Popeye and Paddle Boats on the Torrens River

06/06/2026

Ian Keith Kershaw‎ sent a photo; “One old Popeye full and heading towards the Zoo and another docked to take on passengers. They were very popular! I wonder if the new ones have the same attraction?”
Thanks Ian, one of those ageless charms of Adelaide. Back in 1958 the Women’s Weekly wrote “Adelaide wouldn’t swap this miniature waterway and fleet for the Grand Canal and all the gondolas of Venice” The article goes on to give a little bit of history….”The Popeyes are 38 foot long and have been plying the Torrens Lake for 21 years (which is now 83 years).
Why Popeye? Captain G S Watts, skipper of the fleet explained, “Well, we had to call them something and back in 1937 ‘Popeye the Sailor was all the rage. You couldn’t open a newspaper without seeing comic-strip drawings of him eating his spinach”.

16/05/2026

Chocolate & banana cake ready. Lemon’s next😊

27/04/2026

Happy 90th Birthday!

16/04/2026

Back at the High Teas again today!

Don’t forget to book for Mothers Day, a regal treat she’ll never forget!

Sit back and see Adelaide from the best seat in the house, by cruising along The Torrens River in the heart of the city in a heritage icon. Special events, private charters and regular sightseeing cruises are available from Elder Park, Adelaide.

14/04/2026

The sun’s out! & we’re ready for school holiday fun! How beautiful do our new boats look😊

13/04/2026

Enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard the Popeye or a paddle on Captain Jolleys Paddle Boats these school holidays.

27/03/2026

Whew, what a fringe! We hosted more than 120 people on our luxurious High Tea, all on our humble little boat.

It's all worth it for the smiles!

17/03/2026

This sunday's luxurious high tea is all sold out...

But don't worry there's another next sunday 🥂🥂

Head to our website to book now for the 29th:

MAKE A BOOKING

22/02/2026

First Fringe Popeye High Tea for the season.

18/01/2026

School holiday fun! Pick your favorite colour. 🌈
Open 11am every day.