Coorong National Park is a place of extraordinary beauty, rich culture, and international ecological importance. Stretching over 140 kilometres, the park protects a chain of saltwater lagoons, sheltered from the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean by the sweeping dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula.

In spring and summer, the Coorong bursts with life and colour. Migratory shorebirds arrive in vast numbers from Siberia, Japan, and Alaska, feeding and roosting across the sandflats. Wildflowers brighten the dunes, while pelicans, swans, terns, and cormorants thrive in the warm, abundant lagoons. Dolphins and fish are more active along the estuaries, adding to the sense of vitality.

This landscape remains deeply significant to the Ngarrindjeri people, with ancient shell middens offering powerful insights into a cultural history stretching back millennia. Visitors can explore these sacred sites while walking the trails or joining guided tours.

Made famous by Storm Boy, the Coorong offers sunlit summer seascapes along the iconic 90 Mile Beach and endless opportunities for bird-watching, photography, kayaking, and four-wheel driving. Whether you seek nature, culture, or coastal adventure, the Coorong is an unforgettable summer destination.

The Younghusband Peninsula is a spectacular coastal dune system forming the wild, windswept edge of South Australia. Stretching over 110 kilometres along the Coorong National Park, this narrow strip of land separates the tranquil lagoons of the Coorong and River Murray estuary from the powerful Southern Ocean swells.

At its widest point just 3 kilometres across, and in places less than 350 metres, the peninsula forms a dramatic natural barrier, shaping the Coorong’s unique ecology. Together with Sir Richard Peninsula, it defines the striking coastal landscape from Goolwa to north of Kingston SE.

Part of a globally significant dune system, the Younghusband Peninsula offers sweeping views, endless stretches of summer beach, and rich biodiversity. It’s alive with shorebirds and migratory species, dolphins patrolling the surf, and wildflowers brightening the dunes. The area is also deeply significant to the Ngarrindjeri people, with cultural stories and connections stretching back tens of thousands of years.

Wild, remote, and ruggedly beautiful, the Younghusband Peninsula is a must-see for those exploring the Coorong in spring and summer.

Goolwa is a charming river port steeped in history and surrounded by nature.
Located where the Murray River meets the sea, Goolwa is the gateway to the Coorong National Park and the expansive Murray–Lakes system. Just 83 km south of Adelaide, this picturesque town blends heritage, culture, and coastal scenery.

Home to a working historic wharf, Goolwa is recognised as Australia’s small boat capital and proudly hosts the biennial Wooden Boat Festival. In spring and summer, it’s a vibrant base for exploring the Coorong’s waterways, spotting birdlife, enjoying river cruises, or soaking up the sun along the coastline.

Stroll past galleries, cafes, and sandstone buildings, or take advantage of outdoor dining and fresh local produce. With boutique shops, markets, and a range of quality accommodation options, Goolwa is the perfect place to relax into the easy pace of summer.

Whether you’re after coastal adventure, cultural experiences, or a laid-back escape, Goolwa offers a warm welcome in every season.

Step into the world of Storm Boy and experience the landscapes that inspired an Australian classic.

Filmed on location around the Coorong and Goolwa, Storm Boy (1976 and 2019) brought to life the breathtaking wilderness and deep cultural stories of the region. The sweeping beaches, drifting sand dunes, and peaceful lagoons of the Coorong set the stage for this beloved tale of friendship between a boy and his pelican, Mr. Percival.

Visitors can explore filming locations along 90 Mile Beach, cruise past iconic dunes, or walk the same coastal trails where scenes were shot. The story is deeply intertwined with the Ngarrindjeri people and their connection to land and water, adding cultural richness to the cinematic experience.

In spring and summer, the golden light, bright skies, and warm coastal breezes bring a fresh vibrancy to these landscapes, perfect for retracing the footsteps of Storm Boy and immersing yourself in the timeless magic of the Coorong.