Goolwa, South Australia

Goolwa ({{coor dm|35|30|S|138|46|E|type:city(2400)_region:AU-SA}}, population approx 2400) is an historic river port on the River Murray near the Murray Mouth in South Australia, and joined by a bridge to Hindmarsh Island. It is approximately 100 km south of Adelaide. The name "Goolwa" means "elbow" in Ngarrindjeri, the local aboriginal language.

Related Topics:
River port - River Murray - Murray Mouth - South Australia - Hindmarsh Island - Adelaide - Ngarrindjeri - Aboriginal language

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Before 1837 Goolwa was briefly considered as the site of the colony's capital; however, the teacherous waters of the Murray Mouth for shipping made it unsuitable as a major port. Goolwa was Australia's first inland port (1857). Australia's first railway was built to connect Goolwa to Port Elliot and later extended to Victor Harbor, allowing goods to move from river boats to sea boats, so that neither had to negotiate the Murray Mouth. The spread of railways to inland Australia put an end to the river trade and Goolwa's importance as a port. In the 1970's the replica paddle boat Murray River Queen was built in a dry dock on Hindmarsh Island and still makes weekly trips along the Murray River.

Related Topics:
1837 - 1857 - Port Elliot - Victor Harbor - Murray River Queen

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Every odd-numbered year, Goolwa hosts the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival. The town is a popular holiday destination and home to the PS Oscar W, a paddle steamer.

Related Topics:
South Australian Wooden Boat Festival - PS Oscar W - Paddle steamer

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The town is the base of the Alexandrina Council. It is in the state electorate of Finniss and the federal Division of Mayo. Its postcode is 5214.

Related Topics:
Alexandrina Council - State electorate - Federal - Division of Mayo - Postcode

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