19th century building in Goolwa

Goolwa SA 5214 (Pop 4 800)

Goolwa is an upmarket Fleurieu Peninsula holiday destination on the Murray River 90 km south of Adelaide. This historic and attractive port was established in 1840s and was Australia’s first inland port which flourished between 1850s-80s. The railway (1890s) brought on the port’s decline which today is a successful fishing and tourism town. Goolwa Wharf Markets held 1^st & 3^rd Sun each month. Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Sailing Classic (Jan), Wooden Boat Festival (Mar -odd numbered years).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Signal Point Centre, The Wharf, features detailed Murray River history with photographs, displays and memorabilia. Open (10am-5pm) daily. Historic Goolwa includes the Round House (1852), Goolwa Hotel (1853), Post Office (1857), Customs House (1859), Town Hall (1860). National Trust Museum, Porter St housed within an old Blacksmith’s shop (1872) with interesting local Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island historic displays and memorabilia. The Barrages, Barrage Rd desalination plant protecting the Murray River and a special bird-watching hide. Open (8am-5.30pm) Mon-Fri. South Coast Regional Arts Centre, Goolwa Tce housed within the old police station and courthouse (1859) featuring local artist exhibitions. Goolwa Beach, Beach Rd. popular with swimmers and surfers.

Nearby:
Hindmarsh Island (east of Goolwa) features the Cpt Sturt Lookout & monument. Popular for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Currency Creek Game Reserve (3 km east) accessible only by boat to visit the habitat and rookeries of many species of waterbirds. Currency Creek (7 km north) pretty recreational spot with a walking trail and Aboriginal canoe tree.

Accommodation:
Goolwa has 3 motels, a couple of hotels and B&Bs, holiday cottages/lodges and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Goolwa Wharf. Tel (08) 8555 3488.

Airports:
Goolwa Aerodrome, off Strathalbyn Goolwa Rd. Tel (08) 8555 4030; Adelaide Airport (ADL), 1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport. Tel (08) 8308 9211. (88 km north).

Hospital:
South Coast Community Hospital, Bay Rd, Victor Harbor. Tel (08) 8552 0500. (18 km west).