Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour
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Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour
138 Liverpool Rd, Goolwa, South Australia 5214 Australia
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About
#1 of 1 B&B in Goolwa
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Located 60 minutes from Adelaide CBD on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. The Boathouse Retreat is nestled at Birks Harbour, offering views of the Murrray River only minutes from historic Goolwa, with nearby Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. Our individual luxury bed and breakfast accommodation is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway or a solo place to unwind and relax. Immersed in the stunning surroundings on the great Murray River, Birks Harbour is truly unforgettable. Minutes to the beach, restaurants, cafes and a short drive to the wineries of McLaren Vale, yet nestled away from the crowds in your own private Retreat. You can lose yourself amongst the majestic trees, watch the sail boats, enjoy the prolific birdlife both local and migratory fly directly over, stunning sunrises and sunsets and night skies. The Retreat has a luxurious King Size bed with beautiful linen for lazy lie-ins designed for your absolute privacy with its own unique characteristics. Guests can enjoy the private deck with breathtaking views.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Fishing
Babysitting
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Extra long beds
Bath / shower
Seating area
Sofa
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
iPod docking station
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
138 Liverpool Rd, Goolwa, South Australia 5214 Australia
Getting there
Adelaide Airport
65.8 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
36 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
This is wonderful accommodation right next to the marina. The retreat is wonderfully furnished and sitting on the deck and watching the birdlife was relaxing even in cold weather. The fire kept us very warm and cosy inside. I strongly recommend the food package. The selection provided was high quality and sufficient for more than one light meal. We hope to return on another visit to South Australia
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is an idealistic location if you are into water, great views and boats setting the scene. It is peaceful with lots of bird life. Note that it is part of a working marina so there can be people coming and going on the front deck, but this is all part of the atmosphere of the place.
You can't go wrong spending a few nights here
You can't go wrong spending a few nights here
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Date of stay: October 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We've just spent 5 magic days / wonderful nights at the Boathouse. Our hosts Wendy and Phil were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble for them and they're a wealth of information on Goolwa and surrounding areas.
The Boathouse is exquisite to say the very least, with a nautical theme that is so appropriate for its unique location on the river at the marina. We just love the private deck over the water, where we enjoyed breakfast every morning, and lazy hours reading books and watching the birdlife and passing boats.
The accommodation was spotlessly clean and beautifully furnished, and the bed so very comfortable. Lovely fresh breakfast provisions and extra treats left for us upon arrival. Everything was perfect. We can't wait to stay again.
Thank you Wendy and Phil, for an amazing week.
Kind Regards Martin and Pip
The Boathouse is exquisite to say the very least, with a nautical theme that is so appropriate for its unique location on the river at the marina. We just love the private deck over the water, where we enjoyed breakfast every morning, and lazy hours reading books and watching the birdlife and passing boats.
The accommodation was spotlessly clean and beautifully furnished, and the bed so very comfortable. Lovely fresh breakfast provisions and extra treats left for us upon arrival. Everything was perfect. We can't wait to stay again.
Thank you Wendy and Phil, for an amazing week.
Kind Regards Martin and Pip
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Date of stay: October 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an absolute treasure the Boathouse at Goolwa is.
We choose the Boathouse for our honeymoon and enjoyed every minute of our 6 day stay there.
We were absolutely blown away by the property, the ambiance, the location and the care and attention to detail provided by the owners Wendy and Phil is amazing.
The Boathouse is very well appointed with everything you could ever need or want,we could not have asked for any thing else during our stay.
It was very clean throughout , the linen was of great quality and the bed and pillows were soooo comfortable.
The furniture and decor was well suited and we definitely appreciated the well stocked fire place .
The goodies basket provided on arrival was incredible, with so much good quality food and nibbles we were set for a few days.
The marina is a great spot for sunrises / sunrises and to just sit back and enjoy the daily life of staying on the river. The deck was fabulous and we spent many an afternoon out there sitting back , relaxing and enjoying a glass or two of wine.
The location is fantastic, as we were able to base ourselves here and travel around the wineries and explore the Fleurieu Peninsula.
We would love to thank Wendy and Phil for there amazing hospitality and would highly recommend this little piece of paradise.
Best regards
Nicky & Paul Monaghan
We choose the Boathouse for our honeymoon and enjoyed every minute of our 6 day stay there.
We were absolutely blown away by the property, the ambiance, the location and the care and attention to detail provided by the owners Wendy and Phil is amazing.
The Boathouse is very well appointed with everything you could ever need or want,we could not have asked for any thing else during our stay.
It was very clean throughout , the linen was of great quality and the bed and pillows were soooo comfortable.
The furniture and decor was well suited and we definitely appreciated the well stocked fire place .
The goodies basket provided on arrival was incredible, with so much good quality food and nibbles we were set for a few days.
The marina is a great spot for sunrises / sunrises and to just sit back and enjoy the daily life of staying on the river. The deck was fabulous and we spent many an afternoon out there sitting back , relaxing and enjoying a glass or two of wine.
The location is fantastic, as we were able to base ourselves here and travel around the wineries and explore the Fleurieu Peninsula.
We would love to thank Wendy and Phil for there amazing hospitality and would highly recommend this little piece of paradise.
Best regards
Nicky & Paul Monaghan
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Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Boathouse Retreat is a wonderful self contained place to stay in Goolwa. It is located right on the water. So rare. We were there 3 nights enjoying sensational views of the water, huge skies and complete privacy. As others have mentioned it is in a beautiful part of historic Goolwa, with Port Elliot and Victor Harbor close by. The very comfortable king bed and linen made us feel looked after and pampered. The huge deck is a perfect place to read, listen to birds and take in sunrise and sunset. Wendy and Philip are wonderful hosts. They have carefully considered their guests to create a wonderful relaxing home with a high level of detail to make your stay memorable. We highly recommend this home. We hope to return very soon to explore more of the fascinating Coorong. David and Bix (from Melbourne ) June 2023
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.


After 5 busy and stressful months work we arrived for our 3 day break. OMG! The boathouse is so much better than a hotel room, and has such a wonderful over the marina and river. It is romantic, cosy, and feels private even though the small marina is just outside.
We did bring some of our own 'supplies' but were pleasantly surprised with the extent of 'goodies' left for us.
Wendy dropped by to let us know they were close by in case we needed anything and extra wood for the fire turned up in case we needed more after the first night.
The kitchen is well stocked with equipment and utensils more so than many serviced apartments offer.
Before leaving we already were discussing when to return!
We did bring some of our own 'supplies' but were pleasantly surprised with the extent of 'goodies' left for us.
Wendy dropped by to let us know they were close by in case we needed anything and extra wood for the fire turned up in case we needed more after the first night.
The kitchen is well stocked with equipment and utensils more so than many serviced apartments offer.
Before leaving we already were discussing when to return!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birk's Boathouse is situated at the end of a quiet marina right on the water. We relaxed the instant we arrived and enjoyed the beautiful ambience of Goolwa with pelicans and ducks, birds and boats during our relaxing stay.
Our hosts made sure we had everything we needed and stocked the refrigerators and pantry with beautiful cheese, breads, oils, fruit and much more which was delightful to find on our arrival.
We would definitively return to this magnificent part of the world!
Our hosts made sure we had everything we needed and stocked the refrigerators and pantry with beautiful cheese, breads, oils, fruit and much more which was delightful to find on our arrival.
We would definitively return to this magnificent part of the world!
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Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Beautiful views, relaxing environment away from the madding crowd from every part of the Boathouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from BirksHarbour, Owner at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour
Responded 29 Jan 2020
Hi Helen, Thank you for your lovely comments. We really appreciate the time taken to write a review. We are happy you experience the ambience of the Boathouse and surrounds. We are glad you wish to return, when next in SA. Best wishes for a great New Year!. Cheers Wendy & Phil Watson Birks Harbour Goolwa
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The ultimate two day relaxing getaway! On the banks , no right in the water, of the Mighty Murray River. Overlooking the beautiful wooden boats at Birks Harbour Marina and the wide open calmness of the river flowing by. As night falls the sound of the breakers on Goolwa Beach fills the air and sends you off to a deep sleep ready for the next day exploring the many coffee and hospitality venues around Goolwa. The mouth of the Murray offers so many features and thrills if you want or just RELAX and take advantage of the pure attention to detail by the management with the combustion heater , comfy furnishings and goodies provided. Thoroughly recommend this holiday spot to all those who want to unwind in luxury.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Idyllic location set right on the jetty with stunning views. Perfectly set up for 2 people with amazing attention to detail, spotlessly clean, beautifully furnished with every comfort catered for. Large well appointed bathroom with bath and separate shower. Generous breakfast with great variety provided including homemade bread. Large private deck with sun loungers, outdoor dining, gas bbq. Wendy and Phil have thought of everything. About a 20 minute walk from Goolwa town centre. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay 3-6 April, lucky with perfect weather. Golf at nearby South Lakes. Cockle train trip between Goolwa and Victor Harbour via Middleton and Port Elliot. Great local pubs and pretty good shopping too. Highly recommend a stay at Birks Boathouse.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Wendy Watson, Owner at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour
Responded 17 Apr 2023
Wow, many thanks and we are really happy you enjoyed your stay at the Boathouse Retreat, Birks Harbour, Goolwa. We really appreciate your review and hope to see you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very well appointed, comfy bed. Not cold in middle of winter. Only 1.2 k from the town along the river. Nice and peaceful. Shower had good pressure and steaming hot water. View in fantastic. We run and the track is out the front door.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are fully booked, I have tried to send this yesterday, but had trouble with this! Best wishes
"Beautiful views, relaxing environment away from the madding crowd from every part of the Boathouse"Read full review
"Romantic self contained Boathouse, Placed on the river with spectacular views. Lovely old wooden boats moored right at the doorstep."Read full review
"Great private getaway location for couples who want to experience something different."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
AU$356 - AU$361 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaSouth AustraliaGoolwa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour
Which popular attractions are close to Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Nearby attractions include The Goolwa Barrage (2.2 km), Goolwa Animal Farm (5.1 km), and Goolwa Visitor Information Centre (1.6 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Conveniently located restaurants include Bombora On The River, Motherduck, and Hector's Modern Australian Kitchen.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Goolwa Visitor Information Centre (1.6 km).
Does Boathouse - Birks River Retreat - Birks Harbour have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.