An award-winning Goolwa cafe on the edge of the Murray River showcasing local produce - Coorong mullet, Goolwa cockles and Fleurieu wines - in a light-filled riverside dining room.
A Goolwa classic
Bombora on the River, previously known as Bombora at Goolwa Beach, is one of Goolwa's best known casual restaurants. It sits on Barrage Road with big windows overlooking the river, run by Goolwa-born chef Joel Cousins whose seasonal menu leans heavily on local producers. Back in 2010 the restaurant was named Best Seaside Restaurant in South Australia by The Advertiser and it has stayed on the must-visit list ever since.
What visitors do
Come for breakfast, stay for lunch. Signature dishes include the Beached Benedict with smoked salmon and wakame, and the Goolwa Superbowl, a bouillabaisse-style broth stacked with fresh fish, cockles, scallops, mussels and prawns. There is good coffee, house-made cake and a short list of Fleurieu wines. The outdoor deck is pet-friendly and a nice spot to watch the river traffic.
Practical notes
Open daily for breakfast and lunch; dinner on selected evenings and for private events. Bookings recommended on weekends, especially during school holidays and the Wooden Boat Festival. Ample parking on site, and it is an easy flat walk from the Goolwa Barrage.
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Sources
- Bombora on the River - official source - www.bomboragoolwa.com (accessed April 2026)