Coorong Wetlands

The Coorong Wetlands are an extensive, shallow coastal lagoon system located in South Australia, situated directly at the mouth of the Murray River. The environment is geographically separated from the rough Southern Ocean by a long stretch of sand dunes known as the Younghusband Peninsula.

The Coorong is characterized by a complex mix of fresh, brackish, and hypersaline water. Freshwater flows in from the Murray River at the northern end, while high evaporation rates and limited ocean exchange cause the southern lagoons to become significantly saltier than the sea.

The wetlands serve as a crucial habitat and breeding ground for a vast array of wildlife, particularly as a sanctuary for migratory waterbirds flying across the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. It is also culturally significant to the Ngarrindjeri people, who have inhabited and managed the region for thousands of years.

The Younghusband Peninsula, a narrow, continuous strip of coastal sand dunes, physically separates the Coorong lagoon from the Southern Ocean. This unique geological barrier allows the wetland system to maintain its distinct salinity gradients and calm waters despite the harsh ocean environment.