Let's make history

The Goolwa Wharf Precinct is being reimagined, giving businesses a once in a generation opportunity to be part of the rebirth of a South Australian tourism icon.

This premium Murray River waterfront site is receiving a multi-million-dollar makeover, and an exceptional collection of heritage and modern buildings is becoming available for use.

Nine remarkable premises are up for lease and investment, including two premium opportunities: the historic Harbour Master’s Residence, perched high on the hill, and the Wharf Shed, which sits in prime position on the waterfront - or maybe one of the other seven opportunities will ignite your imagination?

The Goolwa Wharf is the gateway to the Fleurieu, River Murray, Coorong, and Southern Ocean, making it the perfect location for accommodation, hospitality, ecotourism, art, Indigenous businesses, and more.

This is a place to ignite the imagination.

Get in touch with us at Business Alexandrina today and let’s discuss how your business idea can come to life on the Wharf.

Email business@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8555 7455. We encourage you to get in touch early to start a conversation.

Download the Investment Prospectus for more information.

Take your place in the bustling hub

Locate your business smack bang in the centre of the Goolwa visitor experience. Already locked-in at the Wharf are:

• The Signal Point Gallery and Yuntulun Ku:li-war exhibition, featuring the most significant Indigenous and colonial heritage exhibition outside of Adelaide.
• Hector’s Modern Australian Kitchen, an institution on the Wharf, with new owners bringing fresh zeal.
• The multi-award winning Fleurieu Distillery which, among a slew of awards, took out Best Whiskey and Best in Class Whiskey in the 2022 Tasting Australia Spirits, and the gold medal in the 2022 Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Award.
• The SteamRanger and Cockle Train, icons of South Australia’s steam heritage, which bring 70,000 visitors to disembark at the Wharf each year, set for adventure.
• The PS Oscar W and Riverboat Centre, testament to a bygone era and the Wharf’s importance in the history of steam power and river boating.
• Spirit of the Coorong Cruises, departing daily for cruises into the world-renowned Coorong National Park.
• The Cittaslow Market and Goolwa Wharf Market, which operate fortnightly in Jaralde Park.
• An additional three new tenants are confirmed (though still confidential) for the Signal Point Building One, The Chart Room, and Lot 1 Cadell Street.

Explore available properties

Nine exceptional properties remain available:

Take a look at all properties.

More about Goolwa and the Wharf Precinct

The Wharf Precinct activation is unleashing the full potential of this very special place, retaining all that makes the Goolwa Wharf wonderful, while creating an atmosphere that pulses with energy, excitement, and possibilities.

Built in 1852, the Goolwa Wharf is a living tribute to the era of steam power. The Wharf is home to the iconic Paddle Steamer (PS) Oscar W and is the rail terminus for the SteamRanger and Cockle Train. It hosts the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival every two years as a celebration of the region’s rich maritime history.

The Wharf is an important site of Ngarrindjeri history, known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’. The new Experience Centre in the Wharf's Signal Point building has been co-designed with Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, which will house a permanent Indigenous storytelling exhibition.

The Precinct is a tourism focal point. Historic trains offload thousands of tourists here each year. Cruises on the PS Oscar W and the Spirit of the Coorong depart from the Wharf. Nature-lovers embark from here on eco-tourism adventures. The Visitor Information Centre links the Wharf Precinct and Goolwa township, and the fortnightly Goolwa markets are yet another drawcard.

At Goolwa Wharf, Indigenous dreaming, colonial history, and nature intersect. Town meets river, past meets future. It all happens here. This place has enormous tourism potential; a canvas awaiting your vision.

Goolwa: visit, live, invest

The town of Goolwa blends a strong visitor economy with an exceptional quality of life. Goolwa is located just over an hour's drive South of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula, offering easy access for day trips and overnight stays.

Goolwa draws local and international visitors throughout the year. Summer is the peak season and major festivals and events attract visitors throughout the cooler seasons. These include the SA Wooden Boat Festival, the Food, Wine & Experience Program, and the Fleurieu Food Festival.

Despite steady growth, Goolwa has managed to preserve its enchanting allure without succumbing to over-development. With its inherent charm, authenticity, and close-knit community, Goolwa offers a truly unique welcome to its visitors.

Goolwa’s proximity to Adelaide ensures easy access for day trips and overnight stays. It beckons local and international visitors throughout the year. As the gateway to the Coorong, the River Port town of Goolwa is home of the River Murray Mouth, where the river meets the sea and is truly a world-renowned destination.

Economic snapshot

• $1.2 million gross regional produce, a year-on-year increase of 9.4% at end FY22
• $220 million agricultural output, up 24.6% year-on-year
• $79.5 million tourism income, up 11.2% year-on-year
• 950,000 overnight stays and 518,275 day trips.

Annual visitation at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct

• The Cockle Train and SteamRanger bring 70,000 passengers in and out of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct
• The Goolwa Visitor Information Centre, draws 28,000 visitors
• The Signal Point Experience will soon be launched, including art gallery, workshop space and interpretive story-telling
• Local Goolwa galleries draw approximately 17,000 art enthusiasts
• The Paddle Steamer Oscar W hosts 1,600 passengers
• Spirit of the Coorong cruises attract 13,000 passengers
• The Cittaslow Market and Goolwa Wharf Market welcomes around 40,000 visitors
• The Goolwa Wharf Barrel Shed (commercial tenancy) estimates 13,000 visitors.

Goolwa Wharf Precinct Redevelopment Project

The redevelopment of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct seeks to enhance the Wharf's appeal and unlock its full potential, creating an exciting place and solidifying its status as an exceptional destination for locals and tourists alike. The project encompasses various improvements, including:

• The reconstruction of the Wharf
• The renewal of the Wharf shed
• Upgrades to the iconic Signal Point building
• New pathways
• Signage.

These enhancements will not only reactivate the area's heritage and preserve its living steam-powered history but also provide new business opportunities, enhance safety and accessibility, and create unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Learn more about the redevelopment project.

Signal Point

A key feature of the new Wharf will be the Yuntulun Ku:li-war exhibition at Signal Point Gallery, which will take visitors on a transformative journey into Indigenous culture and local history. With a funding allocation of $980,000 through the Australian Government's Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program, this landmark building is currently being revitalised into a state-of-the-art experience centre.

Perched overlooking the flowing waters of the Murray River, the renewed Signal Point will feature a gallery for Indigenous storytelling, immersive historical displays, and local produce and arts. The building will be a natural launching pad for local tourism, including authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, empowering local Ngarrindjeri businesses, creating sustainable opportunities and amplifying Indigenous voices.

Get in touch to express your interest

Get in touch with us at Business Alexandrina today and let’s discuss how your business idea can come to life on the Wharf. Email business@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8555 7455. We encourage you to get in touch early to start a conversation.

Download the Investment Prospectus for more information.