More than 18,000 people attended the 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival over the weekend, according to Alexandrina Council.

The event showcased the revitalised Goolwa Wharf Precinct and celebrated the craftsmanship of wooden boat building and the riverport’s rich maritime history.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says the return of the biennial event to the wharf after a brief hiatus at Coorong Quays was embraced by the local community and thousands of visitors, with one of the largest attendances in the nearly four-decade history of the festival.

“Everything about the festival was outstanding and I received so many positive comments from people who attended over the Saturday and Sunday. The wharf precinct really had this wonderful festival atmosphere.” 

The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, opened the festival, which was also attended by Senators Penny Wong and Anne Ruston, SA Deputy Premier Susan Close, Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie MP and Finniss MP David Basham. 

“There was so much for boaties to see and do and so much for families to do who have never had anything to do with wooden boats,” Mayor Parkes says.

“More than 100 wooden boats came to Goolwa – new and vintage, under sail, steam, motor and paddle. It was wonderful to see such a large number of paddle steamers make the trip down river to join us.

“The fireworks from the Hindmarsh Island Bridge on the Saturday night, sponsored by the Goolwa Wharf Construction Delivery Team… was a huge crowd pleaser.

“It was one of the best fireworks displays I have seen from the bridge and families really appreciated the early 8.30pm timeslot for their children.

“I loved seeing all the Island residents and visitors gathered across the river to watch the show. It was a great community experience.

The festival was the backdrop of a celebration on 26 April to officially open the upgrade of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct.

Representatives from the federal and state governments joined Alexandrina Council in unveiling a plaque recognising the work done on this major project to restore, renovate and protect Goolwa Wharf, the Wharf Shed, the Signal Point Experience Centre and the surrounds of the heritage-listed precinct.