The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct
The Rushes – Goolwa Wharf Precinct, Murray River lower lakes, Coorong Cruise and Paddel steamer departure, Restaurant Precinct
Picturesque Local State Heritage Area
Perfect for an indulgent getaway. Located across from the Goolwa Market and Wharfe Precinct and a great place to go for walks along the river. 2 luxury bedrooms both with private ensuites. Plenty of space for a family or to share. The kitchen has an ice-maker, dishwasher and Meile appliances. The deep soaking bath is a favourite with guests to relax and unwind. Our alfresco fireplace provides a good spot to gather and enjoy a drink and our outdoor deck and BBQ area is a lovely spot overlooking the japanese inspired bamboo garden.
Take the path along the river to the historic wharf and wooden boat harbours dotted along the river. Enjoy breakfast or dinner at one of the cafes that share this magical spot.
The perfect place for a relaxing escape or just to spoil yourself.
The Space
The Rushes Riverside Retreat is spacious with an open living plan. Both bedrooms have a queen size bed, bathroom and open to the alfresco old red brick fireplace in the centre courtyard which is a feature with the courtyard light filtering into the interior space. There is one single sofa bed in the second bedroom. The decor is elegant with custom furnishings, natural stone and wood elements that blend with the riverside theme. A gourmet kitchen has a Nespresso coffee pod machine and ice maker as well as everything you need to prepare freshly cooked meals. The bedroom is luxurious and has a beautiful deep soaking bath and a very comfortable adjustable queen bed. Bedroom and living rooms have a separate heating and cooling system to ensure that guests are comfortable in every room. The property has free wifi, a smart tv and netflix.
Creating The Rushes
The Rushes was purpose built in 2015 as Tourist Accommodation in Goolwa’s State Heritage area with the assistance of the states expert Heritage Architect Consultants. The modest design and natural materials incorporated throughout combines the heritage of Goolwa and history of The Mighty Murray river into a warm welcoming contemporary tourist accommodation to share with its guests that come to enjoy the magic of the place and the river. The old red brick chimney stands out beside the twin gables of the roof on each side of it. The chimney smoke winding up in the open sky to the river with its historic wharf, steam train and paddle boat that dock beside it.
About
The Rushes sits beside the lower lakes of the River Murray and where this river ends its incredible 2530km journey as it flows through the Coorong before entering the Southern Ocean. Enjoy morning walks and the natural wonder of the beautiful Murray Lower Lakes and Goolwa Beach with its abundant bird life. Goolwa Beach is a popular surfing and fishing spot, famous for its Pippi’s or Cockles easily found on the beach when in season. The Coorong National Park is where the film Storm Boy is based and is a must see. The Coorong can be accessed through regular tours leaving from the wharf.
The Rushes cottage facade fits well into this State Heritage area and inside natural and recycled materials have been beautifully blended. Light fills the rooms from the central private courtyard that has an alfresco open fireplace constructed with old red bricks, the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine. The Rushes gardens are a peaceful spot to relax over looking the river or amongst the lush gardens on the rear deck.
Goolwa offers a fine selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs and other eateries where you can enjoy a quick coffee or a full menu. Why not try the local seafood? Just a stone’s throw from The Rushes is the Goolwa Wharf Market. A great place to sample local produce, meet some of the locals or even pick up a bargain.
Goolwa is the only place in Australia where steam train meets steam paddle steamer with Goolwa being the home of the steam paddle steamer the Oscar W. The steam train departs from the wharfe on weekends and public holidays for its return trip along the coast to the beautiful seaside town of Victor Harbor.
For the history buff Goolwa has plenty to offer. Dating back to 1837 when the area was considered as the site for the colony’s capital. It is also the home of Australia’s first public railway and the filming of the original Storm Boy. There’s plenty to see with local heritage architecture particularly in the area known as Little Scotland and a selection of art galleries and shops.
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Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Goolwa
Located in Goolwa, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Goolwa Museum and Goolwa Old Railway Superintendent's Cottage are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Steam Exchange Brewery and Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club Marina. Travelling with kids? Consider Urimbirra Wildlife Park and Nangawooka Flora Reserve. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and ecotours.
Goolwa Old Railway Superintendent's Cottage - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club Marina - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Getting around
Goolwa Station - 2 min walk
Adelaide, SA (ADL) - 79 min drive
Restaurants
Thai Days - 5 min walk
Port Elliot Bakery - 10 min drive
Caffé de Carlo - 7 min walk
Salt - 11 min drive
Imbass On The Elbow - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct?
As of 12 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct on 21 Apr, 2026 start from S$450, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct located?
This family-friendly Goolwa holiday home is located on the waterfront, just steps away from Artworx Gallery and Goolwa Wharf Markets. Goolwa Museum and Goolwa Old Railway Superintendent's Cottage are also within 5 minutes. Goolwa Station is only a 2-minute walk.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Second time we have stayed here and it was amazing as expected. Clean, well equipped and beautifully furnished in the heart of Goolwa. Can’t wait to return
Lovely property - better than expected, beautiful decor. Close to all facilities, restaurants Goolwa market and Cockle train. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Beautiful property, just like home experience. Everything you could need on hand and the location just a short walk to all attractions and restaurants etc. Thank you Doreen.
The Rushes is in a great location handy to Goolwa restaurants and attractions. Very high standard and well presented accommodation perfect for two couples holidaying together. Would highly recommend!
Prefect location just a short stroll from Goolwa wharf and across the road from Hays kitchen. Lots of thoughtful touches provided. The courtyard fireplace was amazing for our winter getaway. Doreen was super responsive to our queries and recommended some great places to eat
Jessica W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review Jessica, look forward to hosting you again
Our stay was terrific - The Rushes was impeccably furnished with the courtyard and open fireplace a real highlight for the family. Doreen has an incredible eye for detail and we had absolutely everything we needed during our stay. The bathtub in the master bedroom was perfection!
We stayed at this lovely Goolwa property. The owner and manager, Doreen, made it a wonderful stay for us through her attention to detail, the cleanliness of the property and the beautiful design of the premises both inside and out. The place is located close to the heart of Goolwa, has easy private parking, and is on a picturesque walk along the foreshore, railway and parks nearby. We would be delighted to return!
Dianne K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us Dianne
We had a fantastic and fun stay at The Rushes, the layout of two master bedrooms with own bathrooms, seperated by the courtyard for privacy was perfect for two couples sharing the accomodation. The house was beautifully decorated, clean and very generous provisions were provided in both the kitchen and the bathrooms, the kitchen was set up well with everything you could need for your stay, although there was a shortage of mugs for 4 people we managed. The location to the wharf and the easter markets was fantastic and just a short walk into the main street was appreciated too. We had a great time and have already been discussing when we can go stay again. Thank you for having us.
Megan O.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept, 2023
Thank you so much Megan for your lovely review. It’s so great to get this feedback.
Doreen
Immaculately decorated, beautifully presented, excellent location - from The Rushes it is an easy walk to the Main Street, Hector’s wharf, the Riverside Cafe on Liverpool Road and Bombora on the river. The location made it possible for us to give the car a holiday and walk along the riverside walking track in both directions. The sheltered private garden was a great place for morning book reading. The house has every amenity for a very comfortable stay. We didn’t have the opportunity to use the outside fire place in the courtyard but that’s a reason for us to return for another visit. We all had a very enjoyable and relaxing time.
Margaret C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept, 2023
Margaret so glad you all enjoyed The Rushes and hope you return again
Doreen
The Rushes was the perfect place for a last minute escape. Supurbly appointed, warm, comfortable and well equipped for us to dine in when needed. The house has a perfect layout to share with our friends who joined us for several days, both bedrooms have there own bathrooms and are private. We loved the central living area and the house is so well situated to the Goolwa heritsge areas and the whaves. Beautiful walks, the Cockle train (Steam train) was running which was an added bonus. Lunch at Kuti Shack was sunning and the open fire in the internal courtyard was fun! The entire property was spotless and our hosts were so kind and accommodating when we had to delay our arrival by 24 hours. We can not recomend the property highly enough!
David H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept, 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review of The Rushes Riverside Goolwa
Beautiful property perfectly located within short walking distance to both the Goolwa wharf and Main Street, with plenty of dining options for a relaxing stay!
The property was extremely clean and tidy and provided all the comforts of home. The large bedroom bath and outdoor fireplace made for a cosy winter break.
Belinda S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Doreen Brincat
We enjoy traveling and have stayed at other hosted Vrbo and Stayz accommodation for over 20 years and really enjoyed the experiences that hosted accommodation offers. We enjoy offering a place where you can enjoy walking and taking in your surroundings and a unique holiday experience.
Why they chose this property
We purpose built this property as a tourist accommodation. it is zoned tourist accommodation by local council and is in the State Heritage area of Goolwa. Strict guidelines in the construction of The Rushes maintain the integrity of Goolwa and the States Heritage. To offer a holiday feel and resort style we added features like the deep soaking bath in the bedroom and alfresco fireplace in the center courtyard.
What makes this property unique
The inspiration from the view and the nearby market place on a Sunday morning was where it began and from there we worked to create a place that would do justice to this beautiful location and inspiration is the gift that this place keeps giving, it is truly magical and I now enjoy hearing about our guests wonderful experiences.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests