Is there a better way to start the day than watching horses race down a beach as the sun slowly climbs above the breaking waves?

Seeing thoroughbred horses train on Goolwa Beach at sunrise is reason enough to visit the historic town of Goolwa , on the Fleurieu Peninsula .

The town’s name is taken from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘elbow’. Goolwa stands at the mouth of the Murray River on Lake Alexandrina, 45 minutes south of Adelaide. Horse racing is popular in the region, and you can wander down to Goolwa Beach at sunrise to watch the thoroughbred trainers at work.

During the school holidays, rail enthusiasts can hop on board the Cockle Train, a historic steam engine that chugs along Australia’s first public iron railway, built in the 1850s. The train runs from Goolwa to Victor Harbor and offers spectacular views of the Southern Ocean.

For an enchanting encounter, visit Granite Island just a 15 minute drive away and home to 700 pairs of fairy penguins. Penguin walks are held on the island every evening at dusk. Trained guides accompany small groups of walkers along the foreshore of the island to see the penguins arrive home safely after a busy day at sea. Depending on the time of year, you could see them courting, mating, feeding chicks and building their nests. You can walk across the restored wooden causeway to reach the island, or take a ride on Australia’s only horse-drawn tram.

The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to more than 20 national parks. You’ll see some 70 species of Australian animals and birds at Urimbirra Wildlife Park, about five kilometres from Victor Harbor, and it’s also an ideal spot for whale watching in winter.

The area is also known for water sports. Swim at Granite Island or dive at the Fleurieu Artificial Reef – it’s made up of decommissioned navy vessels that were scuttled off the Fleurieu coast near Yankalilla in November 2002, creating one of the best dive sites in Australia. You’ll find everything from the engine room to missile launchers.

If fishing’s your thing, there’s mulloway to be had at nearby Murray Mouth and anglers will enjoy the surf fishing at Goolwa Beach. Continuing the water theme, it’s worth taking a leisurely drive an hour and half to the Coorong National Park, where high sand dune systems front the Southern Ocean and a long, narrow wetland complex connects to the lower Murray River and Lakes system.

You’ll also see many Aboriginal archaeological sites as it is of spiritual significance to the local Ngarrindjeri people. The Park boasts a huge array of birdlife, including Australia’s largest breeding colony of pelicans.

There are some nice spots to go horse riding at nearby Hindmarsh Island and Narmu Farm specially caters for children. It’s easily accessible by short ferry ride from Goolwa.

The peninsula is also home to the McLaren Vale and Langhorne wine regions so after your day out in the Park, enjoy some award winning local wines. Currency Creek’s grape varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. And once you’ve done the research, match your wines with some gourmet fare at their award-winning restaurant.

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• Nearest City:Adelaide
• Distance to Nearest City:83kms
• Nearest Airport:Adelaide

Local Attractions in the Area

• Coorong Adventure Cruise by Spirit Australia Cruises
• Steam Train, Peninsula Coastline
• Adelaide Region Parks
• Currency Creek Wine
• The Marina Hindmarsh Island,

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Helpful Links for the Area

• SA Tourism: Goolwa
• SA National Parks
• Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism
• Alexandrina Council

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Seasonal Events

• Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Classic(yacht race)
• Goolwa Alive!: October
• Goolwa Air Spectacular: February 2007
• Wooden Boat and Music Festival: March 2007
• Fleurieu Peninsula Calendar of Events