South Australian Wooden Boat Festival
24-25 April 2027
Goolwa Wharf Precinct
Above: Children enjoy a ride on the Paddle Steamer Oscar W. Image by South Australian Tourism Commission.
Australia’s oldest wooden boat festival
Goolwa's calling!
Every two years, the historic river port of Goolwa comes alive with the creak of timber, the rattle of masts, crowds, characters, and no shortage of a good yarn.
Since 1989, the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival has brought together passionate boaties, traditional maritime craftsmen, and lovers of a great day out for one of South Australia's most beloved gatherings. And it's coming again 24-25 April 2027.
There's nowhere else this festival could call home. Goolwa sits where the mighty Murray finally meets the Southern Ocean. For a hundred years this was one of Australia's busiest river ports and when the festival hits town the Wharf carries that same spirit yet again.
Come along and experience a spectacular program of boats, displays, exhibitions, entertainment and activities for all ages.
Let's keep in touch ...
Let's keep in touch ...
Festival highlights
Your artwork could feature on the 2027 poster
Jump aboard!
Be part of the Festival as a sponsor, a registered boatie, or an exhibitor.
The Boaties’ Portal
Boat registration will open later in 2026 with access via the Boaties’ Portal, which will open at the same time.
The Boaties’ Portal is a special area of the website with extra features for boat owners, skippers, crew, passengers and family.
Make sure you are on our mailing list so as to be the first to know when boat registrations and the portal both open.
Meet the fleet
Here are just a few of the wonderful wooden boats joining us for the 2027 Festival. Once registrations open, those with a boat participating in the Festival will be able to watch the fleet grow in real time through the Boaties' Portal.
Above: Four-wheel driving on Goolwa beach. Image by Ryan Formosa Photography
Get excited about Goolwa
Start planning your Festival experience. Explore what to see and do, where to stay, and the delectable Alexandrina food and drink that awaits.
The Festival in pictures
