Coorong National Park

Introducing Coorong National Park

The evocative dunes, lagoons, freshwater soaks and ephemeral lakes of the Coorong linger in the memory. Together they form a wetland of international importance and support vast numbers of water birds. From the mouth of the Murray River, the Coorong stretches 145km southeast and is rarely more than 4km in width. Storm Boy, a film about a young boy’s friendship with a pelican, based on the novel of the same name by Colin Thiele, was shot in the Coorong. Pelicans are evident at Jack Point and elsewhere in the park, as are ducks, waders and swans. The Ngarrindjeri people are still closely connected to this area; the name Coorong is derived from the Ngarrindjeri word ‘Karangk’, meaning ‘long neck’. Travelling through at sunset is serenely beautiful.

The easiest access point to the ocean is a 3km drive from the Princes Hwy at 42 Mile Crossing, 19km south of Salt Creek. From here, it’s a 1.3km 4WD or walk to a great view of the Southern Ocean – it’s well worth throwing a fishing line into the water here. The camp site (per car $4) is excellent, with large swathes of grass to pitch a tent and a small eating area under cover – ideal if it’s raining.

When roads are dry, you can take the dirt Old Coorong Rd as an alternative to the Princes Hwy.

Permits for bush camp sites are available from the Caltex Roadhouse (75 Princes Hwy), at self-registration stations within the park, and the DEH (08-8575 1200; 34 Main St, Meningie; 9am-5pm Mon-Wed), which also has general park and trail information.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009