South Australian Wooden Boat Festival

The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a biennial flagship event held at Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. It showcases the historic Goolwa wharf, one of Australia’s most important river ports and celebrates iconic river boating history and boatbuilding traditions, the Murray River environment, lifestyle, culture and heritage.

The 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is set to be held at the historic Goolwa Wharf. A boating spectacular showcasing over 200 wooden boats, the festival promises an exciting on-water program offering a great visual spectacle. Visitors can enjoy a range of maritime displays on water and land, Paddlesteamer rides on the PS Oscar W and the PS Marion, take a ride on the Steamranger Cockle train, taste some regional wares at the Fleurieu feast tent and local entertainment.

Soak up the atmosphere with FREE entry and great entertainment for the whole family. The river port of Goolwa is recognised for its historic river trade, commitment to heritage preservation and scenic beauty, which is a perfect location for this celebration.

•  Wooden Boats of all shapes and sizes, vintage sailing yachts, traditional riverboats, putt putts, steam boats, clinker boats, canoes & rowing boats and model boats on display
• Paddlesteamer rides on the PS Oscar W
• A on water boating program with parades and racing events all weekend.
• Talk to the owners, builders and craftsman and hear their stories.
• Boatbuilding demonstrations, exhibits and workshops
• Taste some of the regional wares and premium South Australian Wines.
• Take a ride on the Steamranger Cockle train.
• Fun for the children with the Little Pirate’s Tent, Ahoy!

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