Coorong National Park

Park Coastal national park protecting lagoons, saltmarshes, birdlife

South Australia’s Coorong comprises long lagoons, sand dunes and coastal wetlands; birdwatchers, anglers and canoeists explore its saltwater channels and learn about Ngarrindjeri cultural connections.

Coorong National Park is a protected coastal and wetland area in South Australia, famous for its long lagoon system and sand dune barrier separating the lagoon from the Southern Ocean. It is an important site for birdlife and coastal ecosystems.

The park features a narrow saline lagoon, extensive sand dunes and stretches of coastline that attract birdwatchers, anglers and boaters. Access to different parts of the park is by sealed and unsealed roads and by boat along the lagoon and river systems.

The Coorong has long been the traditional country of the Ngarrindjeri people; European settlement and pastoral uses changed the landscape, and later conservation measures established protected status for much of the lagoon and adjacent habitats.

The park lies south-east of Adelaide in South Australia, running along the coast and the mouth of the River Murray toward the Southern Ocean.

Wetland importance: A long, narrow coastal lagoon and dune system that is internationally important for migratory and resident waterbirds.

How to Get to Coorong National Park #

Drive from Adelaide along the Princes Highway (A1) toward Tailem Bend and then follow local roads toward the Coorong region (approx. 2-3 hours depending on access point). There are several access points-consult the parks website for directions to visitor facilities.

Tips for Visiting Coorong National Park #

Watch the tide charts before setting out for coastal walks; some sand spits and lagoons become inaccessible at high tide.
Birdwatch in early morning at Pelican Point and along the lagoons for species like pelicans, curlews, and migratory waders.
If launching a kayak, use a licensed operator who knows the local channels and tidal flows.