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
Otherwise, you might just want to take an easy stroll and check out the cocklers along the shore.
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
Just behind Bombora is the
Goolwa Dune Walk, which you might use to value-add onto your beach walk.
Goolwa Dune Walk
There's a great view from the viewing platform.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
After browsing and buying at the market, you could
walk across the bridge to Hindmarsh Island.
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
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
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
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.
