Townships and Placemaking
Alexandrina is a region shaped by expansive waterways, lush farmlands, wine country, wilderness, and heritage townships.
Most residents live in our two largest townships – Strathalbyn and Goolwa – with vibrant communities also found in Ashbourne, Clayton Bay, Currency Creek, Finniss, Langhorne Creek, Middleton, Woodchester, Milang, Mount Compass, and Port Elliot.
Each township has its own distinct personality, shaped by its geography, heritage, and local industries.
Council’s placemaking efforts aim to preserve what makes these places special, while creating welcoming environments for new families, businesses, and visitors – fostering pride, connection, and growth across the region.
Explore Alexandrina's Townships
Strathalbyn
Strathalbyn is a picturesque heritage town known for its antique shops, charming high streets, and vibrant community.
The recent restoration of the Strathalbyn Town Hall marked the completion by Council of significant streetscape beautification works designed to accentuate the town’s unique beauty and better connect the two high street precincts.
Nearby, the small village of Ashbourne, nestled among rolling hills and bushland, is home to the famous Greenman Inn.
Goolwa
Goolwa is a popular holiday and sea-change destination located at the junction of the River Murray and Southern Ocean.
The historically important Goolwa Wharf Precinct has been recently undergone an $18 million revitalisation, renewing the boardwalk and Wharf Shed, and redeveloping the Signal Point Experience Centre to showcase Indigenous and colonial history through the Yuntulun Ku:li-war exhibition.
Goolwa has a strong creative culture, and even stronger boating and maritime culture. The town is home to the Council-run biennial South Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
Nearby Currency Creek and surrounding farmlands are home to cellar doors and local producers, adding to the appeal of the broader Goolwa region.
Langhorne Creek
Langhorne Creek is a historic wine region with some of the oldest vines in the Southern Hemisphere. Its unique floodplain geography supports a world-renowned viticulture industry.
Council is leading the development of the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail – a $7.06 million federally funded project that will create a 2.8km walking and cycling trail linking several wineries and opening new opportunities for tourism and regional growth.
Nearby Milang – which sits on the shores of Lake Alexandrina – Woodchester and Finniss are small townships that support some of Alexandrina’s most productive agricultural land.
Mount Compass
Mount Compass is a welcoming township at the heart of Alexandrina’s diverse food bowl.
Known for its agricultural strength and community spirit, Mount Compass is increasingly recognised for its role in regional food production and its potential for tourism growth.
Nearby, Peninsula Providore olive grove and farm shop showcases the region’s strength in local food production and is a great example of the growing potential for paddock-to-plate agritourism.
Port Elliot & Middleton
Port Elliot and Middleton are two gems along the Encounter Coast, full of holiday makers in the summertime and thriving local communities year-round.
Middleton is a quiet town famous for surfing, while Port Elliot is a regional favourite, with its iconic bakery anchoring the historic Strand.
The town’s charming high street leads to spectacular coastline and Horseshoe Bay, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
