Goolwa Wharf Precinct

Our vision is for the Goolwa Wharf Precinct to be "A place to experience a vibrant riverfront township enriched with culture and history".

The Project

Alexandrina Council, with the support of Federal and State Government funding, is investing in the Goolwa Wharf Precinct to make it a place that showcases its many unique features, cementing this distinct destination as a great place to visit and spend time, for locals and tourists alike. This investment in the Goolwa Wharf Precinct reflects Council’s strategic vision “To Thrive” and will establish the ‘canvas’ for innovative and diverse activities ranging from new business opportunities, outdoor dining, ‘pop ups’, festivals and community events.

The Project includes new pathways and signage, reconstruction of the wharf, renewal of the wharf shed including improvements such as internal lining and glazing, and upgrades to Signal Point including a new entrance canopy, solar power system, new heating/cooling system and roof remediation.

Latest update

Work on Stage 2 of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct project is underway.

Main contractors McMahon Services moved to site in mid-October and are using the Harbour Master’s Residence as their main on-site office and car park area for workers.

An area that has informally used for car parking off Porter Street has also been fenced off to use as a depot area for vehicles and machinery. The site will change frequently as the works progress, so visitors are asked to be aware of traffic flow and parking changes.

McMahon Services began dismantling the State Heritage-listed Wharf Shed for refurbishment in mid-November 2023, finishing that work in late December 2023. Each individual component of the shed was identified through 3D scanning and was taken off-site to be restored. The paint from the usable shed timbers have been removed, repairs have been completed and the timbers have been repainted ready for installation. The components will be reassembled in the second quarter of 2024.

The dismantling of the wharf structure started in late January 2024. The work will be done in stages to minimise impacts to business operations. Deconstruction and construction works will occur from the deck, and from the water. Decking timbers will be removed from on the deck, and the timber beams and joists will be removed using floating plant and a crane.

The construction of the concrete footing for the seawall began in February and continues. New steel piles have been installed for stage one. The concrete seawall has been poured and pre-fabricated steel has been delivered to site ready for installation. Electrical components have been relocated behind wharf shed and work has started on the new stormwater.

Work on the Dunbar Road car park is complete, and work has started on the Amelia Park car park, and footpath upgrades throughout the precinct. Kerbing work will start in late March with asphalt scheduled to be laid in April.

The construction team and representatives from Alexandrina Council were on hand to answer project questions at a special Cittaslow market held on 19 January when the Santos Tour Down Under international cycling event passed through Goolwa.

Upcoming works

Wharf pre-fabricated steel to be installed for stage one with timber decking to follow.
Backfill of seawall back to existing edge.
Stage 2 wharf demolition scheduled to start late April.
Wharf Shed footings and service trenches will be excavated.
Underground services to be installed for Wharf Shed.
Wharf Shed concrete footings & slab to be poured.
New steel shed structure to be installed.
Refurbished timber to be installed to steel structure.
Front canopy and rear solar shed for Signal Point is scheduled to be installed late April or early May.

McMahon Services has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document for the project.

You can also find out more about instigation of Stage 2 in our Media Release.

In April 2023, Stage 1 works commenced as part of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project to bring much-need renewal to the iconic Signal Point building. Work is almost complete on the external upgrades. The Signal Point Experience Centre and its new exhibition ‘Yuntulun Ku:li-war’ is now open. ‘Yuntulun Ku:li-war’ tells the stories of the Ngarrindjeri people of this area, the early settlement history of Goolwa as a major river port and the ecology of the Murray Darling River system.

Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project basic public access map McMahon Services

Image: Pedestrian and vehicle access during construction Stage 2, October 2023 to February 2024.

Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project Staging plan V1

Image: Goolwa Wharf Precinct site setup contractors McMahon Services.

Delivering the next stages of the project

Construction of Stage 2 is expected to take approximately 12 months, accounting for any potential weather-related delays.

The Goolwa Wharf Precinct will be open for business during all stages of the redevelopment. Visitors will have continued access to the Wharf and surrounding businesses whilst construction works are undertaken. We encourage locals and visitors to continue to enjoy the Precinct and support businesses while the redevelopment is completed.

Project timeline

Goolwa wharf timetable image

Master Plan

View the supported Option D (enhanced) Master Plan below

Further information about the Master Plan evolution is available below.

The below image gallery provides an artist's impression of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct and Master Plan.

Master Plan Option D 23 March 2023 pictured below

Project benefits

Reactivation of the heritage of the area through preserved buildings of the river trade era.
Preserving the living steam powered history through the Paddle Steamer (PS) Oscar W and the Steam Ranger heritage train.
Providing new business opportunities, including outdoor dining, ‘pop ups’, festivals and community events.
Continued operation of the markets to provide a premium visitor experience and encourage exploration of the whole Precinct.
Reconstruction of the Wharf to address deterioration, as well as improving safety and access for all.
Improvements to the pedestrian and cycle linkages to and throughout the Precinct to connect key places and attractions at the Goolwa Wharf.
Improvements to the Signal Point Gallery building including a new canopy to the entrance, improvements to internal heating and cooling, installation of a solar panel system.
Additional toilet facilities which provide access for people of all abilities.

Information and updates

Construction works to deliver the Goolwa Wharf Precinct has commenced. Stage One works will focus on the iconic Signal Point building and involve removal and replacement of the roof sheets and remediation of the roof structure, installation of the new heating and cooling system, and painting. To undertake the work safely, temporary fencing will be erected around building 2 of Signal Point for the duration of these works. Construction access to the site will utilise designated access points at the rear and front of the Signal Point building, with all building works activities contained within the fenced off area. Access to building 1 of Signal Point, currently being used temporarily by the Wharf Barrel Shed, will be maintained via the front entrance on the wharf side and via the rear entrance via BF Laurie Lane.

The construction works have been carefully planned to be delivered in stages that ‘expand’ the work fronts across the Precinct to safely and efficiently deliver the works. In subsequent construction stages, some traffic restrictions and access changes will be required to support worker and ensure public safety. Please continue to look out for onsite signage when you visit the Goolwa Wharf Precinct.

Access will be maintained to all Goolwa Wharf Precinct businesses during construction, and we encourage locals and visitors to continue to support these businesses during the redevelopment.

Progress

Confirmed public toilet location and space allocation of the Wharf Shed tenancies
Site established at Signal Point and roof remediation works underway
Wharf Shed decommissioned in readiness for next stage of works
Continuing engagement with key stakeholders in the lead up to construction
Timber for Wharf decking replacement purchased to support the next stage of works
Development Approval.

What’s next?

Stage 1 work continues to upgrade the Signal Point building
Tender for the major works closes and tender evaluation is undertaken
Construction contract awarded for next stages to complete the project
Continue engagement with key stakeholders for construction.

Announcements

Media Release - September 2023 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct Stage 2 Update
Media Release - August 2023 - SATC Sponsorship for SA Wooden Boat Festival
Media Release - July 2023 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct July Project Update
Media Release - April 2023 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project construction works get underway
Media Release - March 2023 - Goolwa Wharf Shed allocation finalised - It's now time to build!
Media Release - February 2023 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct - Full steam ahead
Media Release - January 2023 - Green Light for Goolwa Wharf Precinct Master Plan Project
Media Release - September 2022 - Pre-construction Contract (Early Contractor Involvement) Announced
Media Release - June 2022 - Open tender for Goolwa Wharf Precinct
Media Release - March 2022 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct Master Plan Decision
Media Release - September 2021 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct - Draft Master Plan
Media Release - July 2021 - Signal Point Experience Centre
Media Release - June 2020 - Goolwa Wharf Precinct Revitalisation Project $7.5 Million project funding announced.

History of the Waterfront Precinct

Traditional Owners

The Goolwa Wharf Precinct is located at “The Meeting of the Waters” which is significant site for Ngarrindjeri where the Murray River, Murrundi in Ngarrindjeri, and Coorong, Kurangk in Ngarrindjeri, would meet to allow significant fish species to reproduce. This area has always been ‘life bearing and significant’ for Ngarrindjeri. In more recent decades it was also the location of the building of the Hindmarsh Island Bridge, which resulted in a royal commission. The Goolwa Wharf Precinct also holds significant history for the wider community as was central to the development of South Australia. The establishment of the Goolwa Wharf was critical for trade, industry, and development of the state of South Australia as the Murray River was a trade corridor. The significance of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct has history for both the Ngarrindjeri and wider Goolwa community, which makes it a great location for the growth of the tourism industry and unique opportunity to shape and showcase a shared future. Recognising this in late 2020, with the support of Federal Government through the Building Better Regions Funding Program, Alexandrina Council partnered with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation (the prescribed body for Native Title), to develop the Ngoppen Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Cultural Tourism Plan - ‘Walking Ngarrindjeri Land’.

For Alexandrina Council and the Ngoppen Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Cultural Tourism Plan, the identification of growth within the tourism sector through the Ngarrindjeri and Aboriginal cultural tourism sub-sector is a result of the long-standing working relationship with Ngarrindjeri. This has been achieved through the Kungan Ngarrindjeri Yunnan Agreement, which translates to ‘Listen to Ngarrindjeri Speak’, and more recently heightened through the Native Title determination achieved by Ngarrindjeri in the last four years.

Through the relationship established over the last 15 years many areas of collaboration for Ngarrindjeri and the Alexandrina Council, such as heritage, development and other key project and development areas have resulted.

Tourism is a natural development that requires a framework to tap into the potential value. This plan provides the model and aspiration of the collaborative approach to South Australian Tourism at the hero destination that is the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, through Ngarrindjeri and Aboriginal cultural tourism development. With this aspiration the Ngoppen Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Aboriginal Cultural Tourism plan has been developed through engagement and consultation with the Ngarrindjeri and Aboriginal community, Ngarrindjeri artists and other key tourism industry stakeholders such as the South Australian Tourism Commission, Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism, local tourism operators and a project steering committee to capture views, aspirations and explore the opportunity for growth, the appetite for partnerships and collaboration at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct.

The ‘Ngoppen Ngarrindjeri Ruwe – Walking Ngarrindjeri Land’ Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Plan is a Strategic Plan and framework for Ngarrindjeri involvement in the revitalisation of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct and related experiences.

As we progress Council’s aspiration for the Goolwa Wharf Precinct we are seeking to further strengthen relationships with the Ngarrindjeri community in an authentic way.
Read about the integration of aboriginal artwork for the Goolwa Wharf Precinct here.

Council recognises the importance of authentic storytelling and unique, place based experiences and the ‘Ngoppen Ngarrindjeri Ruwe’ Plan is integral to inform activities, focus and provide a guide for progressing the First Nations element of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct experience. Importantly the work outlines opportunities for fostering indigenous employment creation and business opportunities.

The Plan provides recommendations to ensure that Ngarrindjeri Cultural Tourism exists and can be embedded in the Goolwa Wharf Precinct and will provide a demonstration of what can be achieved for future application across the Alexandrina region. Many of the recommendations will be realised in the Signal Point Experience Centre and internal fit out project of the existing building and creation of interpretive story telling content and digital displays.

The Ngoppen Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Plan was possible thanks to grant funding from the State Government’s Building Better Regions Funding Program (Round 3) and Council’s co-contribution.

History of the Wharf

GWP historical

The Goolwa Wharf Precinct’s history dates back to the mid-1850s when Goolwa was established as a thriving river port. The original wharf was built in 1852 on the recommendation of Governor Sir Henry Fox Young. It was extended in 1866, demolished and rebuilt in 1874 and extended again in 1878.

When navigation of the Murray River was accomplished in 1851, an immediate start was made to the construct a railway to link the river port to Port Elliot. This was completed in 1854 and extended to Victor Harbor in 1864. The rail tracks from Port Elliot entered the wharf at right angles and turntables on the wharf were used to swing wagons parallel to the moored steamers and barges. The old railway goods shed, now the Fleurieu Distillery, was built in 1879 and sited with the railway track running through the centre for ease of unloading cargo.

The Wharf Shed was built in 1877-78 and remained virtually unchanged in its appearance until the 1990s. It is now used as the Goolwa Riverboat Centre incorporating an exhibition space and booking office for the PS Oscar W. Peak use of the wharf for cargo handling was between 1878 and 1884. Grain and wool were among the most common cargo from up river.

The Chart Room, also part of the precinct, was built in 1864 part of Abraham Graham's patent slip and iron works and used for storage of charts. The Chart Room has recently been restored and given a ‘new life’ to protect the building and for the next generations use while retaining an appreciating for its history. For more information, please visit the Chart Room project page.

Background Information

Master Plan Options Report - 7 March 2022

Concept Master Plan Options – 28 February 2022

Master Plan Evolution

Enhancing the Goolwa Wharf Precinct has been a long term focus of Council and its community.

Over time, planning work has progressed to improve the location (and individual sites within) subject to funding.

In 2019 Jensen Plus were engaged to assist Council activate the Wharf Precinct by detailing the following elements of the Wharf Precinct improvement into a Master Plan approach for this area of the overall precinct:

Wharf Shed and Wharf Renewal
Signal Point Regional Art and Cultural Centre
Wharf Precinct Open Space and Activation
Public Wayfinding signage and WiFi.

View the 2019 Jensen Plus Plan here, referring to page 2 for the early concept Master Plan on a page.

A Project Business Plan was developed to support a Building Better Region Fund application. Once funding was approved it was clear more work was required to truly activate the area taking a contemporary, best practice placemaking approach.

This would ensure the four (4) aforementioned elements were not merely an asset renewal project and the investment created a true destination for the community and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.

To inform the public realm improvements and building utilisation the Roadmap to Revitalisation Goolwa Wharf Precinct Placemaking Strategy was developed.

Council was briefed in November 2020 and formally received the report as a guiding document to revisit the plan in May 2021. The Placemaking strategy highlighted the importance of the PS Oscar W, Barge Dart and rich wooden boat history as unique differentiators that set the riverport town of Goolwa apart from other tourism locations. The biannual SA Wooden Boat Festival is a community event that celebrates this fact.

In the absence of a plan for how these assets were integrally linked, and could be further leveraged, it was clear a strategic approach was required. To achieve this, in 2021 the Alexandrina Wooden Boat Strategy 2022-26 was developed based on significant input from key stakeholders and this was supported unanimously by Council on 18 October 2021.

The Wooden Boat Strategy, Placemaking Strategy and Council’s new Community Strategic Plan A2040, assisted to inform the final design options to truly revitalise the Goolwa Wharf Precinct. New information arising from detailed investigations undertaken to commence delivering the four (4) funded components of work identified constraints with previous plans as well as opportunities to achieve Council’s vision to create “A place to experience a vibrant riverfront township enriched with culture and history”.

Given a decade had passed since the community were consulted on any Wharf Precinct improvements it was deemed appropriate and prudent to consult the community. Council received a briefing in August 2021 on draft design concepts that considered information at hand and these were unanimously supported to seek community feedback in September 2021.

The Council supported Goolwa Wharf Precinct Master Plan (7 March 2022) enables this important project progression for the final design and construction for tender phase to deliver our vision for "a place to experience a vibrant riverfront township enriched with culture and history".

Historical Assessment Wharf & PS Oscar W

An independent heritage assessment has been completed as part of the development of the design which provides an extensive analysis of the historical context and evolution of the Goolwa Precinct area. It highlights the creation of the Goolwa township, port facilities, river and rail as a form of transportation (including the history of the Paddle Steamer (PS) Oscar W), buildings settings including their form and function (Wharf Shed and Goods Shed).

Council’s aim is to not only create an identity for the PS Oscar W within the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, but create a safe work environment for the volunteers and public.

Option D (enhanced) will provide a functional facility at the south end of the Wharf Shed, including a workshop area, meeting room and back-of-house area, museum/memorabilia area (riverboat centre), and ticketing service for dedicated use by the volunteers to support their operation and maintenance of the PS Oscar W.

Council recognises the significant importance of the PS Oscar W and volunteers (Friends of Oscar W) to the Goolwa Wharf Precinct as a tourist attraction alongside others in the Precinct (Signal Point Gallery, Markets, Steam Ranger, Spirit of the Coorong and local business).

Council’s aim is to create a safe work environment in the new Wharf Precinct. We will continue to work with volunteers to create an iconic visitor experience in the Wharf Shed.