National Museum of Australia

Goolwa cemetery, David (Goolwa)

Historic grave at Goolwa cemetery

The Goolwa region has many areas of both environmental and cultural significance. The Goolwa cemetery is an example, being both a 'bush for life' site, where an intact stratum of remnant vegetation remains and is protected. It also contains significant links to the early settlement of the area. The large monument at left is the memorial of Captain Bain Johnston, a pioneer of the shipping era. He operated a cargo and passenger service between Adelaide and Goolwa which necessitated navigating the Murray Mouth in the late 1800's.

Settlement, David (Goolwa)

Old ruin

This cottage is a reminder of the changes that have occurred in the last century. Weatherboard construction was not common in this region, with abundant stone available, and the advent of corrugated iron being embraced for quick simple and economical construction.

Boating festival, David (Goolwa)

Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival 2005

Goolwa hosts a number of events linked to its historic past. As a major inland port it uses the remaining extensive wharf facilities to host the biennial South Australian Wooden Boat Festival. This attracts enthusiasts and visitors from all over the country, and in addition to the huge number and range of boats on display, the program has various other attractions - a marquee housing an eclectic range of musicians, trade displays and the 'rough and ready' boat building competition to name a few. Teams of two people get two sheets of ply, a couple of lengths of pine, some cable ties and sikeflex (a marine silicon). They get two hours to make a boat, then have to race it out around a mark in the channel. Life jackets are required, with good reason.

Cockle Train, David (Goolwa)

Photo of the Cockle train and people at the side of the track

150th anniversary railway event

The first railway line in South Australia was established to link Port Elliot and Middleton with Goolwa and the river trade. In October 2004 Goolwa hosted the 150th celebrations of that line being opened. Railways are fast disappearing from our landscapes. It was good to see loads of people and lots of kids enjoying trips on board the Cockle Train between Goolwa and Victor Harbor.

Life is good, David (Goolwa)

Cafe on Goolwa wharf

This cafe on the Goolwa wharf is always a busy spot. It represents the changing face of Goolwa today, with lots of visitors and a burgeoning population during summer and holidays. It's a great spot to sit and do a bit of boat watching.

Shacks, David (Goolwa)

Milang shacks

The shacks nestled on the edge of Lake Alexandrina at Milang are a snapshot of holidays as they used to be. Built in the 1950s, they remain remarkably untouched. No two storey palaces here, just good fun with a lot of like-minded holiday-makers, enjoying sailing, skiing and other activities on the lake. It's a good place for kids to catch a fish, probably only carp, but rewarding for them anyway.

Living

Living

Goolwa cemetery, David (Goolwa)

Settlement, David (Goolwa)

Boating festival, David (Goolwa)

Cockle Train, David (Goolwa)

Life is good, David (Goolwa)

Shacks, David (Goolwa)

Living

Living

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Goolwa cemetery, David (Goolwa)

Settlement, David (Goolwa)

Boating festival, David (Goolwa)

Cockle Train, David (Goolwa)

Life is good, David (Goolwa)

Shacks, David (Goolwa)