BBQ Buoys
ProHighlights
- Round self-drive boats on the River Torrens that need no boat licence to skipper
- Each buoy seats up to 10 and comes with either a gas barbecue or a table in the centre
- Plates, cutlery, tongs, a Bluetooth speaker and an esky full of ice are supplied on every cruise
About BBQ Buoys
BBQ Buoys hires out round, self-drive boats on the River Torrens from Pinky Flat in North Adelaide. Each buoy has a shade canopy, room for up to 10 people and either a gas barbecue or a table fitted in the centre. No boat licence is needed, and the business welcomes all ages. Every cruise comes stocked with eco-friendly plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, tongs, a Bluetooth speaker and an esky packed with ice. Groups can bring their own food, or order cheese and meat grazing boards or barbecue packs. Alcohol cannot be brought on board, but drinks packages and a range of South Australian beers and wines are sold. Boats travel the stretch between the Torrens Weir and the Frome Road Bridge, and after dark they stay between the weir and the King William Street bridge. Swimming, fishing and feeding the birds are not allowed, and each group tidies its buoy before handing it back. The operator names birthdays, hens and bucks outings, corporate events, team building, and Christmas functions among the groups it hosts. Larger parties can book several buoys at once. Full payment is taken when the booking is made. The business is run by the Shuman family, who also run Popeye River Cruises and Captain Jolleys Paddle Boats on the same river. Parking is along War Memorial Drive, and the nearest public toilets are at the golf course and the weir kiosk.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit on one BBQ Buoy?
Each buoy carries up to 10 people. The enquiry form lists group sizes up to 38, so bigger parties are spread across more than one boat.
Do we need a boat licence to drive it?
No licence is required. The buoys are self-drive and designed for groups with no boating experience, and the business says they suit all ages.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Your own food is welcome, and the barbecue buoys need you to bring the meat, salad and oil (no spray oil). Alcohol cannot be brought on board, but drinks packages and South Australian beers and wines are available to buy.
Where on the river can we go?
Pick-up and return are at Pinky Flat, and boats may travel between the Torrens Weir and the Frome Road Bridge. After sunset the area shrinks to the stretch between the weir and the King William Street bridge.
Is there parking and a toilet at the hire station?
There is no parking on site, but four-hour spaces line War Memorial Drive. The hire station is a caravan with no bathroom, so guests use the public toilets at the golf course, the weir kiosk.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Peter R
3 weeks ago
Had the best 50th bithday. Great time cruising the torrens. Food&drinks pack was perfect. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Cant wait to do it again. 😃
Emma Pereira
6 months ago
Even the chilly weather couldn’t ruin this experience! Relaxing, great scenery especially with the Gather Round atmosphere, and the platter & snags were delicious!
Issa Lahleh
10 months ago
We had a family gathering and we booked this service. We had an AMAZING experience! A wonderful time spent with the family, and the cruise was awsome. A big thank you to Jamie who has been very kind and helpful. An extra…
Karen Ross
10 months ago
Four adults and two teenagers enjoyed a fantastic time in a bbq buoy the week before Christmas. Jamie gave us clear instructions before starting up our barbecue and setting us off. He and his team, including the cute dog…
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