Discover Goolwa’s rich maritime history
Nestled at the mouth of the Murray River, Goolwa is a town rich in history and charm. Find out more.
Once envisioned as the ‘New Orleans of Australia’, this South Australian town played a vital role in the country’s river trade during the mid-19th century.
Officially declared a State Heritage Area in 1987, Goolwa’s historic significance and beautifully-preserved townscape make it a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by Australia’s early development.
A dream of a bustling river port
From the 1850s to the 1880s, Goolwa was one of Australia's most important river ports, with grand ambitions to rival the port cities of the world.
Its strategic location at the mouth of Australia’s only navigable river system made it the perfect gateway for goods traveling between inland areas and the coast. Paddle steamers once towed barges full of supplies to upriver markets and returned with valuable loads of wool.
Goolwa’s industries flourished, and the town became a hub for shipbuilding - constructing more than 37 paddle steamers and 23 barges between 1853 and 1913.
While Goolwa's dream of becoming a major port faded with the rise of rail transport and the opening of other railways, its role in Australian history remains undeniable. The town’s wharf and tramway precinct, where goods were once transferred to rail for the final leg of their journey to Port Elliot and Victor Harbor, remain as reminders of this once-bustling trade centre.
Heritage that lives on
What sets Goolwa apart today is its remarkably well-preserved historical architecture and streetscapes, providing a window into its past.
Declared a State Heritage Area, the town's heritage precinct contains a variety of significant structures, including the Goolwa Wharf, public buildings, commercial shops, and ‘Little Scotland,’ a cluster of cottages that housed Scottish riverboat workers.
Walking through the town today, visitors can take in the unique blend of history and modern life, making Goolwa not just a place to visit, but a place to experience South Australia's deep-rooted past.
Helping preserve that history
To help ensure that development within the Goolwa State Heritage Area remains compatible with its heritage values a new Heritage Standard is being introduced, replacing the existing development guidelines.
Learn more about the consultation for the Heritage Standard for the Goolwa State Heritage Area by visiting YourSAy.
Image: Goolwa Wharf, c.1900, State Library of South Australia, B9978