Coorong Waterbirds and Pelican Island
high
November – February
SA
The Coorong - a 130-km coastal lagoon system south of the Murray mouth - is one of Australia's most significant waterbird habitats and a place of deep cultural significance to the Ngarrindjeri people. The lagoons support tens of thousands of waterbirds including the world's largest breeding colony of Australian pelicans at Pelican Island (Jack Point), along with royal spoonbills, ibis, cormorants, and dozens of wader and duck species. Storm Boy (both the novel and the two film adaptations) was set and filmed here, and the landscape retains the austere, windswept character of that story. The best viewing is from a small boat in the southern lagoons; guided boat tours operate from Meningie and are highly recommended.
The Coorong National Park is accessed from the Princes Hwy between Meningie and Kingston SE. The Parnka Point day-use area (40 km south of Meningie, unsealed road) gives access to the southern lagoon near Pelican Island (Jack Point). Seal Creek campsite is nearby. Guided boat tours from Meningie are highly recommended for the southern lagoons.
What affects timing
Waterbird numbers reflect water quality and salinity levels in the Coorong lagoons, which have declined significantly in recent decades due to reduced Murray flows. Numbers are generally higher following years with good river flows. Pelican Island breeding is annual but variable in scale.
Boat access to Pelican Island (Jack Point) is restricted during nesting. Shore-based viewing is available from several points along the Coorong NP access roads. Carry water and sun protection on the extensive walking tracks.
Riverland & Murraylands
Interactive map coming soon