SA Wooden Boat Festival

Celebrate Maritime Heritage at the SA Wooden Boat Festival!

Experience the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Goolwa on 26-27 April 2025! Explore the Murray River, Coorong, and Southern Ocean, and immerse yourself in the charm of Goolwa. Whether you're a boating enthusiast or just seeking adventure, this festival is the perfect start to an unforgettable weekend. Did we mention the festival is FREE?

Whether you're a boating enthusiast or just seeking adventure, this festival is the perfect start to an unforgettable weekend.

South Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025

26-27 April 2025

The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a biennial signature event held in Goolwa, located on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This event celebrates the rich history of river boating and boatbuilding traditions, highlighting the historic Goolwa wharf—one of Australia’s most significant river ports. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the Murray River’s environment, culture, lifestyle, and heritage.

SAWBF — **South Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025 Program**

SAWBF 007 Fireworks 27 April — **Festival Map**

P Oscar W Pulling Away 683X1024 — **The Story**

Clayton Sailing Duncan Grant (1) — **Get Involved**

SAWBF Detail Duncan Grant IMG 7716 — **News**

SA Wooden Boat Festival What's On

Storm Boy Discovery Trail

The Storm Boy film, originally released in 1976 and based on Colin Thiele’s beloved book, was set in the Alexandrina region, with iconic spots like Goolwa, Port Elliot, and the Coorong National Park featured in the 2017 remake. The film highlights the boy's relationship with his father, a pelican, and an Aboriginal man named Fingerbone Bill. Celebrate this piece of local history and visit the filming locations during the Wooden Boat Festival at Goolwa, a great way to immerse yourself in the magic of the region.
Sailing Races

The 2025 Festival boating program will offer two days of sailing events and the highlight is the Grand Parade for all boats, led by Festival flagship Goolwa’s Paddlesteamer Oscar W. A viewing spectacle not to be missed.
Maritime Displays

Wooden Boats, all shapes and sizes, vintage sailing yachts, traditional riverboats, putt putts, steam boats, clinker boats, rowing & canoes and model boats on display. Talk to the owners, builders and craftsman and hear their stories.
Cittaslow Market

Goolwa Cittaslow Farmers Market held on Sunday of the Festival have visitors taking advantage of the fine assortment of high quality locally grown produce food and beverages.
Ngarrindjeri Exhibit

Visit the Ngarrindjeri Cultural exhibit at the Signal Point Experience Centre which has artist talks, crafts and exhibits, weaving displays and workshops a highlight for visitors to the region.
SA Wooden Boat Festival Art Trail

Follow the Festival Art Trail on the program. See locations showcasing some of South Australia’s most talented Artists, an exciting mix of traditional & contemporary Exhibitions. All artworks will be available for sale.
Rough 'n' Ready Boat Building Competition

The Rough ‘n’ Ready boat building competition is a festival favourite. Teams build a boat on Saturday and the following day take to the water to race and hopefully not sink! Join in the fun.
Entertainment

Local and Adelaide entertainers including musicians, street artists and face painters, perform across the weekend. Look out for the Little Pirates Tent for the Pirate Trail which proved extremely popular for children and families.
Oscar W Paddlesteamer

Enjoy a unique river experience from the decks of the heritage Paddle Steamer Oscar W, a wood fired, steam powered vessel built in 1908 and still operating from Goolwa Wharf Precinct.

Celebrating over 100 years life on the river, passengers can watch the stokers fire the boiler, see the wheel house, and take in the sights of the Lower River Murray.

PS Oscar W will cruise all weekend for the Festival, all bookings are done on the day of cruising.