Everything about Goolwa totally explained
Goolwa is a historic river port on the
River Murray near the
Murray Mouth in
South Australia, and joined by a bridge to
Hindmarsh Island. The name "Goolwa" means "elbow" in
Ngarrindjeri, the local Aboriginal language.
Goolwa is approximately 100 km south of
Adelaide, at the base of the
Alexandrina Council. It is in the state
electoral district of Finniss and the federal
Division of Mayo. Goolwa has a population of approximately 6500.
History
Before
1837 Goolwa was briefly considered as the site of the colony's capital; however, the treacherous waters of the
Murray Mouth for shipping made it unsuitable as a major port. Goolwa was Australia's first inland port (
1857).
Australia's first railway was built to connect Goolwa to
Port Elliot and later extended to
Victor Harbor, allowing goods to move from river boats to sea boats, so that neither had to negotiate the Murray Mouth. The spread of railways to inland Australia put an end to the river trade and Goolwa's importance as a port. In the
1970s the paddle boat
Murray River Queen was built in a dry dock on Hindmarsh Island. For many years the Murray River Queen was based at Goolwa and made week-long trips up the river. It is now based at
Waikerie as a floating hotel, making afternoon and dinner cruises in the
Riverland.
Culture
Every odd-numbered year, Goolwa hosts the
South Australian Wooden Boat Festival
. The town is a popular holiday destination and home to the
PS Oscar W, a
paddle steamer.
Goolwa, along with its neighbouring towns of
Middleton and
Port Elliot and the city of
Victor Harbor have in the
2000s enjoyed a nationally recognised "
sea change" boom, with people moving there from more metropolitan areas for an improved lifestyle on the coast. The local councils are left with the dilemma of how to provide sufficient services for the influx of new residents, while at the same time not spoiling the character and appeal of the area that attracts newcomers.
In March 2007, Goolwa was declared a
Cittaslow by visiting cittaslow representatives. Goolwa was the first non-European town to gain cittaslow status.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Goolwa'.
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