Caravan in the Coorong

Dust off the caravan and head for the history and scenery of our magnificent Coorong

When you reach a certain age, there's nothing quite as liberating as having the kids back at school, and knowing that Australia's campsites, reserves and coffee shops are quietening back down to a far gentler, more relaxed pace (and volume).

Don't get us wrong, we love families (and seeing the pure joy on a child's face when they spy a new playground, ride a ferry across the river, or sight our giant lakeside ostrich for the first time). BUT - we also love hosting our retired travellers, and we know that the best time for them to get on the move is when the highways are quieter, and they're not sharing our region with a more 'lively' crowd.

So before you pull back the tarpaulin and plan your trip 'up north', or mark out a map to 'go west', we want you to consider some of the lesser travelled paths, because many of those hidden gems lie right here, in the heart of our globally renowned Coorong.

The Coorong is home to not one, but four magical waterways. From the top end, we have the mighty Murray River which starts at Tailem Bend and Wellington East; before it deviates though to Lake Albert and the tranquil banks of Meningie. Then you come all the way through to the salty, colourful life-force of the Coorong lagoons near Noonameena; and finally out to sea along the famous 90 Mile Beach at Salt Creek, one of the State's most-loved adventure camping areas.

So the real question is, how soon can you get here?

If you're wondering what to pack?

Make sure you hook on your bikes, rack up your kayaks and throw in the hiking shoes, because there are trails at every turn. One of our favourites is on the edge of Tailem Bend, known as Mowantjie Willauwar Conservation Park trail. Home to over 40 bird species and 23 species of plants, this 4km linear trail is ideal for walking, hiking and mountain bike riding for people of all ages and fitness levels. It also forms part of the River Bend Heritage Trail, a 25km circuit trail linking the town of Tailem Bend with Wellington East. Believe it or not, this trail is home to two orchids of national conservation significance, the Metallic Sun Orchid and the Sandhill Greenhood Orchid – and if flowers are your thing, then you MUST stop at the volunteer-run Pangarinda Botanic Gardens to view the magnificent colours, smells and sights of the wildflowers.

There’s also other walking trails as you traverse the district, including the Pelican Path along the Meningie waterfront, the Jack Point Pelican Observatory in the Coorong National Park and much more.

But, if being on the water is more your thing, and you happen to have something to paddle strapped on to the car, then you’ll be glad to know that the Coorong is a paddler’s paradise. The first stop for keen kayakers needs to be the Lower Murray Canoe Trail (which offers stages for all fitness levels), and it’s also worth launching into Lake Albert at Meningie if you have the time too – because the sunsets over that lake create colours in the sky that will delight your soul.

AND – believe it or not, there’s even a place to paddle in the Dukes Highway town of Tintinara! We kid you not. Just off the main highway, there’s a beautiful and peaceful little RV Park which backs right on to the edge of Lake Indawarra. The lake is open to the public for paddling use, and must be a good spot, because Paddling SA recently held an event there for the pros!

If you need more information on where to stretch your legs (or arms), just drop in to one of our visitor information outlets at Meningie, Tailem Bend or Tintinara.

If you're wondering what will fill your days?

Ok – so firstly, it’s important to know that you’re not going to be able to do it all in one trip (unless of course you’re staying in the Coorong for a month or two - and half your luck if you are!).

So here’s a few of our favourite experiences, icons and activities to consider when you come to stay and play in the Coorong.

Explore the Narrung Peninsula: Narrung is one of the lesser-known areas of the Coorong, but we’re not sure why? Not only is this spot where Lakes Albert and Alexandrina intersect, but it’s also home to the beautifully restored Point Malcolm lighthouse – the only inland lighthouse in the southern hemisphere (and you can park the car near the ferry and walk right up to it for a photo too!).

If you’re driving from the Adelaide end of town, you’ll spot a few things on your way to Narrung – including the historic Poltalloch Station and the now-famous Ashville pink salt lake (stop and take a photo, but don’t try to drive on it, the local farmer has almost had enough of pulling tourists out of the mud!).

There’s also the beauty and culture of the Raukkan Aboriginal community and township. This town is famous for many things, and you’ll notice one landmark as soon as you drive in, which is the local church (this is pictured on today’s $50 note!). But if you flip that note over, you’ll find the wise old face of famous Aboriginal author, inventor and political leader David Unaipon, who was born here at Raukkan. Many of the town’s walls are also adorned in beautiful murals and artistry from local and visiting artists, as well as a museum of cultural artefacts for those keen to explore deeper into local culture.

Please Note: Raukkan is currently closed to public access due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please avoid travelling between communities to stop sickness spreading and to protect community and elders.

Drive along Tolmer's Gold Escort Route: While we’re talking history, there’s a significant piece related to the 1800s gold rush that’s worth chatting about. Alexander Tolmer, Commissioner of Police in 1852 managed a gold escort of 6,000 ounces, destined for the vaults of the SA treasury building. He and a few men managed to bring it back from NSW and Victoria, and after their first success led another two escorts, being handing over duties. A total of 18 gold escorts were made along this route, the last one during December 1852. The route is marked out between Meningie, Coonalpyn and Tintinara with monuments, and provides a 2WD loop drive (some 4WD only sections) on mostly unsealed roads. If you can take a full day to explore this route, you’ll take in history and the beauty of rugged Mallee landscapes and hilltop views. Check out more about it here.

Go 4WDing through Ngarkat or Salt Creek: If you love getting off the beaten track and testing out your 4WD’s capabilities, then spending some time in Ngarkat Conservation Park (access via Tintinara) and the Coorong National Park (via Salt Creek’s 42 Mile or Tea Tree Crossing) must be on your itinerary. While the Coorong national park is well known from it’s prolific promotion through Colin Thiele’s Storm Boy, Ngarkat is lesser known - but just as magic. Ngarkat is also home to some of the few Mallee-emu wrens, which as an endangered species, were reintroduced to the park back in late 2018, and have flourished ever since! But if you want to spot them – you’ll need to slow down and bring your binoculars, because these little beauties are tiny (and fast).
Try your hand at 'disc golf': If you love something a little quirky, with a great photo opportunity, then you have to have a crack at disc golf in Tintinara. It’s a little like golf, except instead of hitting a ball into a hole in the ground, you’re throwing a frisbee into a basket on a stand. And while the word frisbee might seem like it’s just for kids or dog-owners, trust us – this sport is growing with older adults across Australia who are seeking fun and a new low-impact challenge. You can grab your own frisbee pack from the local Tintinara Heart of the Parks visitor information centre as well – so no need to pack extra gear for the trip. (Oh – and did we mention this was the first of it’s kind in SA, so you’ll rarely come across a course like this – something to tell your friends when you get home!).

Go fishing (anywhere!): Whether you’re a mad-keen fisho, or just like the idea of sitting on a jetty for a few hours relaxing, you’ll always find a spot to throw a line in along the Coorong. There’s plenty of river side reserves and jetties that you can use, otherwise, if you’re out in the kayak, you can throw a line in the Lower Lakes too. If you’re super-keen (and relatively fit) and want to try for those big mulloway down at Salt Creek, then just make sure you’re prepared to get wet (or pack the overalls).

And even if you love eating fish, but not so much the catching part, just swing through Meningie and all of the local cafes will have some fresh Coorong Mullet for you. The much-loved ingredient of chefs like Simon Bryant and beloved cook Maggie Beer, it’s one of the best tasting fish you’ll eat, and it doesn’t get any fresher than right here.

Take in the sights: If you’re up for a cruise around the townships, then make sure you stop for some photo ops at Cosi’s big Rhino in Tailem Bend, the Big Olive (although the Big Olive is not longer open for business the Big Olive is still there for a great photo opportunity just outside of Tailem Bend along the Dukes Highway), and the Bird Man of Meningie ostrich statue on the banks of Lake Albert (you can even jump on for your own selfie too!).

Go back in time with our unique history: There’s a few fun and quirky historic experiences you can explore in the Coorong too. But we should probably start with the iconic Meningie Cheese Factory Museum. This brilliant little gem has every historic kitchen dish you could think of on display, not to mention a range of farm and engineering machinery and static displays of people milking cows! And all of this with their own little pieces of Meningie history attached. And while you’re in Meningie, swing by Coorong Cottage Industries for a peek at the local artwork and craft of our lakesiders.

Otherwise, if you’re down the Tailem end of town, drop into the volunteer-run Tailem Rail Museum for a look through the town’s railway history – the primary reason the town exists at all! After this, you can make your way along the highway back towards Adelaide where you can’t miss the roadside signs directing you to Old Tailem Town. This weird and wonderful experience has been created to capture Tailem Bend during the pioneer period. Walk the streets, see the 110-plus year old buildings, be frightened by the life-like mannequins carefully placed around the town and take a glimpse into what life looked like many years ago, right here.

If you're wondering where to treat yourself?

The famous Coonalpyn Waffles & Jaffles are probably a good place to start! Seriously though, you cannot come to the Coorong without visiting Claudia and her delicious authentic Belgian waffles. Whether you want them simply dusted with icing sugar, or soaked in caramelised warm apple and cinnamon, you’ll be ever-so-glad you made the short trip out. Not to mention the brilliant artwork on display in the town! The giant silo mural from Guido van Helten will stop you for certain, but once you start exploring, you’ll also find brilliant community artworks in the underpass, a giant hawk eye on the sporting club fence and a beautiful mosaic covering the public loos (nothing like some colour to see on your way for a pit-stop).

Of course all of our local pubs and bakeries have country charm and delicious warm meals to match too, so no matter what town you stop in, you’ll likely get a treat!

If you’re into vintage shopping and antiques, then you should also make a quick visit to Tailem Bend’s Tin Elephant. This place is a favourite for pickers, collectors and lovers of all things history and quirky, even a token or two for the man cave!

If you're wondering where to stay?

Of course if you’re coming out to see us, and want to tick even a handful of these experiences off your list, then you’ll need somewhere to stay (or park) for the night.

We have a bunch of fantastic caravan parks and RV friendly sites ready to have you. Plus we have a growing number of premium waterfront holiday houses, as well as welcoming hotels, motels and B&B’s including:

Otherwise, if you're after a holiday house or short-term rental, then check out @airbnb, @stayz, @booking.com and our waterfront rentals at Coorong Realty.

Find out more at our visitor info centres:

If you’re driving through and not sure where to visit, stay or explore – then simply head to one of our visitor information outlets, located at:

If you're continuing your journey around our beautiful Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region, then check out the latest blogs, galleries and things to do at themurrayriver.com.

Tourism