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One Weekend in Goolwa

Home > Adelaide > Art | Beaches | Cafes | Escape the City | Walks | Lists
by Karen Ross (subscribe)
I love slow travel, slow food and discovering new adventures and delicious regional food in new locations. Check my travel tips on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timeless_travel_hacks/
Published January 24th 2018
There's more than enough to do
There's a squillion things to do in gorgeous Goolwa in the summer and this list is just the start. There's more than enough ideas here to fill a whole weekend, maybe even a long one.

A brisk walk along the beach is a must on Saturday morning. You can walk as far as Middleton or beyond if you're feeling energetic.

Goolwa Beach
Goolwa Beach


Otherwise, you might just want to take an easy stroll and check out the cocklers along the shore.

Cocklers
Cocklers


Next to the Goolwa Beach carpark is an unassuming little beach cafe called Bombora, that just happens to have won multiple awards for its food, especially local seafood. You can stop for coffee and cake after your walk. You might even want to come back here for lunch.

Bombora Cafe
Bombora Cafe


Just behind Bombora is the Goolwa Dune Walk, which you might use to value-add onto your beach walk.

Goolwa Dune Walk
Goolwa Dune Walk


There's a great view from the viewing platform.

Views along the south coast from Goolwa Dune Walk lookout
Views along the south coast from Goolwa Dune Walk lookout


Head back to town and visit Artworx in Hays Street, where you can do two things at once; do a spot of shopping and appreciate some local art. Artworx stocks handmade greeting cards, handcrafted jewellery and leatherwork as well as small trinkets, all at very affordable prices. The art may well be out of your price range but it's stunning to look at.

Artworx. Hays Street.
Artworx. Hays Street.


There's plenty of locally produced art in Goolwa and no shortage of galleries where it can be enjoyed. Art at Goolwa is a small, community-run gallery with an eclectic collection and it's just around the corner from Artworx, in Porter Street.

Art at Goolwa
Art at Goolwa


You will notice 'Historic Walk' signs around Hays and Porter Streets and you may want to follow the history trail if time permits.

Goolwa Historic Walk
Goolwa Historic Walk


A novel way to follow the history trail is in the South Coast Pedicab. On his history-themed tours, local guy, Leon Mead, provides an iPad with a slideshow of photos showing how the town looked in its hey-day during the 1850's.

South Coast Pedicab. Photo courtesy Tony Lewis
South Coast Pedicab. Photo courtesy Tony Lewis


An option for lunch is at nearby Motherduck in the main street. Lunch from 12-3pm sees a changing, seasonal menu but always features a duck dish.

Motherduck Cafe
Motherduck Cafe


After lunch, head towards Goolwa Wharf. You'll find two more Art Galleries on the way; one in the Old Police Station and Courthouse building and one at Signal Point.

Old Police Station and Courthouse, Goolwa
Old Police Station and Courthouse, Goolwa


You'll probably be ready for refreshments by now and there's plenty to choose from at the wharf precinct, including local wine or Gin at The Steam Exchange Distillery or a sweet treat from Berry Healthy Ice Cream van, which is usually parked just outside.


Dinner at The Australasian Circa 1858 is a very special treat that is only available to the public on Saturday evenings and only if you book well in advance. Chef Juliet prepares an Asian-inspired, three-course, set menu which is served in the stunning dining room of this exquisite, heritage-listed building.

For a more casual meal, head to the Coorong Cafe at Sugars Beach on Hindmarsh Island. You'll find fresh, local Coorong Mullet and Mulloway on the menu as well as beef and veggie burgers with delicious, hand-cut chips. The cafe is licensed but you are welcome to bring your own drinks.

Coorong Cafe at Sugars Beach
Coorong Cafe at Sugars Beach


Goolwa Wharf is the place to be on Sundays. You'll find the Rotary Market on the first and third Sunday of the month and the Cittaslow Farmers Market on the second and fourth.

Gina's Kitchen at Cittaslow Goolwa Farmers Market
Gina's Kitchen at Cittaslow Goolwa Farmers Market


After browsing and buying at the market, you could walk across the bridge to Hindmarsh Island.

Hindmarsh Island Bridge
Hindmarsh Island Bridge


There are great views from the bridge as well as a viewing platform on the island, just past the information bay.

View from Hindmarsh Island Bridge
View from Hindmarsh Island Bridge


Lunch at Hectors on the Wharf is a nice option when you return to the wharf. There are always pelicans and wooden boats to watch if you choose to sit outside.

Hectors Cafe on the Wharf
Hectors Cafe on the Wharf


After lunch, it will be time for some fun at the Wharf Wine Barrel Shed. There is always live music from 2pm-5pm on Sundays as well as local wine and boutique beer.

Wharf Wine Barrel
Wharf Wine Barrel


If time and energy still permits there's still lots to do in Goolwa: water sports, the bicycle track, a visit to the Motor Museum, Goolwa National Trust Museum, a ride on the Cockle Train, a Coorong Cruise or a trip on the Oscar W Paddle Steamer ... maybe you'll need to visit again on another weekend.
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Why? There's so much to do in summer in Goolwa
When: Weekends
Where: Goolwa. South Australia.
Cost: various
Your Comment
Love your articles Karen. Love Goolwa too. Some things here I didn't know about. Thanks. X
by Kat May (score: 3|1433) 1963 days ago
I've heard Goolwa is a beautiful area and your article certainly attests to that.
by Gayle Beveridge-Marien (score: 4|10580) 1962 days ago
Goolwa Beach is a hidden gem as is Goolwa township. Love the art galleries and shops
by nukun (score: 0|4) 1961 days ago
Great photos Karen and what a variety of choices, thanks!
by Kate Blake (score: 3|1501) 1963 days ago
Great ideas. Thankyou
by Annette Vandersluis (score: 2|866) 1963 days ago
Great sight
by nukun (score: 0|4) 1961 days ago
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