One of the most distinctive features of Goolwa's streetscape is the row of cottages on Newacott Lane, which date back to the 1850s and 1860s. These cottages were built by the first settlers of Goolwa, who were mostly Scottish immigrants who came to work as shipbuilders, sailors, fishermen, and river pilots. The cottages reflect the simple and modest lifestyle of these pioneers, who had to cope with harsh conditions and limited resources. The cottages are made of limestone, timber, and iron, and have a vernacular architecture that blends with the natural environment.

The cottages on Newacott Lane are not only a testimony of Goolwa's early history, but also a symbol of its cultural diversity and social cohesion. The cottages were home to people of different backgrounds and occupations, who lived together in harmony and mutual support. The cottages were also a place of cultural exchange and interaction, where the Scottish settlers learned from the local Aboriginal people, the Ngarrindjeri, who taught them how to fish, hunt, and navigate the river and the lakes. The cottages were also a place of artistic expression and creativity, where the settlers displayed their skills and talents in music, poetry, painting, and crafts.

The cottages on Newacott Lane are now heritage-listed and open to the public as a museum and a guesthouse. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the history and culture of Goolwa, and to appreciate the legacy of its original inhabitants. The cottages are also a source of inspiration and pride for the current residents of Goolwa, who continue to preserve and enhance their town's identity and character.