National Museum of Australia

Goolwa beach, Belinda (Goolwa)

Goolwa beach is a wilderness, with native plants and big sand hills protecting the beach from the outside world, the perfect winter hideaway. It's a lot busier in summer though!

GOOLWA BEACH
By Scott Quinlivan

A place that I like to visit often is Goolwa Beach, which is one of the natural wonders of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Tourists frequently visit the beach and you will often find people enjoying leisure activities as fishing, walking, beach volleyball and surfing. The local Goolwa community, which has an active interest in preserving this natural wonder, has been successful in preventing any major development and has groups of volunteers that have retained its natural beauty over the years.

Some of the many visitors to the beach enjoy digging up cockles, which can make a tasty treat in Asian stir fry or be used as bait in fishing. The beach is also used by mud crabs that live just below the surface of the sand. If you or your kids would like to try boogie boarding there is a kiosk that provides boogie board hire, which will keep you and your family occupied for hours. Change rooms and toilets are also available at the beach and the kiosk provides a variety of snacks and refreshments. As you walk along the beach you will notice that the sand is clean, the air is fresh and the water is crystal clear. It will make you feel you are miles away from home. If you are looking for the perfect romantic outing then I recommend that you take a walk along the beach just before sunset you will be amazed just how beautiful the sunset really is. The beach is surrounded by rugged sand dunes that support a variety of plants and shrubs.

Egret by the river, Belinda (Goolwa)

An egret stands between the Murray River and Barrage Road at Goolwa

Goolwa is a special place and so are the many towns and places that surround it. The best bit is you are never too far from the water, whether it's the beach, the river or Australia's largest freshwater lake, Lake Alexandrina. This image shows a native wading bird, an egret, standing near the Murray River in Goolwa. What you can't see is that the bird is quite near the edge of the road and a few metres away people are riding jet skis, prompting the bird to seek peace elsewhere. The picture shows the beauty of the river and bird life, while the situation shows how people impact on river life.

Egret by the River, Belinda (Goolwa)

Photo of an Egret standing in front of the River Murray

Egret stands in front of the Murray River at Goolwa

This is another picture of the egret. I love how the bird appears so elegant and delicate, and at one with its surroundings. The view is to Hindmarsh Island/Kumarangk.

Goolwa bird hide, Belinda (Goolwa)

The Goolwa bird hide is a place for seclusion and privacy

Goolwa has a special bird hide built amongst some reeds in a lagoon-type area. This is a lovely place to sit peacefully and watch the birds swimming and feeding. There is always a range of wading birds and pelicans in the area and we are very lucky to have a place where we can enjoy the delights of the Murray without disturbing the birds. A quick look around the interior and out the window to the reeds shows that this little bird hide is unfortunately also a favourite hang-out for people who like to indulge in a few drinks, also undisturbed.

Middleton moonrise, Belinda (Goolwa)

The moon rises over the ocean at Middleton while the sun sets behind, casting a beautiful glow across the skies

Many people come to Middleton for the surfing. While the surfing is often great the beach is always beautiful. This particular afternoon I was lucky enough to see a full moon rising above the ocean with the sun sinking into the hills behind me.

Waves crashing at Middleton, Belinda (Goolwa)

Photo of waves crashing against the rocks

The waves crash on to the rocky point at Middleton

The erosion of the rocks around Middleton give a good indication of the power of the waves here. Standing out on the point one can experience it up close.

Environment

Environment

Goolwa beach, Belinda (Goolwa)

Egret by the river, Belinda (Goolwa)

Egret by the River, Belinda (Goolwa)

Goolwa bird hide, Belinda (Goolwa)

Middleton moonrise, Belinda (Goolwa)

Waves crashing at Middleton, Belinda (Goolwa)

Environment

Environment

Image Gallery Page Navigation

Goolwa beach, Belinda (Goolwa)

Egret by the river, Belinda (Goolwa)

Egret by the River, Belinda (Goolwa)

Goolwa bird hide, Belinda (Goolwa)

Middleton moonrise, Belinda (Goolwa)

Waves crashing at Middleton, Belinda (Goolwa)