between 1839 and 1846. He retired from the sea completely in 1846 and moved to Adelaide.
Hart was a parliamentarian during the 1850s and early 1860s and served as South Australia’s Premier (a title he introduced) during the years 1865-66, 1868, and 1870-71. More information available on the History Hub website.

Hart’s Mill is a prominent landmark in Port Adelaide’s history and the precinct is now evolving into an energetic community hub.

Fisherman’s Wharf:
The Fisherman’s Wharf markets established over 20 years ago, occupying a waterfront site near the Lighthouse at Port Adelaide. They provide a vibrant mix of stalls, sights, food, and sounds for the whole family to enjoy. A visit to the Fishermen’s Wharf Market, which is open on Sundays and Public Holidays, is a delightful part of experiencing the numerous attractions of the vibrant and historic Port Adelaide area.