The Coorong

Dominating the northern most stretches of the Lower South Australian coastline, The Coorong is an narrow yet expansive saltwater lagoon, insulated from the restless Southern Ocean by the towering sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula. Never more than three kilometres wide, this unique and complex system of shallow saltpans is one of the best natural water bird habitats in Australia, boasting over 240 different species all protected within the boundaries of the Coorong National Park. Besides being a birdwatching mecca, the park's waterways are equally perfect for boating and fishing, and the deserted beaches of the Younghusband Peninsula simply beckon exploration.

Set on the shores of the country's largest freshwater lake system, the quiet town of Meningie provides the best access to the northern end of the Coorong National Park, as well as the widest range of accommodation in the area. The township is also the base for a variety of ecological tours operating within the park, as is the township of Goolwa, located on the opposite side of the lakes (see Southern Vales). For a tour with a cultural twist, the Ngarrindjeri Lands & Progress Association run Camp Coorong, takes visitors to local Aboriginal sites while explaining about traditional bush tucker and lifestyles. Featuring as a cultural centre and museum as well, the camp can be found on the Princes Highway, ten kilometres south of Meningie.

Just over 50 kilometres south of Camp Coorong, the blink and you'll miss it town of Salt Creek marks the entrance into the more remote southern stretches of The Coorong National Park. General information and camping permits are available from the township's two highway roadhouses.

The Dukes Highway

For those wishing to travel in-between Adelaide and Melbourne in a hurry, your best bet is the Dukes Highway. The Dukes takes an inland route which will eventually shave a couple of hundred kilometres off the more scenic coastal alternative. Travelling 64 kilometres from its beginnings near Tailem Bend (see Southern Vales), Coonalpyn is the first township of any size, and a good spot to break up the journey. Another 66 kilometres closer to Victoria, Keith is a larger town, supporting the productive pastoral area of the Coonalpyn Downs. From a bushwalkers perspective, Keith can be used to base explorations into the nearby Mount Rescue and Ngarkat Conservation Parks.

45 kilometres south-east of Keith, Bordertown, as its name would suggest, is the last town on the South Australian side of the Dukes Highway. Bordertown's main claim to fame is being the birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister, Robert J.L. Hawke. Anyone interested can visit Bob's childhood home on Farquhar Street, which now displays associated memorabilia. For something a little less political, the Bordertown Wildlife Park on the outskirts of town, is home to some more widely appealing Australians.