Goolwa Itinerary

Maritime Heritage and River Adventures

Morning

Start your day at the Goolwa Visitor Information Centre, where friendly staff can help plan your visit. Then make your way down to the Goolwa Wharf, where your adventure begins with a Spirit of the Coorong cruise, immersing you in the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of the Murray Mouth and Coorong National Park. This journey takes you through the Murray Mouth and Coorong National Park, where you’ll spot abundant migratory birdlife, rugged sand dunes, and even join Kool tours - Indigenous guided tour visiting the cultural sites. The Coorong is listed in Ramsar – Wetlands of International Importance. A delicious onboard lunch featuring local produce is included. Or feeling energetic try Canoe the Coorong – Guided bird watching tour.

Afternoon

Back at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, stop for a coffee or afternoon tea at one of the Wharf’s charming waterfront eateries, before visiting the Signal Point Experience Centre, home to Yuntulun Ku:li-war, an Indigenous exhibition that explores the cultural significance of the Murray River to the Ngarrindjeri people. Stroll through the markets (only on Sundays) and look at the 117-year-old PS Oscar W paddlesteamer moored at the historic Goolwa wharf.

Evening

Unwind at The Wharf Wine Bar, sipping local wines and craft spirits as the sun sets over the Murray River.

Morning

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Motherduck Café, then wander through Goolwa’s historic town centre, where heritage buildings house bakeries, boutique shops, and galleries. Visit Artworx Gallery and the South Coast Regional Arts Centre to discover works by local and Indigenous artists or browse for handcrafted souvenirs reflecting Goolwa’s creative spirit.

Late Morning

Experience the spectacular Fleurieu coastline by rail on board the heritage Steamranger Cockle Train for a scenic journey along the Southern Ocean and Encounter Marine Park coastline. Stop off at Port Elliot, a charming coastal town, where you can visit local shops, Horseshoe Bay, and clifftop talking trails. Stop for lunch at the iconic Port Elliot Bakery or enjoy an ice cream before reboarding the train for the return journey to Goolwa.

Evening

Wrap up your day with a behind the scenes whisky tasting at the Fleurieu Distillery and then walk on to dinner at Hays Street Bar & Kitchen, where fresh Fleurieu produce and local seafood are the heroes of the menu, best enjoyed with a glass of South Australian wine.

Morning

Begin your day with breakfast at Bombora on the River, a riverside café with views across the water. Then, take a short drive to explore the Peninsula Providore farm shop, where you can taste and purchase locally produced olive oil, condiments, and seasonal produce.

Midday

Visit the Home of Plenty cellar door, an emerging food and wine hub showcasing the best of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s artisan producers. Enjoy a long lunch paired with boutique wines, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyard views.

Afternoon

Take a scenic drive through the Alexandrina region, stopping at farm gates and local providores to sample fresh local products. Visit Middleton or Basham’s Beach for a leisurely coastal walk, keeping an eye out for southern right whales in season.

Evening

Return to Goolwa for a casual sunset dinner at Hectors Cafe, where the relaxed atmosphere and local seafood menu provide the perfect way to unwind after a day of regional exploration.

Morning

Start your day with a dose of salty air and adventure at Goolwa Beach. Whether you're up for a refreshing swim, catching waves on your surfboard, casting a line, or cruising the sandy stretch in a 4WD, this beach has something for everyone. Don’t miss the Boardwalk to Lookout dune walk, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Goolwa, the Hindmarsh Island Bridge, and the vast Southern Ocean stretching from the Coorong to Victor Harbor.

Lunch

Indulge in a feast of fresh Fleurieu flavors at Kuti Shack, where locally harvested Pipis (Kuti) and just-caught seafood take center stage. This laid-back, beachside gem serves up some of the best coastal cuisine on the peninsula—every bite infused with the taste of the sea.

Afternoon

Stroll along the Goolwa Barrage, a fascinating walkable loch that stretches across the river. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant birdlife and, if you're lucky, playful sea lions basking in the sun or darting through the water. It’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and a little unexpected magic.

Late Afternoon

Before wrapping up your adventure, take a scenic drive over the Hindmarsh Island Bridge to the secluded Sugar’s Beach. This peaceful spot offers a distant yet striking view of the mighty Murray Mouth, where the river meets the sea. It’s the perfect place to take a deep breath, soak in the serenity, and reflect on an incredible day before heading home.