A beach with waves and fine white sand in South Australia, Goolwa Beach is unspoiled. Middleton marks the beginning of this 18 km beach, which continues all the way to the Murray River Mouth. Here are the top things to do in and near Goolwa Beach.
1. Goolwa Beach: The hazardous beach in South Australia
Goolwa Beach is the name of an 11-kilometer stretch of beach that stretches from Goolwa Beach to the Murray Mouth in the Australian state of South Australia, which is situated about 67 kilometers (42 miles) south of the Adelaide city center on land that overlooks Encounter Bay on the southern continental coastline.
The beach is made out of fine sand, has waves that average 2 meters (6.6 feet), and is regarded as one of South Australia’s most dangerous beaches because of its persistently high waves, powerful currents, and frequent rip formation.
2. How to get to Goolwa beach
There are various ways that lead to Goolwa from Adelaide. The Southern Expressway is the quickest route, taking around 70 minutes. If you have plenty of time and want a more picturesque trip, it will take you 90 minutes to get from Adelaide Hills to Strathalbyn and then on to Goolwa. The canola fields between Strathalbyn and Goolwa are beautiful to see in the spring.
3. Things to do in and near Goolwa Beach
Cycle at Encounter Bikeway
The 31 km (one-way) Encounter Bikeway runs from Goolwa to Victor Harbor. The route uses both designated bike lanes and public roadways. From beginning to end, it takes you from the Murray River’s lowest reaches in Goolwa to Victor Harbor’s breathtaking Bluff. It is a fantastic method to look around at your own pace.
It is a shared-use trail that is well-liked by both bicycles and joggers. Families will love the off-road stretches that run along the coast and into the reserves.
Take a Coorong Cruise
Spirit Australia Cruises offers a range of cruises and guided hikes for a closer look at the Murray mouth and the Coorong. Any of the trips will teach you about the history, fauna, and indigenous culture of the region.
Some of the cruises provide alternatives for guided hikes around the Coorong’s sand dunes as well as lunch. Additionally, you’ll see the locations where a few Storm Boy movie sequences were shot. The Goolwa Wharf is where tours leave from.
Surf and Swim at Goolwa Beach
Surfing, playing on the beach, and cooling off in the waves are all great things to do here. There is a patrolled area where you can swim securely in the summer. You can rent surfboards, get some hot chips from Kuti Shack, or take a very long walk along the beach. Although there is a large parking lot, if it is extremely crowded, you might have to park along Beach Road and walk to the beach.
You can drive to Murray’s mouth and have access to the beach with 4WD. Check the weather and the pressure in your tires before entering the beach, as sand can be soft. The distance to the mouth, where you can camp, is roughly 10 kilometers. It is also a well-liked fishing location.
The National Trust Goolwa Museum
The National Trust Goolwa Museum is located on Porter Street and is open to history enthusiasts. The museum is housed in a historically significant structure that was formerly the town’s blacksmith shop. There are both ongoing and one-time displays within.
The museum is open from 1.30 to 4.00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. A minimal admission fee is charged; it is used to manage the collection. Located in the same precinct is the Art@Goolwa Gallery, which exhibits works by regional artists.
Visit Goolwa Barrage
A wonderful place to visit is this. One of five barrages built to prevent seawater from entering the river system is the Goolwa barrage. Take the river-to-ocean route known as Barrage Road. You’ll reach a carpark after passing the Goolwa Yacht Club, the Fleurieu Function Centre, and the bird hides at the Bristow Smith Reserve. Only a short distance separates you from the barrage.
It is a beautiful location where you can see pelicans and black swans. The lock has the highlight on display. Keep an eye out for the New Zealand fur seals that have resorted to relaxing on the wooden pylons of the lock. It is one of the top things to do near Goolwa Beach.
Buy some local foods at Goolwa Wharf Markets
The first and third Sundays of every month are market days at Goolwa Wharf. This canine-friendly market is full of fresh local vegetables, handmade jewelry, bric-a-brac, plants, and art and craft items. It’s best to bring some cash because not all stalls accept PayWave.
Examine the local art galleries
The Fleurieu Peninsula has a vibrant arts culture, which is unsurprising given that The Coorong, expansive beaches, mountainous coastline, gorgeous lakes, and the Murray River serve as sources of inspiration. You can see the beauty of this town and its surroundings in a number of galleries in the area.
In addition to the Art@Goolwa Gallery near the Goolwa Museum, there is also the Signal Point Gallery close to the Goolwa Wharf, the South Coast Regional Art Gallery on Goolwa Terrace, and the Artworx Gallery on Hays Street.
Kayaking and Jet Ski
Kayaking and jet skiing are one of the best things to do near Goolwa Beach. On Barrage Road, you can also locate Goolwa Jet Ski. They also rent out canoes and paddle boards if jet skis aren’t your thing.
Paddling to the barrage and through the lock can be completed in two hours or more. There have been instances where the seals have jumped into the water and approached people. Additionally, it’s a tranquil opportunity to observe the Coorong’s diverse birdlife up close.
Take a trip to Sugars Beach and Murray Mouth Lookout
If you enjoy landmarks, you must visit this location to discover where Australia’s longest river empties into the ocean. Follow the directions to Hindmarsh Island and the Murray Mouth Lookout by crossing the bridge in the area.
You can go down to Sugars Beach and bid the Murray River farewell as it departs for the ocean. Depending on the weather, you might be able to view the water really churning or a serene scene. If fishing is your thing, pack your gear since this is a popular fishing spot.
Explore Coorong by Canoe
These are among the top trips available around the mouth of the Murray River and the Coorong National Park. Despite the fact that there are different lengths of trips, all of them feature a look at Coorong’s sand dunes, wildlife, and indigenous heritage.
Paddling with a knowledgeable guide makes it an interesting experience, and it is an amazing way to see this lovely national park. It is one of the best things to do near Goolwa Beach.
