Follow the Festival Art Trail

From the 2025 Art Trail: artist Dzint Jurevicius

Beyond the boats and bustling wharf precinct, the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival celebrates the artists, makers and storytellers who help bring the spirit of the region to life through the Festival Art Trail.

The Art Trail invites visitors to explore galleries, studios and exhibition spaces across Goolwa and the surrounding region, showcasing the work of some of South Australia's most talented artists. In previous festivals, the trail has brought together an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary exhibitions inspired by rivers, boats, water, landscapes and local stories.

The Art Trail celebrates the strong connection between art and place. From paintings and photography to sculpture, textiles and mixed media, artists draw inspiration from the waterways, landscapes, communities and heritage that make this part of South Australia so distinctive. Many works reflect life on the Murray River, the Coorong, Lake Alexandrina and the historic river port of Goolwa.

For visitors, the trail offers an opportunity to experience the festival beyond the waterfront precinct. Wander through historic townships, discover local galleries and meet the artists who help tell the stories of the region through their work. Whether you're an avid collector, a curious visitor or simply looking for another reason to explore, the Art Trail adds another dimension to the festival experience.

The Art Trail also reflects the festival's broader spirit of craftsmanship and creativity. Just as boatbuilders, restorers and maritime enthusiasts preserve traditional skills and knowledge, artists capture and reinterpret these stories through contemporary creative practice. Together, they help celebrate the culture, heritage and community that have shaped the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival for generations.