Goolwa Hotel: Goolwa - in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

Goolwa, situated on the lower reaches of the mighty River Murray, is a popular tourist destination an hours drive south of Adelaide. It was once the largest inland port in Australia, when the steam-powered paddlesteamers plied the Murray-Darling river system. The town has retained many of the historic buildings from those bygone days, faithfully restored, and a fascinating reminder of the way things were.

Built in 1853, the Goolwa Hotel is an excellent example of early colonial architecture, and still provides comfortable facilities for patrons without losing the mid-1800’s atmosphere and ambience.

During recent extensive renovations, proprietors Ian and Terry Cross were careful to maintain the delicate balance between the old and the new, and this has been achieved with distinction. The Goolwa Hotel provides three separate dining areas for guests. In the front bar, the $6 daily specials are always very popular, while the bright and airy garden retaurant caters for 100 guests in comfortable surroundings, and offers a comprehensive menu.

A wonderful dining experience awaits guests in the Mozambique Restaurant, which accommodates 200 guests, and is decorated with nautical relics from the past. The retaurant commemorates the ill-fated Mozambique, a 3 masted barque which ran ashore near the Murray Mouth in 1854. The figurehead from the vessel is a centrepoint in the Mozambique Restaurant. Guests can choose from the extensive a-la-carte menu, featuring the very best in fish, poultry and red meat dishes, and also from the wide range of salads and hot vegetables available from the self service bars.

Both the Mozambique and Garden Restaurants are ideal for important occasions such as receptions, birthdays and anniversary celebrations. You can leave the arrangements to the professional staff at the Goolwa Hotel, confident that your special event will be a complete success. The air-conditioned Goolwa Hotel caters for buses and tours, has TAB and Sky Channel facilities, and 40 of the latest gaming machines to entertain patrons.

A wide selection of wines, spirits and beers are available from the large drive-in bottle shop, which trades under the popular Sip-n-Save banner, and regularly offers ‘specials’ on particular brands.

Goolwa is a fascinating river town, steeped in history. It is central to the lower Murray waterways and barrages, Hindmarsh Island, and the Murray mouth. All forms of boating, fishing and other water-sports are popular. The internationally acclaimed Coorong is nearby, and daily cruises from Goolwa provide a magnificent view of this unique region. Make your Goolwa visit complete, with a meal at the historic Goolwa Hotel.

For further information or bookings, contact Ian or Terry Cross.

Goolwa Hotel
Phone: 8555 2012
Fax: 8555 1521
Address: 7 Cadell Street, Goolwa, 5214.

Text & Photos supplied by Goolwa Hotel