Coorong Chase National Park

Stretching along the South Australian coast, Coorong Chase National Park is a serene wilderness of sprawling saltwater lagoons, windswept dunes, and vast wetlands. This is a place where the Murray River meets the Southern Ocean, creating an ever-shifting landscape that teems with birdlife. It's a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering quiet kayak trips through narrow channels, wildlife spotting along the Younghusband Peninsula, and a deep sense of isolation and tranquility.

Highlights & What to See

• Birdwatching on the Coorong Lagoon: Home to over 200 bird species, including pelicans, black swans, and migratory waders. The lagoon is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance.
• Younghusband Peninsula: A narrow, 150 km stretch of sand dunes separating the Coorong from the Southern Ocean. Four-wheel-drive tracks allow exploration of this wild coastline.
• Kayaking the Coorong: Paddle through calm, shallow waters fringed with samphire and reeds. Several canoe trails start from Meningie or the park's campgrounds.
• Ngarrindjeri Cultural Heritage: Learn about the traditional owners at the Coorong National Park Cultural Centre or on a guided tour that explores ancient middens and storytelling sites.
• The Coorong Wilderness Lodge: A sustainable eco-lodge offering guided walks, boat cruises, and sunset views over the lagoon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to truly appreciate the park's scale and diversity. A day on the water (kayaking or a boat tour) and a day driving the coastal tracks and walking trails is ideal. If you're passing through on a drive between Adelaide and Melbourne, even a half-day stop at the Meningie entrance gives you a taste of the lagoons and birdlife.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Meningie: The gateway town on Lake Albert, with cafes, a cheese factory, and the Coorong National Park Visitor Centre.
• Goolwa: A historic river port at the Murray's mouth, with a lively Saturday market and the Cockle Train heritage railway.
• Victor Harbor: A coastal resort with whale-watching, Granite Island, and the iconic horse-drawn tram.
• Murray River Lakes & Coorong: Explore the lower Murray's freshwater lakes and channels, including the Murray Mouth and Hindmarsh Island.
• Limestone Coast: Continue south to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Gambier, the Coonawarra wine region, and the Naracoorte Caves.

Please check official sources for current details.