Coorong

The Coorong, a serene coastal lagoon system stretching 140 km along South Australia’s Limestone Coast, is a sanctuary for birdlife and a haven for kayakers, fishers and nature lovers. This narrow ribbon of saltwater lagoons, separated from the Southern Ocean by the Younghusband Peninsula, offers a raw, windswept beauty that feels a world away from city life. The Ngarrindjeri people have lived here for millennia, and their deep connection to this landscape is palpable in the stillness of the water and the call of the pelicans.

Highlights & What to See

• Pelican spotting at the Coorong National Park – the lagoon is a critical breeding ground for Australian pelicans, best seen from the Coorong Scenic Drive or on a guided boat tour from Goolwa.
• Kayaking the Coorong – paddle through mirror-flat lagoons, weaving through sandbars and past islands teeming with birds. Rentals and tours are available at Meningie or Goolwa.
• 4WD along the Younghusband Peninsula – drive on the beach from the Murray Mouth to 42 Mile Crossing for a thrilling dose of isolation and ocean views.
• Salt Creek and the Coorong Wilderness Trail – a short walk through mallee scrub to a lookout over the lagoon, ideal for sunrise photography.
• Birdwatching at the Pelican Point Bird Observatory – spot spoonbills, swans and the rare orange-bellied parrot during migration season.
• Fishing at the Murray Mouth – cast a line for mulloway, salmon trout or bream in the mixing zone of fresh and saltwater.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to explore the Coorong properly: one day to drive the scenic route from Goolwa to Meningie, with stops at Pelican Point and Salt Creek, and a second day for a kayak trip or a 4WD adventure on the peninsula. If you’re short on time, a half-day boat tour from Goolwa gives a solid taste, but staying overnight in Meningie or at a bush campground allows you to experience the lagoon’s changing light and bird calls at dawn and dusk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Goolwa – historic river port at the Murray Mouth, with steampunk charm and the start of the Coorong Scenic Drive.
• Meningie – lakeside town with a Coorong museum and easy lagoon access.
• Murray River Lakes & Coorong – explore the interconnected waterways of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.
• Limestone Coast wine region – cellar doors and vineyards around Mount Gambier, a 90-minute drive south.
• Kangaroo Island – take a ferry from Cape Jervis (2 hours from Coorong) for wildlife and dramatic coastlines.
• Adelaide – the state capital, an hour’s drive north, perfect for a city fix before or after your Coorong escape.

Please check official sources for current details.