parnka point trails

Two trails are presented as individual round trips in opposite directions from Parnka Point campground in the Coorong National Park.

Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

Meningie (150 km from Adelaide)

Approx 36km

2 trails 4-5 hrs each trail

Conditions

Easy -moderate
River and reedy river backwaters.

Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

Meningie (150 km from Adelaide)
Paddle Distance

Approx. 20 km return (approx)
6 hours to a day
Weather

Always check weather and wind conditions before setting out.
Visit BOM for weather conditions
Conditions

Easy - moderate - This trail takes in a very shallow area of the Coorong with lots of sharp rocks. Care needs to be taken to avoid damage to kayaks and canoes.
Do the five weather safety checks
Facilities

There are no facilities at the launch site.
Parking

Available at launch site
National Park

Coorong National Park

Paddle SA is the governing body of paddle sport and recreation in South Australia. It leads and supports paddling in South Australia and encourages the safe exploration of our waterways. Paddling Trail South Australia has a range of Paddling Trails to suit different abilities. Know your ability.

https://canoethecoorong.com Kayak hire & guided tours through the amazing natural beauty of South Australia’s Coorong National Park near Goolwa. Just one hour from Adelaide.

Caution Information Always check weather conditions prior to departure
The best time to kayak in this area is during the winter months when the water is deep enough to paddle in.

Note: This area of the Coorong is not tidal but the water level is strongly affected by the wind. Westerly and South-westerly winds tend to send water from the northern lagoon towards the southern lagoon, thereby raising the water level in this area. These winds tend to occur mainly in winter.
In the summer months, there can be as little as 200 mm of water at Parnka point. Check at waterconnect@sa.gov.au for water levels in this area under data systems and surface water status reports. Some of the islands in the area are prohibited areas to safeguard Pelican breeding colonies and no landing is permitted.
Note:
Fires are not permitted in the Coorong National Park

Trail 16

If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza PDF Map app and have interactive paddling trail maps on hand when you need them. The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos, and drop Placemark pins.

Trail Information

Launch Site:
Wallys Landing, Tonkin road, Finniss GPS: 35.4076 S; 138.8312 E

Trail Notes:
The two trails start at Parnka Point camp ground and travel north and south.
The area is very shallow with lots of sharp rocks. Stout shoes are recommended in case you need to get out and walk.
When travelling north from Parnka Point keep to the left hand side (Western side) of the islands where the water is deeper and there are fewer rocks.
As you paddle north you will pass four islands – Bluff island, Rabbit Island, next Snake Island and lastly the Needles which is aptly named as the rocks are particularly pointed and sharp in that area.

These islands are noted breeding areas for Fairy terns.
You will then enter the Northern Lagoon which is largely free of underwater obstructions but may be shallow in areas. When travelling south the deeper water tends to be found on the Eastern side of the islands.

Prohibited islands South of Parnka Point are clearly marked and should not be approached in case you disturb breeding colonies of birds. In particular the islands near Jacks Point (GPS 36.0368 S; 139.5674 E) are noted for the large colonies of breeding pelicans. The Coorong being the home of the largest and most important permanent colony of pelicans in South Australia.
Paddlers are cautioned about wind and weather conditions in the Coorong and it is recommended that last minute checks of these are made before you leave on your trip.

Note: Fires are not permitted in the Coorong National Park
Note: Camping permits must be obtained from Coorong National Park prior to departure and can only be obtained online.

Avenza Interactive Trail map

Points of Interest

Coorong National Park This park is more than 50 years old. It was established I 1966 and its lagoons (north and south) are protected from the Southern Ocean by the sweeping sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula, from which its name originated. The local Ngarrindjeri people gave the Coorong it name which is derived from ‘Kurangk’ which means long, narrow neck.
The Coorong’s natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unspoiled coastline make it one of South Australia’s most visited tourist destinations.

If you are thinking of visiting then here are six Things you might not know about the Coorong

Birdwatching:The Coorong is a birdwatchers’ paradise. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including two rare species. Many different water birds visit the wetland, particularly in summer. The distinctive landscape is an internationally renowned breeding area for the Australian pelican and a refuge for ducks, swans, cormorants, terns, grebes, and numerous species of migratory birds. When bird watching, carry binoculars and a field guide to help with bird identification. Wear clothes that blend in with the surroundings and be quiet, particularly if birds are nesting. Do not approach or interfere with nests – this can cause birds to abandon them. Migratory wader birds of the Coorong and Lower Lakes

parnka point trails

Two trails are presented as individual round trips in opposite directions from Parnka Point campground in the Coorong National Park.

Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

Approx 36km

Conditions

Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

Paddle Distance

Weather

Conditions

Facilities

Parking

National Park

Trail Information

Points of Interest

SAFETY

INFORMATION

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