Mannum’s PS Daisy wins at 2025 SA Wooden Boat Festival
Three wooden vessels have represented Mannum at this year's state Wooden Boat Festival, and one of them won an award.
This story was contributed by Zhen Pu.
The Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival, held on the weekend of April 26-27, has drawn more than 18,000 visitors and showcased more than 100 wooden boats from across South Australia.
A biennial event, it is a must-see for boating enthusiasts and river communities alike.
This year, the river town of Mannum was proudly represented by several vessels, the PS Marion, built in 1897; the PW Mayflower, built in 1884; and the newly restored PS Daisy, built in 1896, the oldest paddle steamer in South Australia.
Seeing these historic boats gathered at the Goolwa Wharf was a moving experience.
A group from Mannum and some Trailer Sailor Association of South Australia crew made the journey by water, mooring at Hindmarsh Island on the Friday.
On the Saturday morning, some paddled kayaks into Goolwa for an up-close look at the boats, while others took a scenic walk into town to admire the wooden fleet.
The evening wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the sky above the Hindmarsh Island lookout.
PS Marion and Daisy cruise under the Goolwa bridge as the Mayflower floats among wooden sail boats. Photos: Zhen Pu.
The highlight for many was watching Marion, Mayflower and Daisy cruise together under the Goolwa Bridge – steam rising, engines humming.
Marion, South Australia’s grand old paddle steamer, offered short cruises throughout the festival, while Mayflower followed closely like a curious younger sister.
Daisy, recently restored and welcomed back into the Mannum fleet, felt like a long-lost sibling returning home.
The festival was buzzing with activity, with visitors embraced the charm of the 19th century.
Many attendees donned elegant period attire – long skirts, bonnets, and straw hats – that beautifully complemented the historic vessels, live music, food stalls, and hands-on demonstrations by Stray Dog Boat Works.
The variety of boats on display was stunning, from elegant sailing yachts to classic motorboats, Viking-style longboats, clinker-built dinghies, kayaks, and of course, the much-loved steamers.
Luke Carpenter won best traditional wooden boat for his boat Daisy and many attendees wore traditional 19th century attire. Photos: Zhen Pu.
A proud moment came when Daisy was awarded best traditional wooden boat – a fitting recognition for her return to the river.
Luke Carpenter, the seventh owner of Daisy, said he was very honoured that she had won the award.
"Thanks to everyone who made it possible to have her in Goolwa,” he said.
"It wouldn’t have been possible without you all, and of course, everyone who came to look at her.
"Lock it in – she’ll be back in Goolwa for the next festival in 2027.”
