One Weekend in Goolwa

by Karen Ross (subscribe)

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.



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



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.



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



There's a great view from the viewing platform.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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



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.



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.



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

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