A charming vacay spot at the mouth of the mighty Murray
This historic river port town is situated near the mouth of the Murray River, and just across the bridge from Hindmarsh Island. Once a major Australian hub for the river paddle-steamer trade, today, Goolwa Beach is a popular vacation destination for visitors traveling from near and far. It owes its popularity to its charming and historic town, as well as its sandy beach overlooking Encounter Bay. Book a cozy Goolwa Beach vacation rental for your whole family or travel crew, and enjoy the laid-back holiday life that can only be found Down Under.
Sightseeing in and around Goolwa Beach
Are you hoping to discover attractions to visit during your stay? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Goolwa Beach a fun place to get away. These are some of the major attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Goolwa Golf Course (1.3 mi / 2.1 km)
- Currency Creek Winery (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
- McCracken Golf Course (7.4 mi / 12 km)
- Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram (8.3 mi / 13.3 km)
- Victor Harbor Golf Club (9.6 mi / 15.5 km)
- Bleasdale Winery (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
Spend your time hiking and biking and boating, oh my!
In April every odd year, Goolwa Beach hosts the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival, and shows off the PS Oscar W, a restored paddle steamer. If you're not visiting for this extravaganza, there's still plenty to see and do. Spend the day on Lake Alexandrina, travel south to go hiking or biking in Coorong National Park, or take the Randell Road bridge across the Murray River and explore Hindmarsh Island. If your Goolwa Beach vacation rental is in town, visit the regular Goolwa Wharf Markets and plan a waterfront picnic that wows.
Spend a year in Goolwa and see something new each season
Goolwa Beach has plenty to offer throughout the year, so timing your visit depends on your interests. To enjoy the whale migration, visit from June through October and spot the pods mating and calving offshore. June also marks the beginning of Australia's prime surf season, but winters can be wet and gray, too. Peak season falls during the summer months, so visit from December through February if you don't mind crowds and peak prices. The shoulder seasons, October through December and February through June, are extremely quiet in and around Goolwa Beach.
Low-key vibes on the banks of the Murray River
Located on the edge of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Goolwa Beach sits at the mouth of the Murray River and along South Australia's coast. Thanks to its coastal spot and neighboring towns, Goolwa Beach exemplifies the low-key Aussie beach vibe. The Randell Road Bridge connects Goolwa to neighboring Hindmarch Island, which features grasslands, forests, salt lakes, and mangroves. Further southeast, you'll find Coorong National Park. The region is known for its whale watching, thanks to its ideal location along the annual southern right whale migration route.