Destination overview

The Alexandrina district has much to offer with a wide range of quality attractions from great sandy beaches, world-class wine regions, a fully operational steam train, whale watching, country produce to die for, and endless water activities. And, all of this is only one hour’s drive south of Adelaide. Goolwa is an historic river port near the Murray River Mouth and is joined by a bridge that links it to Hindmarsh Island. The town is a popular holiday destination and in March 2007 was declared a Cittaslow by visiting Cittaslow representatives.

Goolwa was the first non-European town to gain Cittaslow status. Literally meaning Slow City, Cittaslow is a movement that was founded in Italy in October 1999. Its goals include improving the quality of life in towns while resisting ‘the fast-lane, homogenised world so often seen in other cities throughout the world’.

In 1987 the inner section of Goolwa was declared a State Heritage Area and as a result there are some fabulous old buildings to explore.   Goolwa was Australia's first inland port (1857) and Australia's first railway was built to connect Goolwa to Port Elliot and was later extended to Victor Harbor, allowing goods to move from river boats to sea boats, so that neither had to negotiate the Murray Mouth. Once a thriving river port, the boats now just carry tourists.

Some of Goolwa’s most historic buildings have been restored as art galleries and cafes, but the steam trains still roll in and out of the grand old wharf area on Sundays and holidays.
With both fresh and saltwater, Goolwa is a mecca for the keen fisherman and boating enthusiasts and a great starting point for a one-day or multi-day trip into the Coorong National Park or the Lake Alexandrina area.

Every type of water sport is available for the active, or if you prefer, you can take your time and relax in a waterside cafe and watch the activity unfold in front of you.

The Goolwa Barrage was built in 1940 to separate the freshwater of the Murray River from the saltwater of the Coorong and Southern Ocean. At Signal Point River Murray Interpretive Centre you can explore the story of the Murray Darling river system from its head waters in the mountains to the end of its journey at the Southern Ocean.

Captain Charles Sturt used Hindmarsh Island as the highest point to locate the mouth of the River Murray on his epic river journey in 1830. Hindmarsh Island is unique as it faces freshwater on one side and saltwater on the other - providing wonderful opportunities for bird watchers and fishing enthusiasts alike.

Sail into the Coorong National Park for a closer look at some of this wonderful bird life, and for fishing or just relaxing, you can hire a boat from Hindmarsh Island. For those interested in local history, remnants of a small cheese factory, flour mill, schoolmaster’s residence and a school can be found on the island.

The Mouth of Australia's largest river is certainly a must-see as it pours out into the Southern Ocean with the best viewing from Hindmarsh Island.

The 50,000 hectare Coorong National Park is one of South Australia's best eco experience locations. It was declared a National Park in 1966 to conserve the distinctive landscape, coastal dune system, lagoons, wetlands and coastal vegetation and the great variety of birds, animals and fish that live in or visit the area.

As a habitat for numerous species of migratory birds and as a refuge for birds in times of drought, the Coorong is important in a national and international sense and was included on the list of Wetlands of International Importance, maintained by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in 1975.

The Coorong is also an archaeological site of national importance with middens and burial sites throughout the park giving evidence of Aboriginal occupation over many thousands of years.
Only 20 minutes from Goolwa you will find Victor Harbor, which overlooks Encounter Bay, and whether it's coastal wildlife, amazing sea views, whale watching, arts and cultural events, relaxing strolls on the foreshore or action-packed adventures, Victor Harbor has it all.

There are a number of historic buildings around Victor Harbor which you should try and visit, including the Fountain Inn, the old Telegraph Station and St Augustine’s Church.
To find out more about the Southern Right Whales which migrate through Victor Harbor, head to the South Australian Whale Centre. You may even be able to see the whales if you stand at the top of The Bluff.

Another attraction in the area is Granite Island, home to magical little penguins. You can watch them return home after a day’s fishing if you take a guided walk by the Penguin Interpretive Centre. The journey across to the island is its own wonderful experience as you can watch the passing scenery from a horse-drawn tram.

If it’s swimming you’re after, there are beautiful swimming beaches at Kent Reserve and Dump Beach. Encounter Lakes is perfect for the kids with its sheltered waters, grassed area, public toilets and small beach.

Experienced surfers will know all about Waitpinga and Parsons Beaches, both enjoying some of the country's most reliable surf-breaks, while beginners will prefer the beaches between Victor Harbor and Port Elliot. Surf Schools have equipment and lessons to suit all ages, so if you’re interested in learning how to surf the waves, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

The Bluff's rocky reefs are great for scuba diving learners as well as experienced divers with depths ranging from 3 to 12 metres. There's an excellent variety of sea life, but the most prized sighting is the fabulous leafy sea dragon and its close relative, the weedy dragon. A reef running between The Bluff and Wright Island offers reef structures, undercuts and holes. Snorkelling can be enjoyed directly out from Kent Reserve, or from the Causeway and off the Bluff Jetty, where you can keep an eye out for those sea dragons.

There’s nothing like fresh sea air to get your appetite going, which perhaps explains why Victor Harbor has so many great places to eat. The choices include restaurants, cafes, bakeries, as well as wineries, breweries and more!

Whatever type of holiday experience you’re looking for, you can make Goolwa your base and enjoy a range of very special experiences.