The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is returning to Goolwa on April 26 and 27, 2025, bringing together wooden boats of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or simply looking for a fun-filled weekend, this free two-day event has something for everyone.

Set at the historic Goolwa Wharf, the festival will showcase over 200 wooden boats, creating an incredible on-water spectacle. Visitors can enjoy a range of maritime displays both on land and water, as well as paddlesteamer rides on the PS Oscar W and the PS Marion. You can also hop aboard the Steamranger Cockle Train for a nostalgic ride, explore local flavours at the Fleurieu Feast Tent, and enjoy fantastic live entertainment throughout the event.

The on-water boating program promises plenty of nautical excitement, with parades and racing events running all weekend. If you prefer to stay on dry land, explore the festival marketplace, where you’ll find handcrafted goods, boat-building demonstrations, and restoration workshops.

From canoes and rowing skiffs to putt-putts, yachts, and traditional wooden boats, this nationally renowned, multi-award-winning festival showcases South Australia’s rich maritime heritage and expert craftsmanship. There’s something timeless about the beauty of a wooden boat, and you’ll have the chance to hear stories directly from the owners, builders, and craftsmen.

Saturday kicks off with a memorable Steam Salute, an exchange of whistles between the SteamRanger Cockle Train and the PS Oscar W, celebrating Goolwa’s industrial heritage. Then the creative fun starts, with the Rough ‘n’ Ready Boat Building Challenge, where teams will put their skills to the test as they construct a boat – all set for its maiden voyage in Sunday’s race. The Vintage Tiger Moth Bi Plane Aerial Display will entertain in the afternoon, perfectly complemented by the live tunes of Storm Boys.

Sunday brings more action and entertainment. The Festival Trophy Presentations will honour achievements and contributions to the festival. Following the boat-building frenzy on Saturday, the Rough ‘n’ Ready Boat Race is where teams will test their handmade vessels. To end the festival on a high, don’t miss the PS Oscar W Grand Parade Cruise, featuring live music from the Navy Band.

From the moment you arrive in Goolwa, you’ll fall in love with the town’s vibrant energy – cafés, friendly locals, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes this festival so special. There’s something for everyone, including the Little Pirate’s Tent, where kids can enjoy hands-on activities and entertainment.

Food and wine lovers are in for a treat, with local wineries, nature tours, live music, and special events enhancing the festival experience.

The river port of Goolwa is recognised for its historic river trade, commitment to heritage preservation, and stunning scenery, making it the perfect location for this celebration.

Less than 40-minutes away in the Langhorne Creek Wine Region, you can:

• Enjoy regionally inspired lunch platters and gourmet pizzas at Bremerton Wines’ renovated cellar door, with options for alfresco dining or picnics on the lawn.
• Indulge in wine flights paired with tasting plates at Bremerton Wines, showcasing their award-winning range.
• Explore the art exhibitions on the mezzanine level of Bremerton Wines’ restored 1866 stone barn.
• Visit Angas Plains Wines for alfresco lunches with vineyard.

If you’re looking for adventure, why not take a cruise down the Murray Mouth and Coorong with the Spirit of the Coorong? This fantastic tour takes you on a 90-minute journey downstream from Goolwa through the Barrages, following the last kilometres of the Murray River to the Murray Mouth, where you can admire the stunning scenery and birdlife while enjoying expert commentary along the way.

Extend your stay along the Murray River to uncover the region’s maritime heritage. In Mannum, make time to visit the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, where you can delve into the history of the Murray River trade and explore the restored PS Marion, a historic paddle steamer. Nearby, the PW Mayflower, a replica of an 1850s river barge, offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.

If you’re planning to attend the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival, why not make a week or weekend out of it and explore the area? Luckily, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby to suit any budget or preference.

From the family favourite Discovery Parks Goolwa with its modern amenities, splash park, new swimming pool, outdoor cinema, and nature playground; to the luxurious River’s End Retreat with a boutique riverside experience – there are great accommodation options for everyone. For those looking for something unique, the PS Federal Retreat offers a two-bedroom stationary stay on an old paddle steamer.

Other caravan park options include, the relaxed and peaceful Hindmarsh Island Caravan Park, and the picturesque Clayton Bay Riverside Holiday Park nestled on the shores of Lake Alexandrina.

The festival has it all – whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber looking for new experiences, you’re sure to find something to delight and inspire you. (And given it only comes every two years, you won’t want to miss it!).