DESTINATION: Goolwa

Located on the Murray River, the town of Goolwa is a popular holiday spot within easy reach of Adelaide. This charming old river port is steeped in steam and riverboat history. In its heyday between the 1850s and the 1880s, the town was a prosperous port where riverboats from New South Wales and Victoria unloaded at Goolwa wharf. From here, wool and grain were shipped to Victor Harbor, Port Adelaide and beyond. However, this early prosperity did not last after the Morgan to Port Adelaide railway opened in 1878 and the river trade on the lower reaches dwindled.

Main Attractions

Goolwa is a haven for watersports like fishing, windsurfing, yachting, jet skiing and power boating. There are many well-preserved stone and brick buildings and history-lovers will enjoy the heritage walks; details at the information centre. Signal Point Murray Interpretive Centre showcases all facets of the river's history, open 9am-5pm daily.

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Nearby attractions

The Bird Sanctuary east of Goolwa is home to swans, pelicans and other waterbirds. A visit to Hindmarsh Island gives visitors a feel for the Aboriginal and colonial heritage of the area; it is a very important site for local Aboriginal people, especially the women. A bridge links the island to the mainland. The wide expanse of Coorong NP stretches to Kingston. This unique wetland area's name is from the Aboriginal word 'karangh', meaning 'narrow neck'. The park comprises a chain of saltwater lagoons separated from the sea by the narrow Younghusband Peninsula. Day cruises around the wetland are available on the Wetland Explorer and the Spirit of the Coorong.

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Region: Fleurieu Peninsula

Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay Bowling Club, South Australia

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Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia with its close proximity to Adelaide and outstanding combination of seaside resorts surrounded by idyllic rural townships, set among rolling hills and vineyards, make the Fleurieu Peninsula an ideal holiday destination. The region starts near the southern coast of Adelaide and continues to Cape Jervis, a small town situated at the tip of the Peninsula, which offers excellent views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island and a variety of accommodation, tours and events for your SA holiday. more

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Tourist info

Signal Point, The Wharf, Ph: (08) 8555 1144

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