There's lots to see and do in Goolwa and you'll need to stay at least a couple of nights to make a dent in your to-do list.
You'll find lots of accommodation options in various price ranges but here's something special. Alchemy comprises two self contained spaces, each with it's own leafy courtyard and private entry. And there's more than a little bit of magic here.
The boutique cottage and the smaller studio are a stone's throw from Goolwa's main street, the historical wharf precinct, the Cockle Train Station and the twice-each month Sunday Market. There's a steady stream of vehicle and foot traffic heading for these places, and yet Alchemy remains a quiet and serene haven.
A serene space close to Goolwa's main street
When I visited Alchemy recently, the owner, Suzie, asked me if I knew of an artisan bread maker on the Fleurieu. She explained her passion for local produce and seasonal food and her need to find loaves to accompany the local yoghurt, fruit and preserves for the Alchemy breakfast platter. There's also wine, cheese and chocolates to welcome guests.
Suzie went on to explain the option of the 'Gourmet Getaway' package, a lavish breakfast hamper which includes even more locally sourced treats.
Gourmet Getaway package
My mouth started watering as I pictured myself enjoying breakfast in the leafy courtyard. Or inside looking out, if the weather wasn't kind.
Scrubbed timber table
I imagined settling into a cozy nook to read or watch a movie. There's two TV's in the cottage and a DVD player. And a wood fire. I could definitely get cozy here.
A cozy place to read
The walls of each studio are adorned with art by talented locals, including Suzie, who paints stunning landscapes in dramatic colours.
Local art adorns the walls
At the top of the stairs I found the main bedroom (there's a double sofa bed downstairs too), and a lavish bathroom.
The bed looked inviting
Not only does the bathroom have a spa bath …
Cottage bathroom with spa bath
but also one of my most favourite, almost essential, bathroom features. A non-squeezy shower alcove. You could do yoga in this shower alcove.
Yoga space. I mean the shower.
Next door to The Cottage is the slightly smaller, but just as appealing, Studio. The tariff is slightly less but it includes all the same treats, including the Gourmet Getaway hamper option.
Alchemy Studio
And, like The Cottage, it has a fully functioning kitchen. You could head over to the Sunday market, buy some lovely local produce and cook it here.
Open plan kitchen
There's a comfy, Queen size bed on a mezzanine floor with a sparkling bathroom en-suite.
Mezanine bedroom in the studio
So here's a few ideas to get your Goolwa to-do list started: head for the river to sail, fish or paddle a kayak, head for the beach to surf, fish or swim, go walking or birdwatching locally or at the Coorong National Park, go for a ride on the PS Oscar W, the Cockle Train or The Horse Tram to Granite Island (perhaps try the
Fleurieu Heritage Experience which combines all three), take the cottage bikes and ride the Encounter Bikeway which follows the coast from Goolwa to Victor Harbor, visit
Artworx Gallery and Gifts which is just around the corner, visit a winery or Cellar Door or try a local restaurant.
And then return and take time to pause and enjoy the serenity in your leafy courtyard at Alchemy.
Take time to pause and sit in a leafy courtyard
