Is the Coorong fresh or saltwater?

The Coorong is a long, shallow saline lagoon that stretches more than 100 km and that is separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand dune peninsula. It marks the termination of Australia’s longest river, the Murray. The Lakes Alexandrina and Albert are comprised of fresh to brackish/saline waters.

Why is the Coorong so salty?

However, with less water flowing down the River Murray, only a very small amount of water flowed out to the sea between November 2005 and late 2010. This resulted in a build up of salt and nutrients in the Lower Lakes. High evaporation due to above average temperatures has also increased salinity in the region.

Is the Coorong salty?

This year marks 10 years of continuous flows to the Coorong since the Millennium Drought broke in 2010. Acid sulphate soils were exposed in drying lake beds and the Coorong became too salty for many plants and animals to survive.

Is it safe to swim in the Coorong?

A. Yes you can, whilst swimming conditions in the Coorong are generally safe, you must understand that taking a swim is entirely at your own risk. We do not recommend swimming in the ocean.

What does Coorong mean in Aboriginal?

narrow neck
The name Coorong comes from the Ngarrindjeri name ‘kurangk’ The word ‘kurangk’ means long, narrow neck and it was given to the area by the Ngarrindjeri people.

What is the closest town to the Coorong?

Towns close to Tailem Bend as part of the Coorong Council area

• Tintinara.
• Coonalpyn.
• Coomandook.
• Peake.
• Sherlock.
• Narrung.
• Salt Creek.
• Raukkan.

What is Coorong known for?

Located at the end of Australia’s largest river system, the Coorong is an important part of the Murray-Darling Basin. It relies on flows from the River Murray, Southern Ocean as well as an open Murray Mouth to create healthy habitats for thriving wildlife.

Are there sharks in the Coorong?

If you’re playing on the ocean side of the Coorong lagoons, you might also be lucky enough to come across some of the bigger freshwater species of mulloway, salmon, gummy sharks and bronze whaler sharks.

Can you drive through the Coorong?

Some areas of the Coorong National Park, Ngarkat Conservation Park & Coorong region are accessible only by four-wheel drive. When travelling please observe all advisory and regulatory signs indicating track closures and restrictions. Drive only on existing marked tracks.

Why is the Coorong special?

The Coorong is a national treasure, with its natural beauty, abundant wildlife and unspoilt coastline making it one of South Australia’s most loved and most visited tourist destinations. The Coorong is also of enormous cultural significance to its Traditional Owners, the Ngarrindjeri.

Why is the Coorong called the Coorong?

The name Coorong comes from the Ngarrindjeri name ‘kurangk’ The word ‘kurangk’ means long, narrow neck and it was given to the area by the Ngarrindjeri people.