Things to do in Goolwa, South Australia

The best things to do in Goolwa, South Australia are Coorong cruises and kayaking tours. Other Goolwa attractions include paddlesteamer cruises on the PS Oscar W, wine-tasting at the Wharf Barrel Shed and driving along Goolwa Beach.

Goolwa on Encounter Bay is one of those South Australian towns that is largely used as a hub for visiting something better nearby. An 82km drive from Adelaide through the McLaren Vale wine region, Goolwa sits right at the end of the Murray River. It’s in the final, struggling stretch between Lake Alexandrina and the Mouth of the Murray.

Things to do in Goolwa, South Australia: Coorong National Park

Chances are, if you’re coming to Goolwa, South Australia, you’re doing so to visit the Coorong National Park. This magnificent system of lagoons and dunes teems with birdlife – pelicans are seen all over the place. It’s one of the most seductively beautiful national parks in Australia.

Pelicans in the Coorong National Park, as seen on a cruise from Goolwa in South Australia. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Therefore, the best things to do in Goolwa are either a kayaking tour or cruise on the Coorong. The Spirit of the Coorong offers educational and highly enjoyable cruises of varying lengths. As for the kayaking tour, Canoe The Coorong’s day trip from Hindmarsh Island to the Murray Mouth and the longest beach in Australia is one of the very best days out in Australia.

Frankly, if you’re in Goolwa for a couple of days, you’re not going to have much time for anything else. But there are a few other things to do in Goolwa, many of which are around the Wharf Precinct.

Things to do in Goolwa, South Australia: Goolwa Wharf attractions

Attractions at Goolwa Wharf include the Wharf Barrel Shed, which acts as the cellar door and wine bar for 90 Mile Wines. Should you prefer beer to wine, the Steam Exchange Brewery is also at the wharf.

There’s also the chance to go on a steam train. The Cockle Train makes the regular half hour journey to Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This travels via Port Elliot – disembark to try one of Australia’s best meat pies at the Port Elliot Bakery.

What to do in Goolwa, SA: Paddlesteamer cruises

The main attraction at Goolwa Wharf, however, is the PS Oscar W. This paddlesteamer harks back to Goolwa’s past as a shipbuilding port, and now carries tourists around. One hour paddlesteamer cruises cost $22.

Nearby is the Signal Point Gallery, which in the fine tradition of regional Australian art galleries, is thoroughly inessential. It can kill a few minutes, though – as can the Artworx Gallery.

More Goolwa attractions

Further out from the wharf, the Goolwa National Trust Museum tells the history of the area inside an old blacksmith’s shop. But given that you’ll get most of that history anyway as commentary on the Coorong cruise, this museum doesn’t add much to your visit.

The final option for things to do in Goolwa is to head to the beach. Goolwa Beach is big, long and sandy, usually offering decent surf. The eastern end of Goolwa Beach is open to four wheel drive vehicles, like some of the nearby Fleurieu Peninsula beaches.

Reasonably cheap Goolwa accommodation is available at the Goolwa Caravan Park.