Goolwa Australia Florists
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The name "Goolwa" means "elbow" in Ngarrindjeri, the local aboriginal language. Before 1837 Goolwa was briefly considered as the site of the colony's capital; however, the teacherous waters of the Murray Mouth for shipping made it unsuitable as a major port. Goolwa was Australia's first inland port (1857). Australia's first railway was built to connect Goolwa to Port Elliot and later extended to Victor Harbor, allowing goods to move from river boats to sea boats, so that neither had to negotiate the Murray Mouth. The spread of railways to inland Australia put an end to the river trade and Goolwa's importance as a port. In the 1970s the paddle boat Murray River Queen was built in a dry dock on Hindmarsh Island. For many years the Murray River Queen was based at Goolwa and made week-long trips up the river. It is now based at Waikerie as a floating hotel, making afternoon and dinner cruises in the Riverland. Every odd-numbered year, Goolwa hosts the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival. The town is a popular holiday destination and home to the PS Oscar W, a paddle steamer. The town is the base of the Alexandrina Council. It is in the state electoral district of Finniss and the federal Division of Mayo. Its postcode is 5214.