Boathouse - Birks River Retreat

138 Liverpool Road, 5214 Goolwa, Australia – Excellent location – show map

<p><b>Excellent</b> location – rated 10.0/10! <small>(score from <b>18</b> reviews)</small></p> <p>Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions</p>
9.8
Scored 9.8
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
18 reviews

Lots of things. Location, style, layout and the views. The food that was available was a lovely surprise

Stephen Australia
Gallery image of Boathouse - Birks River Retreat in Goolwa
a living room with two couches and a table at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat in Goolwa
Gallery image of Boathouse - Birks River Retreat in Goolwa
a bedroom with a large white bed and windows at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat in Goolwa
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Boathouse - Birks River Retreat

Lock in a great price for Boathouse - Birks River Retreat – rated 9.8 by recent guests!

to get started.

Lock in a great price for Boathouse - Birks River Retreat – rated 9.8 by recent guests! to get started.

Located next to the historic Birks Harbor Marina, Boathouse - Birks River Retreat offers stunning views and is surrounded by abundant birdlife. Barbecue facilities and an outdoor dining area are provided. Boathouse - Birks River Retreat is only 0.6 mi from Goolwa main street and 3 kms from Goolwa Beach. Adelaide is a 1-hour drive away. The Boathouse Retreat includes a free gourmet breakfast basket. It also features river views, original artworks and both maritime books and artifacts. Free WiFi and free parking are offered. Your air-conditioned, self-contained apartment or cottage also comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, kitchen and an private bathroom with organic free toiletries as well as a hairdryer and bathrobes. Beach towels are provided.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 10 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

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Most popular amenities
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Breakfast

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (10.0)

Free Private Parking Available On Site

Saved to 74 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Room Type
Number of guests
 
Bedroom :
1 king bed
Living room:
1 sofa bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.7
Cleanliness
10
Comfort
9.9
Value for money
9.6
Location
10
Free WiFi
10
High score for Goolwa
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Stephen
    Australia Australia
    “Lots of things. Location, style, layout and the views. The food that was available was a lovely surprise”
  • Philip
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “A lovely well equipped and presented property, it is in a great location for town and restaurants etc. what a place to wake up in the morning and enjoy a drink in the evening. We loved it”
  • Andrew
    Australia Australia
    “Cormorants dry their wings at the end of the jetty, pelicans skim in and the noisy cram of birdsong welcoming each daybreak is a chorus.”

Hosted by Wendy & Phil Watson

9.9
9.9
Host Review Score
Host Review Score
Wendy & Phil Watson
NOTE - MINIMUM BOOKING OF 3 NIGHTS AT PRESENT Boathouse - Birks River Retreat is overlooking the Murray River at Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula, only one hour scenic drive south of Adelaide, South Australia. A spacious luxury Retreat with elegant décor, is the perfect base for short or long term stays. The Retreat is self-contained, open plan living and fully equipped with everything you need to unwind and recharge. Located at historic Birks Harbour with classic wooden boats, abundant birdlife and magnificent views. Nearby, guests can explore the attractions in the region, beautiful pristine beaches, eco-cruising, nature walks, coastal cafes & restaurants, farmers markets, local artisan galleries and world class wineries. Experience this unique 5 star luxury setting at Goolwa, perfect for relaxation, romantic getaway for couples or enjoy the natural surroundings and beautiful landscaped gardens. It has been designed with total privacy where guests can relax and indulge the senses Boathouse - Birks River Retreat offers a unique experience surrounded by majestic trees overlooking the Murray River. Voted in the 10 BEST VIEWS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA “BIRKS HAR
Phil & Wendy Watson are self confessed wooden boat fanatics. Besides owning historic wooden boats, which they have lovingly restored over the years, they also bought a historic marina at the River Port of Goolwa. With a unique collection of maritime artifacts and local artworks, reflecting the era of the historical River Port. Both have been involved in the organisation of the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival which has become an iconic event. They have tried to create a sense of history at the Boathouse - Birks River Retreat located at the historic Birks Harbour Marina. With their love of boats, they fitted out the old boat shed, which is now the iconic Boathouse Retreat at Birks Harbour. The Retreat offers an individual style and layout with stunning décor and maritime ambience. The Retreat is self-contained and has been designed with total luxury and privacy for guests to relax and enjoy the experience of this unique historic setting.
Goolwa is the last historic town on Australia’s largest river and joins the Great Southern Ocean at the mouth of the Murray River, gateway to the Coorong National Park. FROM THE LOCALS EYES… SOAK UP this unique historic setting and if you feel like a short stroll along the river visit the historic wharf and jump on a paddlesteamer or a steam train or drive only minutes to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches … You can do all of this at BOATHOUSE - BIRKS RIVER RETREAT and nearby … discover the birdlife, experience the peaceful setting, view the sunsets, rest and relax, laze on the chaise lounge on the deck, watch the boats sail past, sit and appreciate the ambience of the Murray River, taste the hand selected South Australian Wine, read a book, view the original artworks, revel into the historic maritime collection, enjoy a swim at the nearby pristine beach, chill out, enjoy the space and fresh air, treat yourself to a Pamper Package, indulge in the organic bathroom goodies, savour the elegant surrounds and modern luxuries, relish in the Gourmet Breakfast Basket and much more...
Language spoken: English

Area info

Amenities of Boathouse - Birks River Retreat
Great facilities! Review score, 9.7

Most popular amenities
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathtub
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock
  • Walk-in closet
  • Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
View
  • River view
  • Garden view
  • Lake view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Sun deck
  • Barbecue
  • Private pool
  • BBQ facilities
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Dining table
  • Coffee machine
  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette
Room Amenities
  • Sofa bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Fold-up bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Bike tours
    Additional charge
  • Temporary art galleries
    Off-site
  • Beach
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
    Off-site
  • Fishing
  • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    Additional charge
Living Area
  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Fireplace
  • Sitting area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • Blu-ray player
  • iPod dock
  • Flat-screen TV
  • CD player
  • DVD player
  • Radio
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Fruit
  • Wine/Champagne
    Additional charge
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Services
  • Private check-in/out
  • Baggage storage
  • Wake-up service
  • Express check-in/out
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry
  • 24-hour front desk
Front Desk Services
  • Invoice provided
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
General
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Soundproof
  • Private entrance
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Ironing facilities
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron
Accessibility
  • Entire unit wheelchair accessible
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Spa
  • Full-body massage
  • Hand massage
  • Head massage
  • Couples' massage
  • Foot massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Massage
    Additional charge
Languages Spoken
  • English

Property practices

This property told us they've implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.

House rules

Boathouse - Birks River Retreat takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

From 2:00 PM

Check-out

Until 11:00 AM

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Mastercard Visa Cash Boathouse - Birks River Retreat accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print
Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that Boathouse - Birks River Retreat does not accept payments with American Express or Diners Club credit cards.

We offer a Gourmet Breakfast Basket on arrival (substantial for a 3 day stay) only.

Any further days booked the Breakfast will be topped up.

Please inform Boathouse - Birks River Retreat of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about Boathouse - Birks River Retreat

  • Room options at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat include:

    • Bungalow

  • Check-in at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

  • The prices at Boathouse - Birks River Retreat may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Boathouse - Birks River Retreat is 1.1 miles from the center of Goolwa. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Boathouse - Birks River Retreat offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Massage
    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    • Back massage
    • Beach
    • Head massage
    • Temporary art galleries
    • Foot massage
    • Bike tours
    • Full-body massage
    • Neck massage
    • Hand massage
    • Couples' massage