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Hotels of Earth

PS Federal Retreat Paddle Steamer Goolwa

★★★★★ 98 Barrage Road, Goolwa, AU

9.2 guest rating· 194 reviews

The five stars

PS Federal Retreat Paddle Steamer Goolwa holds a five-star rating in its official classification, the requirement for every property in the Hotels of Earth collection.

The service side of those stars shows in its listing: Terrace and Sun terrace.

Guests score it 9.2/10 across 194 reviews.

About this hotel

Historic Charm and Modern Comforts

Panoramic River Views : Enjoy breathtaking views of the river and Hindmarsh Island from the terrace of this 1902 paddle steamer retreat.

Complimentary Wine and Breakfast : Start your day with a delicious continental breakfast and unwind with a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival.

Explore the Outdoors : With cycling opportunities nearby, immerse yourself in the beauty of Goolwa and its surroundings.

Experience a unique stay at PS Federal Retreat Paddle Steamer Goolwa. Book now to create unforgettable memories by the river.

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Rooms & rates

Mobile Home

Sleeps 4 · 105 m² · Queen bed, Queen bed

  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • TV

Amenities

  • Free Parking
  • Accessible parking
  • Beach
  • Golf course
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Family rooms
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Canoeing
  • Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
  • Cycling
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kit available
  • Fishing
Show all 28 amenities
  • Guest room sealed after cleaning
  • Guest rooms disinfected between stays
  • Heating
  • Invoice provided
  • Key access
  • Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Safety deposit box
  • Smoke alarms
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace
  • Windsurfing
  • Wine/champagne

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

98 Barrage Road, Goolwa, AU

Check-in
from 02:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Check-out
until 10:00 AM

What guests say9.2194 reviews

+ Unique location+ Serene atmosphere+ Good breakfastOld furnishingsLimited power outletsSmall TV
Cleanliness8.4
Service9.3
Location9.9
Room Quality8.3
Amenities9.4
Value for Money9.3

Guest review

10.0

Graham was a great host. Very clean and tidy. Comfy bed....beautiful, quiet location

Jenny · AU · 2026-08-07

A worry but with potential

1.0

Great Location although a little hard to find down a muddy road through a paddock

No fire alarm. No flue on the gas heater. Cereal packs open. No 240 volts. Half the lights don’t work. Very steep stairs. Soft bed. Bathroom floor rotted out. Worn out lounge furniture. Shoddy finishes and floors. Dilapidated gang way and outside decks, Insecure door locks ( simple internal type door locks) didn’t meet my expectations. I feel it is a disaster waiting to happen

Gregory · AU · 2026-08-03

pleasant but could be beter

7.0

did not have the breakfast

i think there should be much better heating / cooling as there is none upstairs where you sleep it was freezing. i think change the very uncomfortable old lounge chairs for a couple of nice sofa lounges so it it is freezing at least you can sleep downstairs where the tiny little gas heater is, and the lighting downstairs is terrible, they have games and things there but the lighting is not good enough to play in the lounge area. also, the showerhead is old and not very good so that could be changed for something better, please dont think i am whinging, i just think there could be a few subtle changes to make the stay a little more pleasant

Wayne · AU · 2026-07-24

A unique and peaceful getaway with stunning views and a memorable experience on the water.

9.0

We had a wonderful stay on the paddle steamer. The location was peaceful and unique, with beautiful water views and a relaxing atmosphere. The property was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Watching the sunset and sunrise from the deck was a memorable experience

Nothing significant. Everything met our expectations and hight of roofs were bit low for me😃

Muhammad · AU · 2026-07-07

An enjoyable night in a very old converted paddle steamer.

7.0

Location was spectacular and views were gorgeous.

I have had a broken hip so your sign in the bathroom struck some terror . I didn’t fancy the thought of falling through the bathroom floor. That needs to be repaired before anyone else stays at the property. Overall clean and tidy and reasonable given its age.

Tracy · AU · 2026-07-04

Guest review

8.0

Unique and peaceful location

Needs more comfy furniture to relax

Susi · AU · 2026-06-16

Hotels of Earth · questions

Is PS Federal Retreat Paddle Steamer Goolwa really a five-star hotel?
Yes. Its own classification data carries five stars; that rating, not a style label, is what puts a property in this collection.

Good to know

Please inform 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.

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Managed by a private host

A deposit may be required at the property.