Skip to main content

Coorong National Park

Coorong National Park — A unique 130km-long coastal lagoon separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand peninsula, the Coorong is a RAMSAR-listed wetland of…

National Park in South Australia

National ParkNational
Ben ColeWritten by Ben Cole

Find Nearby Accommodation

Hotels, apartments, hostels and luxury stays

🏨

Find Nearby Accommodation

Hotels, Airbnb, hostels and more

Search Accommodation

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

About Coorong National Park

A unique 130km-long coastal lagoon separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand peninsula, the Coorong is a RAMSAR-listed wetland of international importance and the setting for Colin Thiele's celebrated novel Storm Boy. The lagoon and surrounding dunes host over 230 bird species including migratory waders from Siberia, pelicans, and thousands of waterbirds. It is a living cultural landscape for the Ngarrindjeri people.

About

A unique 130km-long coastal lagoon separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand peninsula, the Coorong is a RAMSAR-listed wetland of international importance and the setting for Colin Thiele's celebrated novel Storm Boy. The lagoon and surrounding dunes host over 230 bird species including migratory waders from Siberia, pelicans, and thousands of waterbirds. It is a living cultural landscape for the Ngarrindjeri people.

Warnings

Mosquitoes Can Be Severe In Summer4WD Required For Beach Access — Know Tidal ConditionsLagoon Water Is Very Saline In South — Not For SwimmingMurray Mouth Can Close During Drought Periods

Getting There

Map of Coorong National Park

The park begins at Goolwa/Currency Creek, 80km south of Adelaide. The Princes Highway (1) runs alongside it to Meningie and beyond to Kingston SE.

Visitor Tips

  • Hire a kayak at Goolwa or Meningie to paddle the lagoon — this is the best way to experience it. The section near 42 Mile Crossing is excellent for birds.

Quick Facts

At a Glance

The Place

Significance
National

Plan Your Visit

Entry
Paid
Duration
1–3 days
Best Time
September–April (migratory birds peak December–February)
Hours
Open 24 hours.

Highlights

Australian Pelican ColoniesSiberian Migratory WadersMurray Mouth And Goolwa BarrageYounghusband Peninsula Sand DunesNgarrindjeri Cultural Sites

Activities

Bird WatchingKayaking And Canoeing4WD On The BeachFishingBushwalkingCultural Tours With Ngarrindjeri Guides

Features

Not available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Not available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Boat RampsCamping AreasPicnic FacilitiesToiletsVisitor Information At Meningie