Goolwa Barrages

The Goolwa Barrages are a system of five barrages near Goolwa in South Australia, separating the freshwater Lower Lakes of the River Murray from the seawater of the Coorong and Murray Mouth. Constructed between 1935 and 1940, they regulate river flow, prevent seawater intrusion, and maintain water levels for irrigation and environment. The site is notable for its engineering heritage, scenic estuarine landscape and importance to the Murray-Darling Basin.

Visitors can expect to view a series of low barrage structures spanning channels between Lake Alexandrina, Goolwa Channel and the Coorong, with causeways, lock and weir infrastructure, and wide views over water, wetlands and sand dunes. The setting is open and coastal-estuarine with walking along barrage roads, interpretive signage, birdlife and fishing spots nearby. Access is via Goolwa Barrage Road and Hindmarsh Island, with viewpoints for photography and observing water management operations.

Constructed between 1935 and 1940 by the South Australian Government to secure freshwater in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, prevent seawater intrusion from the Southern Ocean, and support irrigation, navigation and town water supply along the lower River Murray. The five barrages - Goolwa, Mundoo, Boundary Creek, Ewe Island and Tauwitchere - remain a major River Murray water management scheme operated within the Murray-Darling Basin.

The Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth area is of long-standing cultural significance to the Ngarrindjeri people as traditional lands and waters. The barrages are also significant as an example of interwar water engineering and as a landmark illustrating human management of the River Murray estuary.