GOOLWA
Goolwa is that town in Australia that
is based at the mouth of the River Murray.
Goolwa is one of those few towns, certainly in Australia that has both
fresh and seawater recreation opportunity. Goolwa is a nice town and
an overnight at a minimum is required to get the best out of the
place. Over a weekend will ensure a mix of ‘the markets’ atmosphere.
Before 1837 the area was briefly considered for the site of the
colony's capital; a 'special survey' was undertaken in 1839–40 with a
sizeable township laid out at Currency Creek and land for a port with
substantial warehousing on the river where Goolwa now stands; however,
the treacherous waters of the Murray Mouth for shipping made it
unsuitable as a major port. Goolwa was Australia's first inland port
(1853). 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. Goolwa is increasingly becoming a popular destination
for holidaymakers from Adelaide.
In 1935 a
permanent barrage (called the Goolwa Barrage) was constructed between Hindmarsh Island and Sir Richard Peninsula on the south eastern
outskirts of Goolwa. The barrage separates the fresh water of the
River Murray from the salt water coming up from the River Murray
mouth. The barrage was constructed to prevent the salt water
traversing further up the River Murray and polluting much needed fresh
water.
The multi and active War Memorial
acknowledgments are quite a unique difference to most towns.   
The Goolwa Hotels are both over 100
years old. 
The Catholic Church is amodern building. The Anglican approaching 150 years.  
There are two private museums
and a heritage society proposition. The latter giving an insight into
the history of Goolwa
The lake, the heritage and the
geographic aspects of the town make Goolwa a nice spot. 
Heritage diary 
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