Coorong Overview
Coorong National Park, located in South Australia, is a unique and ecologically significant area that stretches over 130 kilometers (about 80 miles) along the southeastern coast of the state, from the mouth of the Murray River towards the town of Kingston SE. Established in 1966, the park covers an area of approximately 492 square kilometers (about 190 square miles). It is renowned for its long, shallow saline lagoon system, the Coorong, which is separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow strip of sand dunes known as the Younghusband Peninsula.
The park’s landscape is characterized by its spectacular wetlands, salt pans, and sand dunes, providing critical habitats for a wide array of flora and fauna. The Coorong is an important breeding ground for many species of birds, including the Australian pelican, and serves as a vital refuge for migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere, making it a site of international significance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Coorong National Park’s unique ecosystem supports a rich biodiversity, including numerous species of fish and aquatic plants in its brackish waters, as well as diverse birdlife that can be observed throughout the year. The park also holds cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land, who have a deep spiritual connection to the area and its natural resources.
Visitors to Coorong National Park can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including bird watching, kayaking, fishing, bushwalking, and camping. The park offers several lookouts and walking trails that provide stunning views of the lagoon, wetlands, and sand dunes, as well as opportunities to learn about the area’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Coorong National Park is not only a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for nature lovers but also a place of beauty and tranquility. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene landscapes and rich biodiversity of South Australia’s coast, highlighting the importance of conservation and sustainable management of natural environments.
Park Map
