National Museum of Australia

Goolwa, David (Goolwa)

Aerial photo of township

The township of Goolwa is situated on the banks of Lake Alexandrina by the Murray Mouth. It has a lively history as an inland Port and is now a vibrant regional centre, experiencing its own 'sea change'.

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.

Armfields, David (Goolwa)

View from slipway

The Armfields slipway is nestled amongst the reeds in Goolwa just down from the wharf. It is now used by a group of volunteers who restore old river boats and build new ones. This shot is looking out from their shed toward the Hindmarsh Island Bridge.

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.

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.

Coastal views, David (Goolwa)

Middleton Point

Middleton Point, just around from Goolwa, is a popular surfing spot and is very busy most weekends. During whale season it can be busy to the point of congestion. This strip of coast is growing at a remarkable rate, with many non-resident land owners. Close to Adelaide (an hour or so) with good surf and clean beaches, it is proving to be a Mecca for holiday makers and retirees alike.

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Goolwa, David (Goolwa)

Goolwa cemetery, David (Goolwa)

Armfields, David (Goolwa)

Boating festival, David (Goolwa)

Shacks, David (Goolwa)

Coastal views, David (Goolwa)

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Goolwa, David (Goolwa)

Goolwa cemetery, David (Goolwa)

Armfields, David (Goolwa)

Boating festival, David (Goolwa)

Shacks, David (Goolwa)

Coastal views, David (Goolwa)