50 years of Storm Boy

This year marks 50 years since the release of the iconic 1976 film, Storm Boy.

Most of Storm Boy was filmed in and around the Alexandrina region, including Goolwa, Port Elliot and the Coorong. The film became one of Australia's most celebrated cinematic achievements and helped introduce audiences around the world to the remarkable landscape at the mouth of the River Murray.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, the 2027 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival will feature Storm Boy. More details will be announced closer to the festival.

One special feature will be Hideaway, the fishing boat used by Storm Boy's father, Hideaway Tom, in the beloved 1976 film. Today, the vessel is cared for by the volunteers at Armfield Slip & Boatshed and remains an important piece of the region's maritime and film heritage.

The boat has a remarkable story of its own. Found derelict on the banks of the River Murray more than 20 years ago, Hideaway was rescued by the Armfield team and painstakingly restored. Its preservation ensures a tangible connection to one of Australia's most enduring stories.

First published by South Australian author Colin Thiele in 1964 and brought to the big screen in 1976, Storm Boy tells the unforgettable story of a young boy, his beloved pelican Mr Percival and the enigmatic Fingerbone Bill. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Coorong, the story has inspired generations through its themes of friendship, nature, belonging and respect for the environment.

Today, visitors can retrace many of the story's most memorable locations through the Storm Boy Discovery Trail. The trail connects sites across Goolwa, Port Elliot and the Coorong, providing an opportunity to experience the landscapes that shaped both the original story and the film adaptation. Stops include the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct, Armfield Slip & Boatshed, the Goolwa Barrage and a range of locations throughout the Coorong.

Explore the Storm Boy Discovery Trail at any time and stay tuned to hear more about how Storm Boy will feature in the 2027 festival.