BBQ Buoys Adelaide review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Spend a relaxing afternoon floating on the River Torrens grilling lunch as you go.

BBQ BUOYS

There are far worse ways to spend an afternoon than floating down the River Torrens, a drink in hand and the smell of barbecuing meat wafting on the breeze.

Until relatively recently, your options were the ageing Popeye, or pedal-powering your own paddle boat — both minus the catering.

But since late 2016, visitors to Adelaide’s riverbank have been able to relax and let an engine do the work on their own private BBQ Buoy, drawn from a small fleet of circular craft which cater for groups of up to 10 people. You can BYO food for the barbecue and order drinks when you make your booking.

In summer you can book sunny morning trips to cook bacon and eggs on the barbie, glass of bubbles or mimosa in hand. Or perhaps you’d prefer a balmy evening dinner cruise, steaks on the grill and a beer to wash it down.

Timeslots are more limited during winter months. We set off one cloudy Sunday at 12.30pm for a two-hour lunchtime float.

Spend a relaxing time with friends on the Torrens. Picture: supplied

After seeing the group ahead struggle with direction (read: spin awkwardly in circles) we carefully edged out into the waterway. Once away, the engine noise is noticeable but not so loud that it drowns out conversation or music coming from the supplied portable Bluetooth speaker.

There was plenty of room for our group of four, armed with assorted picnic baskets. Ours was a simple afternoon catch-up, but these buoys have played host to much grander occasions.

The owners recall at least two marriage proposals on board, at Christmas and New Year’s Eve last year, as fireworks sparked over the river. They’d also be a great option for a milestone birthday or family day out.

Those hiring and driving the buoys must be at least 21 years old and hold a car licence. A boat licence isn’t needed, nor are life jackets, given the low top speed of the engines. The buoy bases are sturdier than they look, but it’s advisable to stand up slowly or risk rocking the boat and finding yourself in the murky Torrens.

Liquor licensing rules mean you can’t bring your own booze but there’s an adequate (but comparatively costly) selection of wines, beers and soft drinks which can be ordered and packed in a supplied Esky. The gas barbecue, in the middle of the circular bench seats, is small so large quantities of food take time. There are a few tricks to cooking while afloat.

The weight of the motor at one end of the buoy creates a lean, which can cause everything to slide a bit, including any oil you might be using to cook.

Also, eating and drinking isn’t as straightforward as on land. Careful placement or balancing of cups and plates is required, especially when motoring at higher speed. It’s probably best to cut the engine and just float while you’re eating.

A bathroom stop before boarding is highly recommended but, if nature’s call is just too insistent, an arrangement with Jolley’s Boathouse allows users to moor the buoy out front and take a toilet break there.

When our two hours were up we’d polished off lunch and wished we had longer to just float and enjoy. I’d definitely give it another whirl in the summer sunshine.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in July 2018 and details updated in March 22021.

• Pop-up check-in caravan at Pinky Flat, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide
• 0422 145 496
• bbqbuoys.com.au
• [e-mail]
• LOCATION Buoys moored at the riverbank at Pinky Flat, North Adelaide.
• WHEN From Tuesday to Sunday September to May each year.
• WHAT TO BRING – BYO food or pre order a nice cheese and meat platter. All drinks must be ordered from BBQ Buoys, Esky with ice supplied. Food platters available to order. Cups, plates and cutlery, tongs, paper napkins, knee blankets and seat cushions provided.
• PRICE From $150 for 2 passengers, From $200 up to 6 passengers, From $280 up to 10 passengers.