This year the SA Wooden Boat Festival is sailing back to Goolwa, ready to dock at the historic River Port for another jam-packed year of action.
Held on the 26th and 27th of April, the festival will have something to keep everyone entertained. From historic paddle steamers, sailing races, and maritime displays, to art trails, markets, and food and wine, this isn’t just your average festival.
“The SA Wooden Boat Festival has become one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier wooden boat events, and it’s a privilege to bring people together to celebrate the craftsmanship, history, and community that make it so special,” shared SA Wooden Boat Festival Committee Chair Mark Harvey.
The Wooden Boat Festival has a long-standing history dating back to 1984 and has become a staple for locals and tourists alike.
With Goolwa’s deep connection to the river trade dating back to the early 1850s when it became Australia’s first inland port, there’s a rich history for this sort of thing in the area. Paddle steamers and fishing boats once transported goods along the Murray River, linking inland Australia to the sea and to Victor Harbor via rail. Today, Goolwa remains a gateway to the pristine Coorong National Park, an ecologically significant region, and is recognised for its preservation of heritage and culture, historic river trade, and beautiful location.
This year, the festival is returning to its home at the revitalised Goolwa Wharf. The Wharf’s multimillion-dollar revitalisation, backed by State and Federal support, has restored timberwork, enhanced public spaces, and introduced new attractions, reinforcing its role as a hub for food, culture, and tourism.
The festival is a total family affair, with plenty to keep the kids entertained. At the festival, musicians, street artists, and face painters will all perform across the weekend. Keep an eye out for the Little Pirates Tent and a fun wooden boat activity, which is always extremely popular for children and families.
A festival favourite would have to be the Rough ‘n’ Ready boat-building competition. You can register a team, build a boat on Saturday and the following day take to the water to race and hopefully not sink. Other must-dos are the paddle steamer cruises and steam train trips.
Other things not to miss would have to be the Steam Salute, a unique event where the SteamRanger Cockle Train and the PS Oscar W exchange whistles in tribute to the town’s industrial heritage.
“There’s something truly magical about hearing the SteamRanger Cockle Train and PS Oscar W exchange whistles across the wharf. It’s a sound that connects past and present, reminding us of Goolwa’s rich maritime history,” said Mark.
This fantastic event is the perfect excuse to head down to Goolwa. Goolwa is the perfect setting for the SA Wooden Boat Festival’s return, offering an unforgettable experience for boating enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.
SA Wooden Boat Festival
Where: Goolwa Wharf Precinct, Goolwa, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, 5214
When: 26th and 27th of April
For more information, click here.
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