Our most recommended things to do in Goolwa

South Australia: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour

1. South Australia: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour

Get picked up from your accommodation in Glenelg at 9 AM or Adelaide at 9:20 – 9:30 AM for a full day of sightseeing around the gorgeous Fleurieu Peninsula.  Enjoy the scenic drive from Adelaide through the Adelaide Hills before arriving in the historic German village of Hanhdorf. Treat yourself to morning tea at The Haus, visit the Antique Clock Museum, or shop around in the village's boutique stores. Travel on to the old paddle steamer port of Goolwa for a stroll along the beach where the Murray River meets the sea. Make a short stopover at South Australia's greatest surfing beach before continuing on to Victor Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for whales as you pass Basham Beach during whale season.  Next, explore the seaside town of Victor Harbor where you can visit the Whale Center and Museum. Take advantage of the chance to visit Granite Island and check out the fairy penguins or ride the famous horse-drawn tram. Purchase lunch from one of the many quaint restaurants and pubs. Your last stop of the day will be McLaren Vale, one of Australia's oldest and finest olive, wine, and almond-growing regions. Taste some of the area's best wines, purchase some locally-grown, homemade delicacies before returning back to your accommodation at around 5:30 PM.

Murray Mouth Cruise

2. Murray Mouth Cruise

The Murray Mouth cruise is roughly 90 minutes in duration. Departing from the Main Wharf in Goolwa at 10:30 AM, cruise downstream to the Goolwa Barrage and through the lock where you will get to view the resident seal colony and drop down to sea level. Learn about the history of the lock and it's importance to the health of the river before continuing down toward the mouth of the Murray River. Take in the ambiance of the region that inspired the book, Storm Boy on your way there. On your return cruise to Goolwa, you will pass sand dunes supporting native vegetation and see an abundance wetland birdlife.

From Goolwa: Half-Day Coorong Experience

3. From Goolwa: Half-Day Coorong Experience

Discover the Coorong National Park on a 3.5-hour experience with lunch included. Cruise past the Murray Mouth and into the park for 1-hour guided walk. Tour departs from the old river port town of Goolwa, located 70 minutes south of Adelaide’s center.  A Ploughmans lunch is served on board as you cruise to the Goolwa Barrage and through the lock. Continue down to the Murray Mouth and into the Coorong National Park. Stop for a guided walk across the peninsula through dune vegetation to a beach on the Southern Ocean. Enjoy afternoon tea on the return journey to Goolwa.

From Adelaide: Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights Day Tour

4. From Adelaide: Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights Day Tour

Enjoy a delightful tour of South Australia’s premier tourist region, the Fleurieu Peninsula. This tour begins with a picturesque journey through the Adelaide Hills to the historical Scottish settlement of Strathalbyn. Here you will stop for some free time and morning tea in High Street (own expense). Continue on to the paddle steamer town of Goolwa where you'll have a brief tour of the town including the wharf, barrage and beach. On your way to Victor Harbor, cruise past the charming coastal town of Port Elliot including Horseshoe Bay, and stop at Whale Lookout for a photo opportunity. Upon arrival at Victor Harbor, South Australia’s most popular seaside village, wander through the main street, sampling the fresh local product. Enjoy free time to explore Victor Harbor. Visit one of the many pubs or cafes for lunch, and following that, you may choose to explore Granite Island, where you might even catch a glimpse of a Southern Right Whale during the winter months. Your tour then continues through the wine-making region of McLaren Vale, best known for producing outstanding Shiraz, and you'll enjoy a scenic drive through South Australia’s southern metropolitan beaches of Port Noarlunga and Moana before returning to Adelaide.

Hills to the Seaside: Full-Day Hahndorf & Victor Harbor Tour

5. Hills to the Seaside: Full-Day Hahndorf & Victor Harbor Tour

Experience a scenic journey from the picturesque Adelaide Hills to the seaside on our Full-Day Hahndorf & Victor Harbor Tour. Departing Adelaide at 9.00am, this tour takes you on a scenic adventure, visiting charming towns and iconic landmarks along the way. Indulge in a delightful lunch, explore the coastal wonders of Victor Harbor, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills. Our Full-Day Tour Includes: - Depart from Adelaide in a comfortable bus at 9.00am for a full-day tour. - Visit Hahndorf for morning tea and exploration. - Visit the coastal town of Goolwa where the Murray River meets the sea. - Pass by Middleton Beach and Port Elliot for stunning coastal views. - Enjoy a delicious lunch at the original fish and chip shop in Victor Harbor. - Take a leisurely walk around Victor Harbor and Granite Island. - If time permits, we will be able to pass through McLaren Vale. - Small group setting, maximum capacity of 11 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience.

Other Sightseeing Options in Goolwa

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What people are saying about Goolwa

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 53 reviews

We had the luxury of a limousine and our own driver, which meant we could tailor the excursion to our interests. The driver was most accomodating and we saw some of the coast that wasn't included in the itinerary. We weren't really interested in going to a wine museum or a chocolate factory. We had booked the tour because it also went to Hahndorf and Victor Harbour. We did feel that the driver lacked some local information about the places we saw but that didn't detract from the overall experience.

Pooja was very friendly and informative. She was prompt with pick up. The tour consisted of a small group which we enjoyed. We visited a number of different places throughout the day. Definitely value for money.

Our guide Phil was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He continued telling us about history and stories of SA throughout the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Phil!

Fantastic day with personal guide Singla in a lovely car. Activities and times tailored to our request fun and interesting. Highly recommend!

Enjoyable afternoon activity. Boat was clean, great lunch. Captain was very knowledgeable with great commentary along the way.