Coorong Waterfront Retreat

05/03/2026

Our beautiful National Park at your doorstep.

This March for Park of the Month, we're highlighting the beautiful Coorong National Park with free and subsidised activities happening in and around the park!

If you want to take things at your own pace, why not use our Coorong daytrip itinerary, where we've highlighted some iconic sites to visit and scenic picnic spots to have a breather. Find the full itinerary here bit.ly/coorongitinerary

Image: Tourism Australia / SATC

18/01/2026

A heartfelt thank you to all our guests who have supported us over the past 17 years. Your loyalty and patronage have made running our BnB an incredibly rewarding experience. While we are closing our business, we are hopeful that a new owner will take over and continue to provide excellent service in the future. We wish you all the very best. Wendy and Dean.

08/01/2026

Fabulous news about this expansion to the Coorong National Park. A win for conservation in South Australia.

20/11/2025

The shallow salt lake at the entrance to Parnka Point is as pink as we have ever seen it! A 15 minute drive from Coorong Waterfront Retreat.

08/11/2025

LAST CHANCE TO STAY!
Coorong Waterfront Retreat (including owner's residence) is up for sale!
It may not stay as holiday rental so don't put off a visit. At this stage we only have limited nights available before we close on the 12th January 2016. Nights are Nov.13, Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-19 inclusive.
Book now at coorongretreat.com.
We hope to see you soon!
Wendy and Dean.

17/10/2025

FOR SALE IN SA. Waterfront holiday house and owner's residence on one title. $1.2m. Live and create an income! Note - all bookings up to 12th January 2026 will be honored.

Nestled in the tranquil "Seven Mile" settlement, this property presents a rare chance for the perfect lifestyle. Boasting two homes on one title, the cu...

15/10/2025

Guest book note left by interstate guests Jan and Maddie this morning. Yes, we checked under the beds! 😁
It goes without saying - they were lovely guests.

14/10/2025

Discover the unspoiled beauty of the Coorong — where tranquil lagoons, sweeping sand dunes, and rich birdlife create one of South Australia’s most breathtaking natural escapes.

a place of vast horizons, cultural stories, and timeless beauty. Whether you paddle its calm lagoons or simply soak in the views, the Coorong offers an unforgettable connection with nature a sanctuary for wildlife, a paradise for adventurers, and a dream for photographers. 📸

From Adelaide, it’s about a 2-hour drive (around 180 km) via the South Eastern Freeway (M1) through Tailem Bend and Meningie.
Key access points include Goolwa, Meningie, 42 Mile Crossing, and Kingston SE.

Top Things to Do in the Coorong, South Australia

🚣‍♀️ 1. Kayak or Canoe the Coorong Lagoon

Explore the peaceful waterways and winding channels by kayak — the best way to experience the Coorong’s calm beauty up close.
• Best spot: Launch from Long Point or 42 Mile Crossing.
• Tip: Join a guided tour with Coorong Wildside Tours or Spirit of the Coorong for cultural insights and access to hidden spots.

🐦 2. Birdwatching Paradise

The Coorong is internationally recognised as a Ramsar-listed wetland, home to over 230 bird species — including pelicans, swans, spoonbills, and migratory waders.
• Best viewing: Pelican Point, Jack Point Observatory, or Pelican Island.
• Don’t forget your binoculars — sunrise and sunset are magical times to watch flocks take flight.

🌊 3. Take a Coorong Cruise

Hop aboard a Spirit of the Coorong cruise from Goolwa Wharf to discover secluded sand dunes, wildlife, and learn about Ngarrindjeri Dreaming stories.
• Tours range from 2-hour scenic cruises to full-day adventures with beach walks and birdwatching.

🏖️ 4. Wander the Younghusband Peninsula

This long, untouched sand peninsula separates the Coorong Lagoon from the Southern Ocean.
• Access points include 42 Mile Crossing and Parnka Point.
• Perfect for walking, photography, and soaking in views that feel worlds away from civilisation.

🐚 5. Visit Meningie

A charming lakeside town on the northern edge of the Coorong — a great base for exploring.
• Visit Lions Park Lookout, Pink Lakes, and enjoy local produce at My Friends Café.
• Check out Pelican Path Walk for lakefront views of Lake Albert.

🪶 6. Learn Ngarrindjeri Culture & Heritage

The Coorong holds deep significance to the Ngarrindjeri people, the Traditional Custodians of the region.
• Join a Ngarrindjeri cultural tour or visit interpretive sites to learn stories about creation, land, and spirit.
• Keep an eye out for guided experiences run by local Indigenous guides.

🌅 7. Catch a Coorong Sunset

Few places in South Australia offer sunsets like the Coorong — the sky reflecting across still lagoons and salt pans is pure magic.
• Best viewing: Parnka Point, Long Point, or the dunes near 42 Mile Crossing.

🏕️ 8. Stay Overnight in Nature

Camp under the stars or stay in eco-accommodation surrounded by wildlife and peace.
• Camping: Long Point, 32 Mile Crossing, and Mark Point Campgrounds.
• Unique stays: Coorong Cabins at Meningie, Pelican’s Perch Retreat, or Coorong Waterfront Retreat

02/09/2025

Over 100 yellow-tailed black cockatoos passed over the house today heading north along the Coorong. Their loud calls ensured you couldn't miss them. We hope that there was a positive reason for this occurrence. Apart from a similar occurrence earlier this week, we don't often see them in our immediate area. A beautiful experience!

13/07/2025

Dear Guests,
This is our last six months!!!
The time has come for us to retire and sell our home and Coorong Waterfront Retreat. The sale is planned for later this year with bookings closing at the end of January 2026. We are not sure if any new owner will continue with holiday accommodation, so if you are planning to stay, now is the time! For those with a return guest discount card, we can't be sure that this will be honored after January 2026. We hope you will understand.
It's been a fantastic journey over nearly 17 years of operation. Our huge thanks go to all of our guests who have made this an amazing and enjoyable experience and helped us along the way. We look forward to an enjoyable last six months!
Wendy and Dean

05/07/2025

Great tour. Lovely guests.