Coorong National Park
Coorong National Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
66 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Carol Araujo
Taubate, SP5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Such an amazing beach but you need a lot of experience if you want to drive on the soft sand of this beach. We had a horrible experience trying to get our car out of the sand while the water was almost taking our car away. Luck some Aussies passed this time and helped us!!
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJJourneys
Singapore, Singapore2,508 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
We visited Coorong on my way back to Adelaide after touring the Limestone Coast, travelling up the Princes Highway from Kingston SE. Since we only rented a standard car, there were certain parts of Coorong that were inaccessible to us. In all, I visited the Chinamans Well Historic Site and did the Journey to Gold Walk; I also did the Lakes Nature Trail and visited Parnka Point.
If you’re driving up from Kingston SE heading towards Adelaide like me, then you’ll first encounter the Journey to Gold Walk and the Historic Chinamans Well. The walk will take you through sandstone and limestone quarry sites, and eventually the Chinamans Well, which is made from the two types of rock mentioned above. The entire walk from point-to-point and back again is said to take an hour, but it takes about half an hour if you’re driving from point-to-point instead. Note that you’ll be driving on unsealed roads, and there is a chance you might encounter some wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!
The next stop I made in Coorong was the Lakes Nature Trail, which can be accessed via Loop Road – also an unsealed road. The thing I liked about this road was that there are two entry/exit points, so you can simply stay on Loop Road and you’ll eventually end up further along Princes Highway instead of having to drive back the way you came. There is a parking area here, along with a public restroom. The 3km-long Lakes Nature Trail begins at the area just opposite of the parking space; there’s a sign there so you won’t miss it. I wasn’t very impressed with this trail to be honest… There are signs along the way that describe some of the plants found along the trail, but there were times when the signs had fallen to disrepair, and times when I didn’t know exactly which plant the sign was referring to, which really defeats the purpose of erecting a sign in the first place. Even the “lookout” point for the sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula felt underwhelming. I was a little disheartened by the Lakes Nature Trail, so I didn’t attempt the Ngrugie Ngoppun Walk, which also happens to start off from the same area.
The last place in Coorong I visited was Parnka Point, which was described to have “great scenery”. It’s higher up, so you can see the vast expanse of the lagoon from that particular lookout. I happened to be there when the sun was beginning its descent into the horizon so it was kinda nice, but I wouldn’t exactly call it great.
Because I couldn’t really find a lot of detailed information online about Coorong, just thought I would share that all the information I had was obtained from this magazine called “The Tattler – Edition 12”. There’s a PDF file that is available for download from the National Parks South Australia website, under the sub-heading “Further Information”. That document introduces the readers to the coastal parks of limestone coast, of which Coorong is featured from pages 11-21. There are some maps which I found quite useful when I visited Coorong, so anyone interested can look up this document for more information.
If you’re driving up from Kingston SE heading towards Adelaide like me, then you’ll first encounter the Journey to Gold Walk and the Historic Chinamans Well. The walk will take you through sandstone and limestone quarry sites, and eventually the Chinamans Well, which is made from the two types of rock mentioned above. The entire walk from point-to-point and back again is said to take an hour, but it takes about half an hour if you’re driving from point-to-point instead. Note that you’ll be driving on unsealed roads, and there is a chance you might encounter some wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!
The next stop I made in Coorong was the Lakes Nature Trail, which can be accessed via Loop Road – also an unsealed road. The thing I liked about this road was that there are two entry/exit points, so you can simply stay on Loop Road and you’ll eventually end up further along Princes Highway instead of having to drive back the way you came. There is a parking area here, along with a public restroom. The 3km-long Lakes Nature Trail begins at the area just opposite of the parking space; there’s a sign there so you won’t miss it. I wasn’t very impressed with this trail to be honest… There are signs along the way that describe some of the plants found along the trail, but there were times when the signs had fallen to disrepair, and times when I didn’t know exactly which plant the sign was referring to, which really defeats the purpose of erecting a sign in the first place. Even the “lookout” point for the sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula felt underwhelming. I was a little disheartened by the Lakes Nature Trail, so I didn’t attempt the Ngrugie Ngoppun Walk, which also happens to start off from the same area.
The last place in Coorong I visited was Parnka Point, which was described to have “great scenery”. It’s higher up, so you can see the vast expanse of the lagoon from that particular lookout. I happened to be there when the sun was beginning its descent into the horizon so it was kinda nice, but I wouldn’t exactly call it great.
Because I couldn’t really find a lot of detailed information online about Coorong, just thought I would share that all the information I had was obtained from this magazine called “The Tattler – Edition 12”. There’s a PDF file that is available for download from the National Parks South Australia website, under the sub-heading “Further Information”. That document introduces the readers to the coastal parks of limestone coast, of which Coorong is featured from pages 11-21. There are some maps which I found quite useful when I visited Coorong, so anyone interested can look up this document for more information.
Written August 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin F
Adelaide, Australia6 contributions
May 2015 • Family
We have visited this park many times on day and weekend trips from Adelaide, and still have a lot of exploring left to do. It is a perfect spot for family kayaking. The camping is stunning, particularly around Mark's point Pelican Point and Long Point. These days you need to book the sites in advance on-line.
For day trips, Mundoo Channel on Hindmarsh Island is a good place to put in. From there you can paddle to the Murray mouth, or head east and across to the dunes to Barker Knoll campsite where there is a walk that will take you across to the dunes.
The Coorong Wilderness lodge is also worth a visit which offered per-arranged bush-tucker tours and meals the last time we were down that way.
For day trips, Mundoo Channel on Hindmarsh Island is a good place to put in. From there you can paddle to the Murray mouth, or head east and across to the dunes to Barker Knoll campsite where there is a walk that will take you across to the dunes.
The Coorong Wilderness lodge is also worth a visit which offered per-arranged bush-tucker tours and meals the last time we were down that way.
Written May 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denine2508
Adelaide, Australia55 contributions
Apr 2011
We have just spent the Easter weekend near The Coorong. We camped at Lake Albert Caravan Park in Meningie and toured around the area.
We did a day circuit trip from Meningie to Narrung by car. This trip took us around Lake Albert with highlights along the way - Raukan Indigenous Community, a pelican lookout, the only inland lighthouse in Australia (apparently) and the barrages that separate lake Albert from the River Murray. The scenery was superb, lots of pelicans and other birdlife and the beautiful water of the Coorong. Raukan was a highlight - it has the church that appears on the Australian $50 note and also David Unaipons grave in the cementary. In Raukan we made sure to ask the locals if it was okay to wander through the cemetary and take photos - we were made to feel very welcome and the local people were very willing to help and ask questions.
The second day was spent drving to 42 mile crossing and walking out to see the great Southern Ocean where the kids had a great time playing at the waters edge - the beach is great for fishing but is too dangerous for swimming.
The rest of our time was spent fishing, canoing and paddling around Lake Albert which was perfect for our kids - aged 11years and up.
The lake Albert Caravan Park is a perfect spot for camping or caravans but is overcrowded during Easter. We plan to go back at a less busy time. The local takeaways are great to eat at - good food, reasonably priced and very good service. The local pub was terrible - abysmal service, bad pub food - will not go back there.
Other highlights were attending the Anzac dawn service and having breakfast at the local RSL
We did a day circuit trip from Meningie to Narrung by car. This trip took us around Lake Albert with highlights along the way - Raukan Indigenous Community, a pelican lookout, the only inland lighthouse in Australia (apparently) and the barrages that separate lake Albert from the River Murray. The scenery was superb, lots of pelicans and other birdlife and the beautiful water of the Coorong. Raukan was a highlight - it has the church that appears on the Australian $50 note and also David Unaipons grave in the cementary. In Raukan we made sure to ask the locals if it was okay to wander through the cemetary and take photos - we were made to feel very welcome and the local people were very willing to help and ask questions.
The second day was spent drving to 42 mile crossing and walking out to see the great Southern Ocean where the kids had a great time playing at the waters edge - the beach is great for fishing but is too dangerous for swimming.
The rest of our time was spent fishing, canoing and paddling around Lake Albert which was perfect for our kids - aged 11years and up.
The lake Albert Caravan Park is a perfect spot for camping or caravans but is overcrowded during Easter. We plan to go back at a less busy time. The local takeaways are great to eat at - good food, reasonably priced and very good service. The local pub was terrible - abysmal service, bad pub food - will not go back there.
Other highlights were attending the Anzac dawn service and having breakfast at the local RSL
Written April 26, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel42,755 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
There are very few things in nature I could categorize as being ugly.
This is certainly one of them - a murky body of water with no appeal whatsoever.
Skip it.
This is certainly one of them - a murky body of water with no appeal whatsoever.
Skip it.
Written December 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
connie
Sarasota, FL152 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Do not bother visiting this beautiful park if you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle! Our rental did not get us to the spectacular beach and hiking over the dunes was not an option for us. We drove through the park, never getting to see the beach. A huge disappointment. Wish the guide books would have let us know.
Written February 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin S
Surfers Paradise, Australia72 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
We only visited a few sites on our travels back to Adelaide but they were lovely. The only thing missing is more time to prepare to turn at the sites. It is a 110 k highway and the "turn now" signs are right at the turn; not 300m up so you can slow down. Also a bit better signage would be appreciated. But, as in all national parks small budgets. Just so you know this is the home of "Storm Boy" if you have children watch the movie before you go.
Written June 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josip T
Duga Resa, Croatia73 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We spent a nice day in the NP, went to the above-mentioned places and we had a blast. Wish we had more time in the park as there are so many other places to visit.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rm282015
Oxford, UK71 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
We loved this area which extends for miles. There is amazing birdlife and wonderful flora. It seems very undervisited but we loved the absence of other people in this femarkable landscape. If we had planned things properly we would have gone kayaking to enjoy the experience even more.
Written January 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marg5150
Kambah, Australia108 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Coorong NP is still a wild, wonderful place. We visited as part of our annual 'get-away-from-home-in-winter trip and because we had heard that the Coorong had degraded. The birds had certainly not heard that because there were so many different species in all the lakes. I have at least 7 species in one photo near Salt Creek. It is disappointing that National Parks in most states now require online booking for camping spots. Our method of travelling is to get up and go and stop when it takes our fancy. A lot of places do not have internet access and now most parks do not have facilities for payment on site. The Coorong should not be missed. However we did miss the elusive malleefowl.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review about Paranks Point in Coorong National Park. We are thinking of camping in December in a camper van. Are there Flies and Mosquitoes?
Written May 3, 2018
Hi, I was wondering about access to campsites with a 2WD. How accessible is the area?
Written February 8, 2016
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