Twenty Must-Do Things in Goolwa 2022

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Planning a trip to Goolwa? There's activities aplenty. I've compiled a list of just twenty to get you started.

1. PS Oscar W Lunch Cruise
A ride on a 114-year-old, steam-driven, wood-fired, authentic working paddle steamer is always going to be a bit special. PS Oscar W departs Goolwa Wharf and heads to Clayton for regular lunch cruises on Saturdays once a month. If you can't make a Saturday lunch cruise, jump on board for a shorter cruise on a Sunday or public holiday. Check the Oscar W website for times, prices and other details.



2. Spirit of The Coorong Cruises
Choose from a 1.5 hour cruise to the Murray Mouth, a 3.5 hour Coorong Discovery Cruise, or a 6 hour Coorong Adventure Cruise. Expert guides will regale you with fascinating facts about the flora and fauna of the Coorong, as well as sharing information regarding the local, Ramindjeri history and culture. All cruises leave from Goolwa Wharf and all details are available on Spirit of the Coorong website.



3. Canoe the Coorong
Hire a kayak from Canoe the Coorong and explore the waterways. You can even arrange to have a single or double kayak delivered to your chosen location. Better still, book into a guided tour which includes all necessary equipment, catering and a knowledgeable, local guide. Pricing and other details can be found on the website .



4. Self-Guided water activities
There's a wide range of opportunities to enjoy your favourite water-based activity in and around Goolwa due to the fact both river and sea are easily accessible. Goolwa Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers on weekends and public holidays, adding an element of safety for swimmers, surfers, stand-up paddle-boarders and kite-surfers.

Over at the river, you'll find jetties, boat ramps and other facilities for boating, water-skiing, wind-surfing and more. A hydrofoil or two have been spotted recently.



5. Visit the galleries
There's an abundance of art in Goolwa and a visit to the galleries is highly recommended. Alexandrina Council website has information regarding the major galleries, including South Coast Regional Art Centre (known locally as The Old Police Station) and Signal Point. Art @ Goolwa , on Porter Street, showcases the works of local artists and artisans and is open 7 days a week. In addition, there are a number of smaller galleries such as Henriette's , open most weekends or by appointment, on Castle Avenue in Goolwa Beach.



6. Find out more about Goolwa's Cittaslow status by visiting Cittaslow Corner.
Friendly volunteers will explain the background behind Goolwa becoming the very first Australian town to join the global, Slow Town, movement and share information about current Cittaslow Goolwa events and activities.



There's a range of locally produced products for sale at the Corner and a photo opportunity on the Friendship Seat just outside.



7. Indulge in some retail therapy
There's a number of quirky, interesting shops in and near the main street of town, including Chantillie Place, Flowerworx, Artworx and more. You'll find a wide range of fresh flowers, plants, gifts, clothing and novelty items to tempt you.



8. Ride The Cockle Train to Victor Harbor.
The train travels on Wednesdays, weekends and most days during school holidays. Details and prices are available on the website . Browse around Treasures and Trains Handmade Crafts before you jump on board.



The train track follows the coast to Victor Harbor, affording stunning views along the way.



9. Go to a Market on Sunday morning.
The Cittaslow Market is held at Jaralde Park on the second, fourth and fifth Sundays of each month. Here you'll find local produce including cheese, eggs and honey, as well as artisans wares.

The Rotary Market is held on first and third Sundays from 8am until around 3pm.



10. Visit the Museum
The Goolwa and South Coast Historic Museum is on Porter street. The building itself is 150 years old and the displays tell myriad stories from the rich history of the town.



11. Take a Walk
There are plenty of walks to undertake around town including a walk over the Hindmarsh Island Bridge. You can walk to a small viewing platform, just past the information bay on the island, or just admire the view from the bridge.



Pick up a brochure from the Information Centre, or download it here , and follow the Goolwa Heritage Walk.

There's a Dune Walk near the main, Goolwa Beach, car park that climbs through the sand dunes, resulting in a wonderful view towards the Murray Mouth.



12. Ride along the Encounter Bikeway.
The bikeway stretches 16kms from Goolwa to Victor Harbor, passing through Middleton and Port Elliot along the way. Bring your bike or hire an electric bike from Captain Sturt Boat Supplies at 237 Liverpool Road, Goolwa.



13. Collect Goolwa cockles (pipis) from November till the end of May
There's a few tricks involved to securing a successful bounty of cockles. Read them here. Once you have successfully purged your bounty you will be ready to prepare a delicious dish using local, traditional food.



14. Take the kids to the Adventure Playground at Bristow Smith Reserve
The Nature Playspace has plenty of equipment for the kids, shade shelters, barbecues and a safe swimming beach.



15. Dollies Lollies sweet shop has a Doll Museum.
River Dolls of Goolwa, on Cadell Street, displays and sells dolls and toys. Check their website for opening hours.



16. Visit the Distillery on Goolwa Wharf
Sit on the deck and enjoy the river views while sipping on a glass of award-winning whiskey or G-Town Gin.

Lynda and Greg's ice-cream van parks next to the deck most weekends.



17. Wharf Wine Barrel
The Wharf Wine Barrel Shed serves their own, 90 Mile Wines, as well as other wines from nearby Langhorne Creek. You can enjoy a toastie or a platter, with a glass of wine or local beer outside on the wharf, or inside at the bar. There's always plenty to see on the adjacent river, particularly on Friday evenings when the yacht races are on. On weekends you can enjoy live music while you sip.



18. Restaurants
Hectors can be found on Goolwa Wharf and Bombora on the River is a short walk, along the water, on Barrage Road.



Closer to town, choose from The Whistlestop or Thai Days . At the Goolwa Beach car park you'll find the very special Kuti Shack where you can feast on treasures from the sea.

19. Coorong Cafe
There's a cafe with a difference at Sugars Beach on Hindmarsh Island. Coorong Cafe serves fish and chips, hamburgers and more, on weekends and most days during school holidays. The cafe also hosts live music events on a regular basis. Check Facebook for times and details.



20. Murray Delta Juke Joint
At the end of the day from Thursday to Saturday, and also on Sunday afternoons, fans of live music are in for a treat at Murray Delta Juke Joint on Dowdodd Street. The venue oozes charm and character and the standard of music is always high.



There's something for all tastes and interests in this small town and it's just an hour's drive south of Adelaide.

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