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Goolwa South Australia

Goolwa is a historic riverport located on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, about an hour’s drive south of Adelaide. The town is a popular holiday destination located on the shores of Lake Alexandrina and the Coorong, and is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Once of the main attractions in Goolwa is the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, which is home to a number of historic steamboats and paddleboats. Visitors can take a tour of the steamboats or hire a paddleboat for a leisurely trip along the river. The precinct is also home to a number of cafes, restaurants, and artisan shops, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

Another popular attraction in Goolwa is the Goolwa Barrages, which were built in the 1940s to control the flow of water between Lake Alexandrina and the River Murray. The Barrages are a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and picnics, and offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding wetlands.

For those interested in history, Goolwa is home to a number of historic sites, including the Goolwa Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town’s past as a port and riverboat hub. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits and a display of vintage photographs.

The town is located near the Coorong National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 260 species of birds. The park is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, and offers a number of walking trails and picnic areas.

If you’re looking to spend some time on the water, Goolwa is home to a number of boat hire companies, which offer a range of activities, including fishing, sailing, and kayaking. The town is also a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with a number of local schools offering lessons and equipment rentals.

There are a number of cafes (try Motherduck), restaurants including the Goolwa Hotel, which serves traditional pub fare, and Bombora on the river which offers an excellent range of choices.

For accommodation, Goolwa has a range of options to suit every budget, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday rentals. 

Goolwa is a charming and laid-back destination with a rich history and a wealth of natural beauty. 

Things to see and do in Goolwa

Here is a list of things to see and do in and around Goolwa:

Goolwa Wharf Precinct

The Goolwa Wharf Precinct is a popular tourist destination located on the banks of the River Murray in South Australia. The historic wharf is home to a number of historic steamboats and paddleboats, as well as cafes, restaurants, and artisan shops. Visitors can take a tour of the steamboats or hire a paddleboat for a leisurely trip along the river. 

Goolwa Barrages

The Goolwa Barrages are a series of locks and weirs located on the River Murray in South Australia. Built in the 1940s, the barrages were designed to control the flow of water between Lake Alexandrina and the River Murray. The barrages are a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and picnics, and offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding wetlands.

Steam trains

Goolwa is a great destination for those who love steam trains. The SteamRanger Heritage Railway operates from Goolwa to Victor Harbor, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The train runs along the historic Cockle Train line, which was built in 1887 and is one of Australia’s oldest railway lines.

The Cockle Train is a unique and exciting way to explore the beautiful town of Goolwa. This historic train has been running since the late 1800s, and offers visitors a chance to experience the charming atmosphere of this seaside town in a truly unique way.

The Cockle Train takes passengers on a journey through Goolwa’s stunning scenery, including its picturesque beaches and wetlands. 

Paddle Steamer Oscar W

The Paddle Steamer Oscar W is a real steam driven wooden paddle boat that was built at Echuca in 1908.

You can even get a ride on selected dates so check ahead to avoid disappointment.

There is also free entry to the Goolwa Riverboat Centre where you can learn about the history of paddle steamers in the area and see historic photographs of many of these vessels. There are scale models of many paddle steamers and river themed souvenirs. You can book tickets at the centre or online.

Goolwa Museum

The Goolwa Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Goolwa. Located in the heart of town, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum features a replica of a steamboat captain’s cabin, as well as vintage photographs and documents that tell the story of Goolwa’s past. 

Artworx Gallery

Artworx Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Goolwa, South Australia. The gallery showcases a range of local and international artists, with works spanning a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. Artworx Gallery also hosts regular exhibitions and events throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to explore the latest trends in contemporary art. The gallery also offers workshops and classes for those looking to learn more about art and creativity.

ART@GOOLWA

Art@Goolwa is an association of artists showcasing work from the ​local community. The gallery is open 7 days from 11am to 4pm at 13 Porter Street – next door to the Museum.

Scenic Flights over the Coorong

Goolwa Air offers 25 minute scenic flights over the Coorong National Park, Murray River Mouth and Lake Alexandrina. Flights take off from Goolwa Airport giving you a unique perspective of this stunning area. 

Skydiving

If you need a burst of adrenalin or just want the best view of the Coorong and Goolwa then you could consider going skydiving withSA Skydiving from the Goolwa airport.

Coorong National Park

Coorong National Park is a stunning natural landscape located in South Australia, just south of Goolwa. The park covers an area of over 100km and is home to a variety of wildlife, including pelicans, black swans, and other waterbirds. Visitors can explore the park by foot or by boat, taking in the spectacular views of the Coorong Lagoon and its surrounding wetlands. The park also offers a range of activities such as fishing, birdwatching, camping, and bushwalking. 

The Coorong is a 140-kilometer-long coastal lagoon system that stretches from the mouth of the River Murray near Goolwa in the south to near the town of Kingston SE. The Coorong is known for its unique ecosystem, which is home to a variety of bird species, fish, and other wildlife.

The Coorong is surrounded by sand dunes and is divided into two main parts: the Goolwa Channel and the Coorong proper. The Goolwa Channel connects the Coorong to the River Murray and is controlled by the Goolwa Barrage. The Coorong proper is a series of shallow lagoons that are separated from the ocean by long, narrow sand dunes.

The Coorong is considered to be of significant cultural and ecological importance to the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of the area, and to the wider community. It’s home to around 380 bird species and many of them are migratory and can only be seen in certain seasons, making it a birdwatcher paradise.

Many visitors come to the Coorong to enjoy its natural beauty, go fishing, boating, and swimming, and to take guided tours to learn about the area’s history and culture. There are several campgrounds and accommodation options available in the Coorong, and visitors can take a variety of guided tours, including 4WD tours, boat tours, and wildlife-watching tours, to explore the area’s unique ecosystems.

It is important to note that access to certain parts of the Coorong is limited, and it is important to be aware of and respect the conservation and cultural significance of the area, specially when it comes to camping and fire restrictions.

Kayak Tours of the Coorong

lf you want to get out for a paddle on the Coorong and see the birdlife, then you can take a guided kayak tour with Canoe the Coorong.

Cruise the Coorong

The Spirit of the Coorong have 13 – 14 metre tour boats that will give you the experience of being on the Coorong but without the vigour of kayaking, if that’s your style.

You can catch a cruise from the historic wharf down through the Goolwa Barrage where you might spot some fur seals before heading to the Murray Mouth. Visit ancient midden sites, hear stories of the Riverboat days and learn about the areas first inhabitants.

Goolwa Sunday Markets

The Goolwa Produce & Artisans Market is on every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 9:00am to 1:00pm (and the 5th Sunday as they occur). The market is held in Jaralde Park behind the Wharf Precinct.

The Goolwa Wharf Rotary Markets are open the first and third Sunday of each month it has over 80 stalls offering a very wide selection of items including; bric-a-brac, collectables, plants, books, hand crafted goods, hats fishing gear, sunglasses and jewellery. You can also pick up some fresh organic produce such as pickles, jams cakes and pastries.

Local Events

Goolwa and the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia host a number of annual events that may be of interest to tourists. Some of the local annual events include:

Fleurieu Food Festival: This annual event celebrates the food, wine, and culture of the Fleurieu Peninsula region, and is held in the town of Goolwa. The festival features a range of events and activities, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, food and wine pairings, and live music.

Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival: This annual festival celebrates the region’s history as a boatbuilding hub, and is held in the town of Goolwa. The festival features a range of events and activities, including boat displays, live music, market stalls, and boatbuilding demonstrations.

Nearby Places To Visit

Victor Harbor

Victor Harbor is a beautiful coastal town located in the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. It’s just a short drive from Goolwa and makes for an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.

The main attraction in Victor Harbor is Granite Island, which can be accessed via horse-drawn tram from the mainland. 

Hindmarsh Island

Hindmarsh Island is a beautiful island located in the Goolwa region of South Australia. It is known for its stunning views, tranquil atmosphere and abundance of wildlife. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans, swans and ducks. There are also many native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and koalas.

Port Elliot

Port Elliot is a beautiful seaside town located just south of Goolwa. It is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque views of the Southern Ocean. The town has a rich history, with many historic buildings still standing today.

The main attraction in Port Elliot is Horseshoe Bay, which is one of the most popular beaches in South Australia.

Currency Creek

Currency Creek is a small town located in the Goolwa region of South Australia. It is situated on the banks of the Currency Creek estuary, which flows into Lake Alexandrina. The area is known for its picturesque scenery and abundance of wildlife.

Murray Mouth

The Murray Mouth is a unique and beautiful natural feature located at the end of the Murray River in Goolwa, South Australia. It is the point where the river meets the sea, and it is a popular spot for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Murray Mouth is an important part of the Coorong National Park, which stretches from Goolwa to the mouth of the Murray

Historic Inland port

Goolwa is a historic inland port located on the Murray River in South Australia. It has been an important trading post since the early 19th century and is now a popular tourist destination. The town is home to many attractions, including the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, which features a range of shops, restaurants and galleries. Visitors can also explore the nearby Hindmarsh Island, where