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, May 30, 2026
Today is a poor day for a beach visit to Goolwa Beach, so it is best to plan your activities for indoors. You can expect persistent light rain throughout the day, which will make staying comfortable on the sand quite difficult. With a maximum air temperature of 17.6 °C and a sea temperature of 16.9 °C, the water is far too cold for swimming. The conditions are quite blustery, with strong winds creating choppy, rough water and significant waves that make entering the ocean hazardous. Given the damp weather and the lack of warmth, the beach will not be enjoyable for sunbathing or relaxing by the water. Please prioritize your safety and avoid the shoreline while these unsettled conditions persist.
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Air

Low / High11.3°C/17.6°C
Feels Like (High)13.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature16.9 °C
Wave Height1.4 m
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Rain

Rain Chance90%
Rainfall1.5 mm
Rain Duration7 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:13/17:10
Sunshine Hours9.1 hrs
UV Index3.45
Cloud Cover23%
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Wind

Speed25.6 km/h
Gusts45 km/h
DirectionW

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