After an enforced hiatus due to high Murray flows the PS Oscar W is back on the water this week, just in time for the launch of the SA Wooden Boat Festival's official program. 

The final count-down is on towards the 28-30 April South Australian Wooden Boat Festival weekend, which will showcase some of the most stunning wooden boats in the country.

More than 100 boats have registered, from yachts and put-puts, to large open boats and paddle steamers, for the event Hindmarsh Island’s Alexandrina Cove. 

The Friends of the PS Oscar W team, the maintenance team and Alexandrina Council staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that the vessel is ready for this year's festival. 

The paddle steamer will be moored and cruising from the Goolwa Wharf, and visitors will have the opportunity to experience this iconic vessel during scheduled cruises.

It kicks off with a twilight cruise on Saturday 15 April and tickets can be booked online. 

Learn about this magnificent vessel and the story of PS Oscar W biannual restoration works via a short film, also online. https://bit.ly/3HHnPct 

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says he is pleased to see the PS Oscar W back on the water, in perfect timing for the wooden boat festival. 

“As an integral part of the festival, she has been a crowd favourite for years.”

The festival is a free two day event open to public. Program highlights include activities on land including entertainment by the River Rats and Navy band, food and beverages from Port Elliot to Langhorne Creek, local exhibitors, and the much-loved boat building competition. 

A highlight is the opportunity to explore the wooden boats moored at the marina and meet the boats’ owners. 

There will be ample parking and easy access to the waterfront marina festival location on Hindmarsh Island. For further information and two view the festival program, visit the festival website.