Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Goolwa, South Australia

Cruise from the old riverport of Goolwa, through the Barrage lock and across the River Murray mouth into the wetland wilderness and spectacular sand dunes of the Coorong National Park. See a seal colony lazing on the Barrage, flocks of native and migratory bird life and hear some of the Aboriginal and European history of the area. Expert commentary by the captain, lunch, afternoon tea and guided walk(s)are included on 3.5 hour DISCOVERY and 6 hour ADVENTURE cruises. For a shorter alternative a 2 hour MURRAY MOUTH cruise operates on Saturday mornings & Thursday mornings of the school holidays, during the months of October and April.

Canoe the Coorong showcases one of South Australia's best kept secrets. located Just 85 km south of Adelaide is the internationally recognised Coorong Wetlands. Canoe the Coorong offers all-inclusive, guided kayaking tours of the Coorong including the Murray Mouth, Goolwa and the South Coorong Lagoon. Tours are suitable for participants of all ages, offering a unique way to see a spectacular part of South Australia.You can book yourself in to the Coorong Tour which explores the Murray Mouth (Goolwa SA). The New Zealand Fur Seal tour which take you to the Goolwa Barrage (Goolwa SA). Or the Pelican Island Tour which explore the famous Pelican Breeding Islands of the southern Coorong Lagoon where over 2000 pelicans breed (Policmans Point SA)

A 6.5 hour boat cruise into the Coorong National Park,leaves from the River Port of Goolwa. Morning tea,lunch and afternoon tea supplied. 2 guided walks, travel through 2 locks, try bush tucker, 16 passenger maximum, see the Coorong seal colony, Murray Mouth, Storm Boy country. Try digging for cockles on the beach, visit ancient aboriginal midden site, spectacular bird life.

Kingo's Surf Schools operate all year round in South Australia. Lessons are run at Goolwa Beach. Locals, visitors and backpackers in Adelaide can join a surf class or surf camp either at Goolwa or the Eyre Peninsula. Accommodation is available in Goolwa Beach for $30/night if you want to get in as much practice as possible after your lesson.

UPDATE: closed until further notice due to COVID-19 This authentic, wood fired, fully operational Paddle Steamer is moored at the Historic Wharf Precinct in Goolwa. Cruise the lower Murray River on the historic wood fired heritage paddle steamer in the Riverport of Goolwa. Step back in time at the Goolwa Riverboat Centre From 1853 to 1914 the Riverport of Goolwa was a thriving ship building centre. Ship building for the Murray River began in Goolwa and some 60 paddlesteamers and barges were built here. View the Beam Engine that hauled vessels up the slipway at the shipyards and enjoy the interpretive panels on the Coorong Wetlands. Entry is free, river themed souvenirs and paddlesteamer cruise bookings are also available.

We specialise in personalised (1, 2, 3 or max 4 passengers) on-water history cruises showcasing the Port of Goolwa and Port Pullen (Murray Mouth). One of the oldest towns in South Australia, the Port of Goolwa is the last stop of 6,500kms of Murray-Darling basin waters that was the inland highway that created Australia's most important agricultural region. With a complex maritime history, Goolwa was the birth-place of the Australian paddle-steamer river trade and the spark that developed the south coast (Middleton, Pt Elliot & Victor Harbor) and boosted the economy of both the State and Australia. This is a relaxing, unique & poignant way to learn the geography of our complex river system and why water (ocean & rivers) was the resource that determined the colonisation of the state and still affects business & politics across the nation to this day. If booked in advance we can cruise to suit your schedule, or just call for information & availability (conditions apply).

Experience the thrill and excitement of flying in an open cockpit gyroplane over the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Experience the exhilaration of a trial flying lesson in a dual controlled ELA gyroplane! Following a short introduction to the machine controls and a safety briefing, take to the skies over the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. Pilot the gyro, safe in the knowledge that you will be flying with an experienced gyroplane pilot, or just sit back and admire the view – it’s entirely up to you!

From Goolwa, aboard our historic timber fantail “MV MARANUI”, enjoy a 1 hour river cruise. Highlights include: Wharf Precinct, Goolwa Barrage, the new “Coorong Quays” (marina), seals, birds, bridges, ever-changing scenery & expert commentary.