Australia's first public railway, horse drawn, was opened in 1854 to connect with the Murray steamboat system, thus connecting river traffic at Goolwa with the ocean port of Port Elliot. This was Australia's first example of an integrated transport system. Sealers from Kangaroo Island were probably the first Europeans to visit Goolwa, possibly as early as 1828. Seawater is prevented from entering Lake Alexandrina, Lake Albert and the River Murray by a barrage 632m long.
Small craft enter through a lock.
Goolwa offers a range of quality accommodation choices. With a unique blend of historic attractions, fine food restaurants and stunning scenery, Goolwa is an ideal holiday location. All rights reserved. All information, content and design contained within this website and page is copyright to The Murray River Web Site and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Murray River Web Site owners or management.