Article Categories
» Arts & Entertainment
» Automotive
» Business
» Careers & Jobs
» Education & Reference
» Finance
» Food & Drink
» Health & Fitness
» Home & Family
» Internet & Online Businesses
» Miscellaneous
» Self Improvement
» Shopping
» Society & News
» Sports & Recreation
» Technology
» Travel & Leisure
» Writing & Speaking

  Listed Article

  Category: Articles » Travel & Leisure » Outdoors » Article
 

Visting the Coorong, South Australia




By Steven Pike

The Coorong is a stretch of water that runs from the mouth of the Murray River to just north of Kingston in the south east of South Australia. It is a long, shallow body of water that is less than 3 kilometres wide at its widest point. At a place called Parnka Point it is at its narrowest, no more than 200 metres across.

A line of sand dunes separates the Coorong from the Southern Ocean. The area was inhabited by Aboriginal people before white settlers. The Coorong is a special place to the original inhabitants and when spending time there it is impossible not to feel its almost "mystical" properties.

Visiting the Coorong is a must. The best way, I believe, to experience all it has to offer is to spend at least two nights camping in one of the many designated areas.

I had heard of the so called magic of the area, but did not think it would be anything out of the ordinary. Indeed, when my son and I first arrived at our spot near Mark Point, just west of Meningie, my initial feeling was one of disappointment. It was an open area, totally devoid of trees. The tide was out and the shallow mud flats were visible. The featureless shores did nothing to add to the appeal and it appeared to be a bleak place.

However, as the day wore on, I started to look at things more closely and the afternoon light gave the whole place a totally different atmosphere. I noticed the bird life first. Within a couple of hundred metres of our camp site, there was a number of different bird species, predominantly waders with terns, gulls and the ever present pelicans thrown in. The sand dunes across the lagoon were enormous and the light gave them an eerie glow which set off the dark green coloured water.
As night fell, the sunset,which the Coorong is famous for, was amazing. The light is reflected through spray thrown up by the Southern Ocean and the colours are unbelievable.

I have rarely stayed in a more peaceful area. There are no lights from nearby towns so, on a clear night, the stars have to be seen to be believed. This was the first time my son had seen the stars without the interference of city lights and he was truly amazed. (He was only 4 at the time, so if it held his attention, you can imagine what it was like).

Mornings are just as spectacular, maybe even more so. The morning sun lights up the sand dunes and once again the colours are incredible. The birdlife at dawn is at its peak also, and it is an experience just to sit back and watch everything unfold.

There are many places to camp along the Coorong. Most of it is National Park. Long Point and Mark Point are two areas just west of Meningie where camping is allowed. As you travel further south, places like Parnka Point, Salt Creek, Tea Tree Crossing and 42 Mile Crossing all offer camping sites. Permits can be purchased from self registration stations or from the Ranger station in Salt Creek.

There are also camp sites along the Southern Ocean Beach itself. These are marked by posts that can be seen as you travel along the beach. The sites are just behind the fore dunes. A 4WD vehicle is needed to drive along the beach, which can be accessed from the Tea Tree Crossing (only when the lagoon has dried out, usually in late summer), the 42 Mile Crossing (all year round access) and a couple of other crossings named the 32 Mile Crossing and the 28 Mile Crossing. (The distances in the names are used because that is the distance of the crossing from Kingston).

If you enjoy surf fishing, then the Southern Ocean won't disappoint. There are numerous gutters and channels along the beach. The most popular fish caught is the Australian Salmon, but plenty of Gummy Sharks, Mulloway and Flathead are also caught. Pilchards are the best bait, whist lures work at times too.
If camping in other areas away from the ocean beach, the lagoons, sand dunes and coastal scrub provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in unique surroundings. Fish can also be caught in the lagoons with mullet the species most sought after. I have seen anglers wading some areas at night with spotlights and spears, spearing Flounder, which are a lovely table fish.

If you enjoy photography you won't be disappointed. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular and the numerous bird species make great subjects – if you can sneak close enough.

Boating, including sailing and canoing, would be excellent ways to explore the waterways in the Coorong and would enable access to some lovely areas. It would pay to take it easy though, because the depth of the water, which is very shallow to begin with, changes seasonally depending on conditions.

Don't be put off by your first impression. Stay a night or two to appreciate the experience. I have camped in numerous areas of South Australia, but, as yet, none have had the lasting effect that the Coorong has. Months after returning from a trip there, you will find yourself thinking about it. It really does seem to have a magical aura. Your first trip will certainly not be your last.
 
 
About the Author
Steven Pike spends all of his spare time visiting country areas of his home State, South Australia, taking photographs. His interest in nature extends into the areas of camping and fishing, but his focus is on the magnificence of nature. He hopes to portray some of this beauty in his photographs and encourage people to view their surrounds in a different light.

http://smp.photostockplus.com

Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/42056.html
 
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/42056.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked.



  Some other articles by Steven Pike
Are you addicted to reading? What are the benefits?
I know, I know, it's sad. If, like me, you are addicted to reading, you will know what I am on about. It's impossible to go more than a couple ...

Fishing for Australian Salmon.
I have spent many hours on the ocean beaches in South Australia trying to catch Australian Salmon. It is a great way ...

Remote area camping
Preparation is important when considering a camping trip. If that trip means heading into isolated areas then planning becomes crucial. Weather One of the first things to do is check the weather a week or ...

Keeping the kids amused.
By offering the following suggestions, I'm not trying to tell anyone how to bring up their kids nor am I trying to point out what you are doing wrong (if anything). Parenting ...

How to catch South Australia seafood delicacies.
Camping by the coast is a popular pastime for many individuals or families. It offers activities such as swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving, fishing, exploring and hiking. With a little thought ...

An Environmental Plan and the Local Government.
There is a marine ecosystem not far from where I live that was, up until ten years ago, facing the threat of being lost forever. It is an incredibly diverse and environmentally ...

  
  Recent Articles
Why Safety Is Critical On An African Lion Safari - These Tips Could Save Your Life!
by Dean Caporella

Climbing the Great Wall of China
by Lola Adewoyin

Fireworks
by Mark Smith

Selecting Among Survival Knives
by Alfred Smith

Survival Stories
by Henry James

Survival Checklist Before Going Out on a Trip
by Barry Smith

Avoid Thirst when Lost in the Desert
by Francis Kare

Backpacking Must Haves
by Gin James

Avoid Wild Animals In The Wilderness
by Viv Uri

How to Survive when Lost in Another Country
by Viv James

Deal With Injuries When In The Wilderness
by Barry James

Tips on How to Survive in the Wilderness
by France Jiamm

Can't connect to database