Explore Australia

Signal Point River Murray Interpretive Centre Learn about the river and district before European settlement and see the impact of later development. There is also a detailed history on Goolwa's river port, the paddlesteamers and local Aboriginal people. A highlight is the 3D model showing how the Murray River interacts with the SA landscape. The Wharf.

National Trust Museum: documents the history of Goolwa and early navigation of the Murray River; Porter St. South Coast Regional Arts Centre: explore the restored old court and police station and see exhibitions by local artists; Goolwa Tce. Goolwa Barrage: desalination point to prevent salt water from reaching the Murray River; open Mon–Fri; Barrage Rd. Armfield Slipway: a working exhibition of wooden boatbuilding and restoration; open Tues mornings and Fri afternoons; Barrage Rd. Horse-Drawn Railway Carriage: first carriages used in SA between Goolwa and Port Elliot from 1854; Cadell St. Goolwa Beach: popular surfing and swimming beach with large cockles to be dug up (in season); end of Beach Rd. Cockle Train: journey around Encounter Bay from Goolwa Wharf to Victor Harbor, stopping at Port Elliot. The train has been operating since 1887, and its name comes from the abundance of large cockles found on Goolwa's surf beach. It forms part of the longer SteamRanger tourist railway from Mount Barker; see Hahndorf; operates most weekends and public/school holidays; bookings (08) 8231 4366. Cruises: day tours to the mouth of the Murray, the Coorong, the Barrages and the Lower Murray; details and bookings at visitor centre. Scenic flights: over the region; contact visitor centre for details. Goolwa Heritage Walk: a self-guide tour to see the 19th-century architecture of the river port's boom days; brochure available from visitor centre.

Hindmarsh Island: Captain Sturt located the mouth of the Murray River from here in 1830 – visit the Captain Sturt Lookout and monument. The island is now popular for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and is home to the kid-friendly Narnu farm, which offers horseriding, cottage accommodation and the opportunity to milk a cow; east of town; farm bookings (08) 8555 2002. Currency Creek Game Reserve: feeding grounds, breeding rookeries and hides for many waterbirds; access by boat only; 3 km E. Currency Creek: Lions Park is a popular picnic spot with a walking track along the creek. Near town is an Aboriginal canoe tree (a eucalypt carved to make a canoe) and also the Currency Creek Winery with a restaurant and fauna park; 7 km N.

Cleland Conservation Park This park protects a variety of vegetation, from the stringybark forests in the highlands to the woods and grasses of the lowlands. It also includes panoramic views from the Mt Lofty Summit viewing platform. A highlight is the award-winning Cleland Wildlife Park where native animals wander freely about. Kids will enjoy the daily animal-feeding shows and the guided night tours. Bookings on (08) 8339 2444. For a rich cultural experience, take the guided Aboriginal tour on the Yurridla Trail. Mt Lofty Summit Rd; 14 km NW.Belair National Park The oldest national park in SA was declared in 1891. There are plenty of activities, including 5 defined bushwalks ranging from the easy Wood Duck Walk to the more challenging 6.5 km Waterfall Walk, and cycling and horseriding tracks. Visitors can also visit Old Government House, built in 1859 to serve as the governor's summer residence; open Sun and public holidays; (08) 8278 5477. 19 km W.Mount Barker: a historic town renowned for its gourmet outlets. The SteamRanger tourist train operates from here, including regular trips to Strathalbyn and on to the coastal section from Goolwa to Victor Harbor (this section is known as the Cockle Train; see Goolwa). For SteamRanger information and bookings contact 1300 655 991. Local events include the Highland Gathering and Heritage Festival in Feb; 6 km SE. Bridgewater: a historic town with excellent gardens and Petaluma's Bridgewater Mill, which has wine-tastings, sales and an up-market restaurant for lunch in a historic flour mill; 6 km W. Oakbank: craft shops and historic buildings with self-guide heritage-walk brochure available from local businesses. The Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival, held each Apr, is the Southern Hemisphere's biggest picnic race meeting and brings thousands of visitors to the town each year; 7 km N. Aldgate: a historic village featuring art and craft shops and historic sites that include the Aldgate Pump and the National Trust–listed Stangate House with its extensive camellia garden; 8 km W. Stirling: renowned for its European gardens and architecture, including the National Estate–listed Beechworth Heritage Garden (Snows Rd). See colourful parrots in the aviaries at Stirling Parrot Farm (Milan Tce); 10 km W. Warrawong Sanctuary: large native animal reserve for reintroduced and endangered species, with walking trails and a boardwalk around Platypus Lakes. Guided dawn and evening tours are available; bookings (08) 8370 9197; 10 km SW via Mylor. Jupiter Creek Goldfields: walking trails with interpretive signs across historic fields discovered in 1852; 12 km SW. Woodside Heritage Village: includes Melba's Chocolate Factory (with guided tours and sales) as well as craft studios with artisans at work; Woodside; 13 km NE. Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens: Australia's largest botanic gardens, with walking trails past cool-climate garden species, on the eastern face of Mt Lofty; access via Summit or Piccadilly rds; 14 km NW. Wittunga Botanic Gardens: native plants; Shepherds Hill Rd; 21 km W at Blackwood.

See also Adelaide Hills, p. 237 Hahndorf see inset box on previous page

Ardrossan 143 km

Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out more

---

Marion Bay 166 km

Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out more

---

West Coast 179 km

Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out more

---

Wallaroo 206 km

The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out more

---

Wedge Island 216 km

Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out more

---

Port Broughton 228 km

Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out more

---

Neptune Islands 247 km

Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out more

---

Whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 10 km

Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out more

---

Swimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 15 km

There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out more

---

Diving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 51 km

Some of the state’s best diving – particularly in-shore and around jetties – is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with leafy sea dragons, shipwrecks, dolphins and myriad fish species. Second Valley is great... Find out more

---

Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg 64 km

Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out more

---

Morialta Conservation Park 66 km

One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out more

---

Aboriginal gallery, Adelaide 67 km

The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out more

---

Adelaide Zoo 68 km

With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out more

---

Kangaroo Island Marine Tours 105 km

This well-respected, eco-accredited outfit runs a variety of wildlife-focused tours out of Kingscote in a low-emission, rigid, inflatable vessel that takes up to 12 people. Swim with dolphins, go whalewatching, see a New... Find out more

---

Cycling in the Barossa 110 km

In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out more

---

Wine-tasting - Nuriootpa and Angaston 117 km

Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa is a carbonneutral winery. Its cellar door is partially solar-powered and the vineyard is using biodynamic methods of production. Yalumba in Angaston has three organic wines and an... Find out more

---

Links Lady Bay Resort 43 km

‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out more

---

Glenelg Golf Club 65 km

Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out more

---

Kooyonga Golf Club 68 km

Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out more

---

Royal Adelaide Golf Club 72 km

In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out more

---

The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 73 km

Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out more

---

The Grange Golf Club (West Course) 73 km

Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out more

---

Aquacaf

The waterfront location might be breezy and laid-back but there’s seriously good food on offer here. Savvy kitchen skills result in surprising dishes such as a humble seafood pastie featuring a luscious blend of... Find out more

---

Blues Restaurant

Housed in an iron-clad building, complete with large outdoor deck, water feature and shade sails, this venue strikes a relaxed note. Meanwhile, the jauntily clad Beach Huts accommodation next door add a strong seaside... Find out more

---

The Locavore 56 km

The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out more

---

The Organic Market and Cafe 56 km

This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out more

---

Goodlife 63 km

This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out more

---

The Steam Exchange Company

South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out more

---

Adelaide Hills Craft Brewing 67 km

Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out more

---

South Australian Brewing Company 69 km

Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out more

---

Brewboys 73 km

One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out more

---

Coopers Brewery 73 km

More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out more

---

Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 187 km

History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out more

---

Barker Knoll camping area (boat-based camping) 13 km

This is a great beach location for self-sufficient campers, right at the Murray Mouth and reached only by boat via Coorong or Lake Alexandrina. Pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more

---

Godfreys Landing camping area (boat-based camping) 14 km

Beach camping just south of the Murray Mouth is reached by boat access only. Come equipped for self-sufficient camping, and pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more

---

Coles Crossing camping area 19 km

At 17 km north-east of Mount Compass this camping area is reached from Coles Crossing Rd, 6 km south of Mt Magnificent Rd. Campers need to note that only gas/fuel stoves are permitted.... Find out more

---

Waitpinga camping area 29 km

Sheltered sites are set amongst coastal scrub a short stroll from Waitpinga Beach, 16 km south-west of Victor Harbor. Access is from Range and Dennis roads. A permit is required and cooking is by gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

---

Mark Point camping area 30 km

Close to the water, with a boat launch, Mark Point is reached from Mark Point Rd, 35 km west of Meningie. Permits are available from self-registration stations within the park.... Find out more

---

Jacks Paddock Campground 32 km

Opposite Kuitpo Hall, with access from Christmas Hill Rd, this paddock campground is 11 km south of Meadows. With a restored barn and horseyards, it’s recommended for group camping. Arrange your booking and permit... Find out more

---

Woodcutters Cottage 33 km

This former youth hostel is a 4-room stone cottage with lounge, kitchen and sleeping room for 12, plus room nearby for tents. It’s 2 km from the information centre on Brookman Rd. Bookings and a permit are... Find out more

---

Chookarloo Campground 34 km

Creekside camping is permitted just 1.5 km from Kuitpo’s main information centre, 8 km south-west of Meadows on Brookman Rd.... Find out more

---

Rocky Creek Campground 40 km

On Razor Back Rd, 7 km north-west of Meadows, the sites here are a short walk from the carpark.... Find out more

---

Rocky Creek Hut 40 km

Hut-based camping in the northern part of the forest is provided in a single-room stone cottage, with a wood heater, sink, rainwater and sleeping platforms for 8. It’s on Razor Back Rd, 7 km north-west of... Find out more

---

Goolwa Caravan Park 4 km

Located 4 km from the town centre, in a quiet waterside area, this is a big park with large numbers of both annual sites and powered tourist sites, as well as an enormous number of unpowered sites. Reservations must be... Find out more

---

Port Elliot Holiday Park 9 km

Located just 2 km from Port Elliot, between Victor Harbor and Goolwa in a fabulous beachfront position, this is an excellent place to stay year round. We feel this is one of the great seaside caravan parks on the... Find out more

---

Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park 16 km

Right on the beachfront, this park is also within walking distance of the town centre (1.5 km). It is a quality tourist park with good facilities. Ideal for a few days or an extended stay, bookings are required during... Find out more

---

Milang Lakeside Caravan Park 21 km

This neat and shady park on the western shores of Lake Alexandrina is the ideal getaway destination for those wanting to have a few quiet days in a waterside location. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter... Find out more

---

Mount Compass Caravan Park 22 km

As neat as a pin, this newly established caravan park in a rural setting has reached a high standard in its first three years. It is a great inland base for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

---

McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 39 km

This is a spacious, quality park amid the vineyards of the McLaren Vale region. If you want to experience the great wines from the multitude of cellar-door outlets, you will find the park the best base on this part of... Find out more

---

Port Willunga Tourist Park 40 km

In a quiet rural location about 4 km from Aldinga, this is a spacious park with well-established shady trees. Bookings are necessary at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more

---

Jetty Caravan Park - Normanville 43 km

This is a neat tourist park alongside the beach. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter holidays and a minimum-stay period applies at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more

---

Moana Beach Tourist Park 44 km

Only a short distance from the Moana town centre and close to the beach, this park is also not far from Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Bookings are required at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends. There is a... Find out more

---

Lake Albert Caravan Park 54 km

Located on the shores of the freshwater Lake Albert, about 1 km from the town centre, this is a budget-priced park with a great expanse of lawn and shady trees. It is a well laid out and well-managed park, with good... Find out more

---

Ginger Blue – The Studio

A converted artist’s studio in the heart of town, Ginger Blue is quirky, romantic and perfect for two. It’s only a short amble to the historic wharf and local shops, but this delightful haven offers a real... Find out more

---

Jackling Cottage

Built in the 1860s for the lime burner and river boatman William Jackling, this quaint bluestone residence retains strong links to the past while boasting some very modern flourishes. Fully self-contained, it offers two... Find out more

---

The Yellow House

Splashes of sunny colour are an energising element in the Yellow House. A generously scaled residence for families and larger groups, it has a vast living and dining space, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, huge balcony... Find out more

---

Boatman’s Cabin

This snug timber cabin is an inspired version of the classic waterfront boathouse. Though compact, it has all you need for a relaxing getaway: two neat bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a light and airy living and... Find out more

---

Coorong Beach House

Sensational water views across to the Murray mouth and Southern Ocean surf are just part of the buzz at this artfully presented holiday home. The standard of the interior appointments and contemporary decor is... Find out more

---

Ridgetop Retreats 51 km

Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out more

---

Clarion Hotel Soho 66 km

Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out more

---

Coorong Wilderness Lodge 70 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more

---

Antechamber Bay Ecocabins 72 km

This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out more

---

Nautilus Lodge 118 km

This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out more

---

Eleanor River Homestead 141 km

This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out more

---

Lighthouse cottages 200 km

Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out more

---

Meningie Park Area 54 km

Middle of town Large parking area on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.10 E139 20.20  ... Find out more

---

Jackmans Lookout Rest Area 63 km

0.5 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 19 km W of Tailem Bend (R) Large area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S35 08.40 E139 18.58  ... Find out more

---

Tailem Bend South Rest Area 63 km

6 km S of Tailem Bend (R) or 46 km N of Meningie (L) Small secluded area among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 18.15 E139 25.50... Find out more

---

Monteith Rest Area 64 km

4 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 15 km NW of Tailem Bend (R) Large area around a few trees. GPS: S35 09.46 E139 20.37   ... Find out more

---

Parnka Point Camp Area 72 km

T/O 23 km S of Meningie (R) or 121 km NW of Kingston (L) Two small but open camp areas located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore in Coorong National Park. Toilets at nearby ‘day use only’... Find out more

---

Coomandook Park Area 83 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 28.16 E139 41.49 ... Find out more

---

Coonalpyn North Rest Area 94 km

20 km SE of Coomandook (R) or 10 km NW of Coonalpyn (L) Large secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 36.50 E139 48.42 ... Find out more

---

Sherlock Rest Area 95 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out more

---

Coonalpyn Park Area 100 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade.  GPS: S35 41.48 E139 51.27 ... Find out more

---

Loop Road Camp Area 105 km

T/O 61 km SE of Meningie (R) or 83 km NW of Kingston (L) Small secluded camp area located 1 kilometre off the highway opposite a lake on the Loop Road in Coorong National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S36 08.16 E139... Find out more

---

Peake Rest Area 107 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out more

---

Culburra North Rest Area 110 km

14 km SE of Coonalpyn (R) or 13 km NW of Tintinara (L) Large secluded area surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S35 47.50 E139 56.47 ... Find out more

---

Moppa Road Rest Area 117 km

29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26  ... Find out more

---

42 Mile Crossing Camp Area 121 km

T/O 78 km S of Meningie (R) or 66 km N of Kingston (L) Secluded campground located 3 km west of the highway at a clearing behind the dunes in Coorong National Park. GPS: S36 17.15 E139 42.42  ... Find out more

---

Tintinara Park Area 123 km

South end of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 53.05 E140 03.25  ... Find out more

---

Dublin Park Area 123 km

On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out more

---

Truro East Rest Area 126 km

1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out more

---

Tarlee Park Area 137 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out more

---

Annadale Rest Area 137 km

29 km E of Truro (L) or 17 km W of Blanchetown (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 23.22 E139 25.55... Find out more

---

Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 144 km

22 km N of Dublin (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.396 E138 14.543... Find out more

---

Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 148 km

12 km S of Port Wakefield (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.327 E138 13.381... Find out more

---

Riverton South Rest Area 148 km

South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out more

---