Coorong, South Australia. The Lungs of the Murray River

The Murray meets the sea...

Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

The Coorong is a place of tranquility, solitude and wonderment. A place that calms the mind, soothes the soul and appeases the senses. Venture into a timeless, untamed wilderness and marvel at the diversity nature has provided. A great way to experience the Coorong is through Spirit of Coorong Cruise.

The Coorong, derived from an Aboriginal word karangk meaning narrow neck, is one of the most breathtaking national parks in Australia. Be a guest of the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of these places for over 6,000 years. The Coorong is of Aboriginal significance and renowned for its archaeological sites.

Investigate the long, narrow lagoon that runs parallel with the coastal dunes for 140km. Travel a beach that stretches 200km from Encounter Bay to Lacepede Bay, uninterrupted except when the mouth of the great Murray River opens to the sea. Explore this vast wetland ecosystem that consists of ocean beach, freshwater lakes, estuaries, saline lagoon and river mouth.

A series of lagoons is separated by the sand hills of Younghusband Peninsula from the Southern Ocean, a place of beauty where the only sounds are those of the sea and the cries of more than 240 species of native birds many that migrate annually from Siberia, Alaska, Japan and China. Feel stillness and isolation expressed in dry ephemeral salt lakes and ephemeral carbonate lakes.

This natural sanctuary is a breeding ground for giant pelicans, wild duck, shags, ibis and terns. See the changing sky refract off large shallow expanses of water in fascinating ways.

Perfect for beach fishing, canoeing and yachting, there are beautiful camp sites, often off the main road. A permit is needed for camping. Contact park headquarters. All attractions are accessible by walking tracks, bush trails or 4WD marked tracks.

To camp in the Coorong contact the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources or your local agent. A fee applies for camping in the Coorong area. For more information visit The Coorong.

Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources

Please feel free to contact the Mount Gambier Office on 08 8735 1134 or Noonameena Office 08 8575 1200 for further information.

Camping Fees - for the Coorong National Park (per night)

Meningie (Lake Albert) & Salt Creek - Goolwa (Up River)
The Goolwa Barrages