Entire home
The Rushes Riverside Goolwa - State Heritage Precinct
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Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5180 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
Living room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (103 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
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, SA
What's nearby
- Artworx Gallery - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Goolwa Wharf Markets - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Steam Exchange Brewery - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Goolwa Old Railway Superintendent's Cottage - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
- Goolwa Motor Museum - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Thai Days - 5 min walk
- Port Elliot Bakery - 10 min drive
- Salt - 11 min drive
- Caffé de Carlo - 7 min walk
- Imbass On The Elbow - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
24 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dianne K.
20 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
Dianne K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chris O.
4 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent stay
Chris O.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
28 November 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful stay!
Jennifer B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
James W.
22 January 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property
James W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
John W.
7 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Could not be faulted!
John W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
allanga1993
21 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Goolwa Getaway
allanga1993
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
June B.
15 December 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful accommodation
June B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
22 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful and relaxing
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chris M.
11 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
birthday getaway
Chris M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Hannah W.
9 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
Hannah W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
melissa m.
11 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely getaway
melissa m.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jan F.
18 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
Jan F.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Wendy H.
24 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway
Wendy H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
VICKI AND TERRY L.
6 August 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful paradise
VICKI AND TERRY L.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Jessica W.
13 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay, great host
Jessica W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kim N.
30 April 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic
Kim N.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
10/10 Excellent
rachel g.
12 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage by the water
rachel g.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Dianne K.
17 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Wonderful Stay!
Dianne K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Deb B.
4 December 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding Weekend
Deb B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Megan O.
14 April 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house and location
Megan O.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Margaret C.
8 October 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Position perfect in Goolwa
Margaret C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
10/10 Excellent
David H.
22 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
a perfect escape
David H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Robert B.
31 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Review
Robert B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Belinda S.
17 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Goolwa Getaway
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
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