South Australia, Australia

Goolwa Beach

Goolwa Beach is a beautiful beach located in South Australia. It is known for its clear water and waves that are a bit forward, providing a good space for children to play in the wet sand. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles.

One of the unique features of Goolwa Beach is that it allows visitors to drive on the sand. This is particularly popular at the Surf Life Saving Club area of the beach, where visitors can drive all the way to the Murray Mouth. However, it is recommended to let the tyres down as the sand can get pretty heavy a few kilometres from the Mouth.

The beach has good parking spots available for visitors. However, it is important to note that camping on the sand dunes or within 300m of the Murray mouth is not allowed. There have been instances where security personnel have had to remind visitors of these rules.

Explore accommodation options near Goolwa Beach, where you can enjoy clear waters and spot local wildlife like turtles.

The natural characteristics of the beach can change due to environmental factors. For instance, the water can turn brown with mud from the Murray River during floods. Despite these occasional changes, Goolwa Beach remains a popular destination for beachgoers.

What to do at Goolwa Beach?

Amenities

Goolwa Beach amenities include parking.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Goolwa Beach include Pelican Bistro Goolwa, Kuti Shack, Birdie Bistro Goolwa and Bombora On The River.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty of the beach, with clear water and ample space for children to play, as well as the unique experience of being able to drive on the sand. The beach's location near the Murray Mouth and the opportunity to interact with wildlife, such as turtles, are also appreciated. However, visitors complain about the overzealous security personnel and the occasional muddy water due to floods.

Where to Stay near Goolwa Beach?

If you’re planning a trip to Goolwa Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Goolwa, which offers a range of accommodations within a short drive to the beach. Many visitors also opt to stay in Victor Harbor, a larger town with more amenities, while enjoying day trips to Goolwa Beach.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Goolwa Beach?

Latitude: -35.5225539 / Longitude: 138.7726011

Goolwa Beach is located in South Australia. The following map of Goolwa Beach shows the exact location.

Goolwa Beach: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
Today is definitely not a day for the beach, so it is best to plan your activities indoors. You will encounter consistent downpours throughout the day, creating a very soggy environment along the coastline. The air temperature is quite cool at 13.9 °C, making it feel rather chilly near the water. Additionally, you will face strong, blustery winds that make conditions quite uncomfortable for anyone standing on the sand. The ocean is currently very rough with significant waves, and with the water temperature sitting at 15.4 °C, it is far too cold and hazardous for swimming. Please stay clear of the shoreline today as the combination of rain and choppy waters makes the beach an uninviting and unsafe place to visit.
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Air

Low / High11.9°C/13.9°C
Feels Like (High)14.2°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature15.4 °C
Wave Height1.5 m
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Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall15.7 mm
Rain Duration18 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:59/18:13
Sunshine Hours0.0 hrs
UV Index2.5
Cloud Cover95%
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Wind

Speed20.6 km/h
Gusts36.4 km/h
DirectionSE

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