Things to do in the Coorong

Last reviewed 12 Sept 2026 · verify live conditions with Parks SA

Most first visits revolve around Jack Point pelicans plus one southern focus — the Ocean Beach walk at 42 Mile or short Salt Creek / Loop Road walks. Longer stays add Nukan Kungun, lagoon paddling or experienced Younghusband beach 4WD. Day entry is free; camping is a separate booking. Do not try to collect every activity on a first visit.

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Free day vehicle entry and official Parks SA camping bookings are never affiliated.

1. 1

   Jack Point pelicans & birdwatching

   Icon bird stop · easy · families · high volume

   The classic first-visit bird stop: easy ~1.2 km observatory walk to views over a major Australian pelican colony. Binoculars, quiet behaviour and wind layers beat a rushed selfie dash. Storm Boy landscape associations are context — not a performance request aimed at the birds.

   Jack Point guide →Birding day planStorm Boy & pelicans
2. 2

   Ocean Beach walk (42 Mile Crossing)

   Easy · 2WD corridor · beach realism

   The dedicated Ocean Beach Hike from the 42 Mile campground / day parking is the closest easy walk to Southern Ocean views for many visitors — soft sand, dunes and no casual swimming. Walking trail ≠ 4WD beach track.

   Ocean Beach guide →One-day icons42 Mile area
3. 3

   Short nature loops (Loop Road / Parnka)

   Easy–moderate · family-friendly · salt flats

   Lakes Nature Walk, Ngrugie Ngoppun, Chinaman’s Well and Parnka Ngoppun fit mixed-ability afternoons when Nukan Kungun is too long. Pair one or two short loops — not every trail in the park before dark.

   Lakes Nature Walk →Ngrugie NgoppunParnka Ngoppun
4. 4

   Nukan Kungun multi-day / long day

   Moderate · ~25 km one-way · shuttle or overnight

   “Looking and listening” — the signature corridor from near Salt Creek south to 42 Mile Crossing (~25 km one-way). Flat, exposed, self-sufficient. Not a first-afternoon stroll after Jack Point, and not a same-day Adelaide reverse bolt-on.

   Nukan Kungun guide →2-day Nukan startMulti-day walk plan
5. 5

   4WD ocean-beach driving

   4WD only · tides · [VERIFY] plover closures

   Younghusband Peninsula beach driving is a skilled activity: tides, tyre pressures, soft sand, erosion and seasonal Hooded Plover vehicle rules (Tea Tree–Murray Mouth window). Experience required; dunes are never the plan.

   4WD beach day →Beach safety articleYounghusband area
6. 6

   Kayak & boat on the lagoon

   Wind-dependent · boat or paddle logistics

   Lagoon paddling and licensed boat access open a different Coorong than the highway alone — wind, shallow water and self-sufficiency matter. Some camps and walks are boat-first (Godfrey’s Landing style). Plan skipper skill as carefully as the walk.

   Godfrey’s Landing →Goolwa / cruise toursPeninsula access
7. 7

   Chinaman’s Well & cultural respect

   Short walk · history · respect first

   Chinaman’s Well Journey to Gold is a short historic walk near Salt Creek country. The whole park sits on Ngarrindjeri Country — interpretive sites are living culture, not props. Leave artefacts, rock art and cultural materials alone.

   Chinaman’s Well →Ngarrindjeri respectSalt Creek area
8. 8

   Fishing (rules first)

   Licences & rules · verify official

   Recreational fishing happens around lagoon and ocean edges under South Australian fisheries rules — bag limits, size limits, closed areas and sanctuary zones change. This guide does not replace PIRSA / fisheries advice or Parks SA access rules.

   Visit logistics →Parks SA park pageDisclaimer
9. 9

   Gateway towns & overnight bases

   Services · roof backup · Adelaide corridor

   Meningie, Goolwa, Kingston SE and Tailem Bend supply fuel, food and roofed beds so free day entry becomes a workable multi-day trip. Town stays are not Parks SA camps — book park camping separately when you want Loop Road or 42 Mile nights.

   Gateways area →Where to stayPlan your visit