The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival will sail into new territory next year, with Coorong Quays hosting the two-day event at Hindmarsh Island. 

The next festival will relocate in April 2023 from its usual home at the Goolwa wharf precinct to the Alexandrina Cove Lifestyle Village.

The Goolwa wharf will be under construction throughout 2023 for wharf decking replacement and revitalisation of the entire precinct. 

This biennial occasion will showcase the finest wooden boats from the region and beyond. 

Alexandrina Council says that with the uncertainty of the Murray River flow, the new location will provide the space that ensures the safety of boats and the community. 

The site at the Coorong Quays marina includes access to the community function centre, a grassed area for festival activities on land and mooring for over 150 boats. 

The festival is supported by the SA Tourism Commission, Alexandrina Cove and Alexandrina Council. 

The business community are also gearing up to be a part of the festival, with many taking part in a month-long promotion as part of the SA Wooden Boat festival. 

The first event in the lead up to next year’s festival will be held in mid-December at Alexandrina Cove to promote the new location. 

It will launch the short film recorded during the slipping and maintenance of the PS Oscar W. 

The festival will return to the Goolwa Wharf Precinct location for the 2025 event when the revitalisation project is complete.