Goolwa, South Australia

Goolwa beach cyclingHistoric Goolwa stands at the mouth of the Murray River on Lake Alexandrina and derives its name from an aboriginal word meaning elbow.

Every type of water sport is available in Goolwa, and if you don't own a boat you can always hire one. Hindmarsh Island and the Coorong provide kilometres of unspoiled wetlands and at the end of the day you can enjoy award winning local wines. It's an ideal destination, just over an hours drive from Adelaide through breathtaking countryside.

The nearby Murray Mouth is renowned for its mulloway fishing, while surf fishing from Goolwa Beach is usually rewarding for the angler. The lakes are a haven for boating enthusiasts. With both fresh and salt water, Goolwa is a Mecca for the keen fisherman and the Murray Mouth is not only a great place to fish but also a remarkable feature of the landscape.

Goolwa hosts a variety of exciiting events, including freshwater boat racing, air shows, and golf tournaments. And there's plenty of local accommodation.

The first part of Goolwa was surveyed in 1840. With the introduction of paddle steamers to the river in 1853, Goolwa became the first major shipping port in the state, with produce from the interior being barged down the Murray system for loading onto overseas vessels.

The subsequent silting-up of the Murray Mouth led to the port becoming inaccessible to the larger ships. As a result, the first railway line in South Australia was opened between Goolwa and Port Elliot in 1854, the latter then becoming the overseas port. Early in the 1880s the Morgan railway took away most of the trade by directing it through Adelaide, and by 1890 shipping was virtually finished at Goolwa. Today Goolwa is a popular, fast-growing tourist resort offering quiet, relaxing all-year-round recreation with its historic buildings greatly enriching the town's interest.

Articles

Historic river port

Historic river port

The historic inland port of Goolwa still thrills with its history, stone architecture, craft and produce markets. Cruise on a paddle steamer, watch wooden boats being made or relax and enjoy the bird life.


Paddle Steamer History

Paddle Steamer History

Goolwa is an inland port from the days of bustling river trade. Still vibrant it thrills with its history, stone architecture and craft and produce markets. Cruise on a paddle steamer. Ride a steam train. Watch wooden boats being made. Hire a craft to cruise, fish or photograph the tremendous bird life.


Experiences/Activities

  • Fishing:
  • Flora/Fauna:
  • Fishing - Beach:
South Australia
Flinders Ranges & Outback Eyre Peninsula Yorke Peninsula Clare Valley Barossa Adelaide Adelaide Hills Kangaroo Island Fleurieu Peninsula Riverland Murraylands Limestone Coast Queensland Northern Territory Western Australia South Australia New South Wales Australian Capital Territory Victoria Tasmainia

Quick links

Region Information

Fleurieu Peninsula

Travel Information

Accommodation Attractions Tours & Cruises Food & Wine Maps Transport Events

Fleurieu Peninsula Weather