More than 130 boats are set to take part in this weekend’s 2023 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (29-30 April).
In addition to the boat displays, the festival will feature a wide range of family-friendly activities, including face painting for children, model boat displays, radio-controlled boats, Storm Boy screenings at Centenary Hall, Pirate Trail, and roving circus demonstrations. Entertainment will include the River Rats and the Australian Navy band.
Food and beverages on offer will come from local producers, including Goolwa Beach Pizza, Fleurieu Ice Cream, Port Elliot Coffee, Langhorne Creek Wine & Beer, Encounter Bay Beer, and more.
Art lovers will be treated to the festival’s Art Trail, featuring sea and river exhibitions from Fleurieu Artists, including The Strand Gallery, South Coast Regional Arts Centre, Artworx Gallery, Art @ Goolwa, Twin Pines Gallery, Stables & Studios, Goolwa, John Lacey’s Studio & Green Tank Gallery, Mt. Compass, and Goolwa Visual Arts Group at Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club.
Visitors can also enjoy the festival’s Food, Wine & Experience Program, which features local tastings, tours, and more. Live music will be playing at 90 Mile Wine and Murray Delta Juke Joint in the evenings, providing a lively end to a day of festival activities.
“The local businesses are playing a huge role to wave the regional flag and showcase our amazing food, art, culture, and heritage we are so proud and privileged to boast here on the Fleurieu,” says Mayor Parkes.
To help visitors get around, a free festival shuttle bus will operate on a 30-minute loop cycle, transporting visitors between the Goolwa Wharf Precinct and Coorong Quays on both festival days.
The festival is receiving support from major sponor Coorong Quays, along with the South Australian Tourism Commission and Northpoint Toyota. It is free to everyone, offering a chance to celebrate Goolwa’s rich maritime history. For more information about the festival program, visit the festival website at www.sawoodenboatfestival.com.au.
Photo: Alexandrina Council, supplied
