Choose Your own Adventure in the Coorong
The Coorong is renowned for adventure – and there’s no better time to explore nature than right now.
Whether it’s packing up the 4WD for a fishing adventure at Salt Creek, launching the kayak onto Lake Albert for a sunset paddle, suiting up for hair-raising hot laps around the racetrack or karting dome at The Bend or loading up the speedboat for a weekend at Wellington – there’s so much to choose from.
But before you pack your bags, consider adding an extra bit of excitement to your escapade - perhaps something you might’ve never done before, a place you’ve never explored, or a town you’ve never visited. Because no matter where you land in the Coorong, we can guarantee fun, beauty and adventure.
We’ve compiled our top five Coorong adventures to make your summer holidays some of your most memorable yet. So take a read, load up the car and come exploring with us…
ADVENTURE ONE: 4WD action
The globally-renowned Coorong National Park is one of the region’s biggest drawcards. Here you can take the 4WD and explore some of our country’s most magnificent natural scenery.
While you’re here, add in a fishing adventure. Pack the big rods too, because at Salt Creek the mulloway, salmon and gummy sharks are biting, and always create some fun whether you’re the one reeling them in, or cheering on a mate from the sand nearby.
If fishing isn’t your thing, just park the 4WD in one of the designated camping areas and create your own adventure. Explore the park made famous by Colin Thiele’s Storm Boy and nearby 90 Mile Beach – a truly special and naturally beautiful place.
Otherwise, if you’re pressed for time, and want to test out your 4WD, The Bend Motosport Park’s very own custom designed and built 4WD park is a must visit destination. This has been designed by car-lovers and 4WD experts – so it provides the perfect day trip adventure (that doesn’t involve camping, but instead a beer and burger at the bar once you’re done).
One thing we love about the Coorong National Park is its diversity. Within a short drive you can start on the edge of the Coorong at Lake Albert, before cruising along the shallow lagoons full of birdlife, then crossing into the popular campsites, giant sandhills and of course the beach. It has a bit of everything, and you’ll be blown away by the scenery at every turn you take.
If off-roading is your thing, then you should also add the Ngarkat Conservation Park to your trip. This space has plenty of challenging tracks and isn’t well-known, meaning you can go camping with only the noise of the birds and breeze at your site.
Otherwise, if you’re pressed for time, and want to test out your 4WD, The Bend Motosport Park’s very own custom-designed and built 4WD park is a must-visit destination. This has been designed by car-lovers and 4WD experts, so it provides the perfect day trip adventure (that doesn’t involve camping, but does offer a beer and burger at the bar once you’re done).
ADVENTURE TWO: Catch of the day
There’s a few ways to go fishing in the Coorong. Of course, the first is straight off the beach as referenced above. But one of the most unique fish you can catch – which is also local only to this region - is the sweet-tasting Coorong Mullet. These little fish are a famous local delicacy and the best part about catching them? You get to take in the surrounds of the Coorong National Park’s iconic landscapes and waterways while you do it.
If you don’t have your own boat, canoe or gear then jump in with the crew from Coorong Wildside Tours. This team have a new custom-designed boat that will take small groups out for a fishing expedition like no other (with our own ‘wild man of the Coorong’ – Glen).
Otherwise, if you prefer to go fishing alone, then try dropping in a rod from your boat, kayak or just from the banks of the Murray River, Lower Lakes or Coorong lagoons. You’ll be sure to find some adventure and reel in something new.
ADVENTURE THREE: Time on the lake
The views on, near and around Lake Albert are iconic. There’s no other way to put it.
Whether you’re walking along the edge of it, via the Pelican Path or Murray Coorong Trail; or paddling over it on your stand-up board or kayak; or even from the boat as you cruise around the still waters – it’s always an adventure.
No matter where you’re heading around the Coorong, make sure you dedicate some time to stopping in (or nearby) Meningie, Narrung and Raukkan. These beautiful Coorong towns surround the Lower Lakes and have such rich history and fun, that you’ll easily take up a few days exploring them.
Our favourite adventure-based additions in this area include a walk up to the Point Malcolm Lighthouse at Narrung (if you’re into geocaching, have the app ready here to tick off a few finds); a sunset kayak on Lake Albert – followed by a fresh Coorong Mullet sandwich at one of the local cafes.
If you decide to stay the night here, check out one of the Meningie motels, the Lake Albert Caravan Park, the camping spot nearby the Narrung Ferry, or even one of the many holiday homes right on the lake’s edge that you can find via Coorong Realty.
ADVENTURE FOUR: Peddle, paddle or walk
Did we mention diversity? If you love adventure, that also gets you a good sweat up, then you’re going to want to add one of these gutsy trails to your holiday.
Start with the Lower Murray Canoe Trail. This trail includes three levels of difficulty, starting from Dickson Reserve in Tailem Bend and winding its way down the Murray River to Wellington.
Or, if you prefer to stay on land, bring along the mountain bike and walking shoes and test out the Murray Coorong Trail, Pangarinda Botanic Garden trails, Mowantjie Willowaur walking trail, or various hiking trails through the Ngarkat Conservation Park, Coorong National Park and Mount Boothby Conservation Park.
Once again – you can choose your own adventure here – paddle, peddle or walk! So take a look at these trails before you set off, and add one to your Coorong holiday to make sure you get up close and personal with our natural environments (and stay fit in the meantime).
ADVENTURE FIVE: The Mighty Murray
The Murray River is the lifeblood of our region, and here in the Coorong, we reckon we can show you the best of it. We’re the last stop before the river meets the sea – which means our landscapes, waterways, fish, birds and scenery are really like nowhere else.
You can explore the river system by going fast or slow.
If speed is your thing, then bring along the boat (or hire one) and spend a weekend skiing, wakeboarding, tubing or anything else. Book some accommodation in Tailem Bend at one of the caravan parks or holiday homes and soak up one of the best spots along the river this summer.
Otherwise, if a slow Murray River meander is more your adventure-style, then camp out at one of the caravan parks and do your exploring from there. Along the river you’ll wake up to the sounds of native birds before you grab a cuppa and head out for a morning paddle, or check the rods at a nearby jetty.
A few extra nights relaxing on the Murray are the perfect way to cap off your Coorong adventure, so consider adding them on to your next trip.
Find out more about our favourite Coorong adventures here.