Goolwa Accommodation & Holiday Rentals

Nestled on the Murray River and about 80km south of Adelaide, Goolwa is a historic river town in South Australia. The popular holiday destination is a fantastic blend of heritage buildings, breathtaking scenery, restaurants, and cafés.

If you love outdoor adventure and water-based activities, you'll be pleased to hear that Goolwa has hiking trails, playgrounds, parks, gardens, meandering rivers, and the sea nearby. A holiday house in Goolwa makes for a fantastic base to enjoy all the outdoor activities this vibrant town has to offer.

Getting to Your Goolwa Accommodation

Located around 80km from Adelaide, Goolwa is easily accessible by car. Many car rental services such as Europcar are available at Adelaide Airport.

There are two main routes to get to your Goolwa holiday rental. The more practical is to follow the Southern Expressway, then Victor Habor Road before exiting at Goolwa Road. For those seeking the scenic route, drive along the South Eastern Freeway exiting at Stirling and then drive through the gorgeous Adelaide Hills.

If you prefer public transport, the Southern Encounter Heritage Train runs from the Adelaide Hills to Goolwa and SA Link also provide a regular train service.

Where to eat on your holiday in Goolwa

Located on Beach Road, award-winning Bombora @ Goolwa Beach Cafe is known for its mouthwatering food, outstanding service, relaxed ambience, and stunning coastline views. Savour its menu's seasonal flavours and sample its wide selection of wines.

Goolwa Indian Restaurant on Cadell Street serves traditional favourites such as lamb biryani and chicken tandoori. Their curries are made using the finest spices and herbs.

Nestled on Hindmarsh Island, the Islanders' Tavern provides a tranquil outdoor dining experience in a spectacular setting. It offers a diverse range of international fare and comfort food, such as ratatouille, lamb shank, seafood, and spaghetti Bolognese.

Delve into Goolwa's thriving cultural scene

Head to Goolwa Community Arts & Crafts Group on Dunbar Road to browse handmade arts and crafts in traditional and modern designs. You could also check out Artworx Gallery and Gifts on Hays Street, a contemporary gallery with a collection of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and gifts.

Located on Porter Street, the National Trust Museum is home to exhibitions detailing the history and culture of Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, and Currency Creek. Goolwa Motor Museum, in the heart of Goolwa, displays some of the rarest vintage cars from the 19th century.

Beach Holidays in Goolwa

Located adjacent to the sea and a river, the busy little town of Goolwa will not disappoint. Not only is it home to a beautiful beach (Goolwa Beach) and the Murray River Mouth, but there are also plenty of other activities. Relax in the sun and enjoy traditional fish and chips from the nearby Bombora Café.

Take a relaxing cruise on the Murray Mouth to Cooron National Park and see incredible marine life such as the Coorong seal colony in one of Australia's great saltwater estuaries. This National Park (named Coorong after the Aboriginal word for 'narrow neck') is one of Australia's most breathtaking displays of natural beauty located on the River Murray Mouth and is an absolute must-see.

Alternatively, be more eco-friendly and take part in Canoe the Coorong where you can kayak the famous estuary. For surfers, the long stretch of Goolwa Beach is perfect to catch some waves.

But that's not all! From stand-up paddleboards to jet skis and sailing boats, there are plenty of options for all ages. Explore the sheltered coves and natural beauty of Goolwa via the water, whether you're looking to swim, kayak or sail there's something for everyone.

Festivals to check out during your holiday in Goolwa

The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a popular biennial event held at Goolwa's River Port. The two-day festival combines maritime displays, kid's activities, music, great food, and wine.

Victor Harbor Rock 'N' Roll Festival on Warland Reserve brings together some of the best musical talents from the region, along with food stalls and an automobile show.

Frequently Asked Questions