Secrets of a bushranger
Did you know the Coorong had its very own bushranger? And, he rode an ostrich in his pursuit of crime!
Learn about the adventures of this bandit (and snap a selfie riding his ostrich), when you explore the Pelican Path.
If you’re keen to explore the Coorong on foot, here are five stunning walks.
Pelican Path – Yunti Ngopun Ngami
And now, back to our ostrich-riding bandit. You’ll find the story of the Birdman of the Coorong (and his feathered partner in crime, saddled up and ready for a photo opp) on the Pelican Path walk in Meningie.
Yunti Ngopun Ngami is the Ngarrindjeri phrase for ‘together we walk’, and that’s what you’re invited to do on this 10 minute stroll around the foreshore of Lake Albert. Arguably the most jaw-dropping walking trail in the region, it will take you far longer than 10 minutes because you will want to keep stopping to soak in the water views.
Suitable for walking, cycling (including kids bikes) and the disabled, this interpretive trail covers the importance of the environment to the area, and Aboriginal and European history. You’ll spend hours here in the park on the foreshore – it has a playground, public toilets, picnic spots, BBQs and a bakery across the road.
Murray Coorong Trail
If you can’t get enough of the lake views on the Pelican Path, then extend your walk to include the newly constructed walking/bike paths that form part of the 450 kilometre Murray Coorong Trail. You can cover up to 10 kilometres by heading out of town on the Narrung Road, through to Seven Mile Road and the lagoons, or for a shorter walk, loop back toward the lake foreshore on Warrengie Drive and follow the foreshore back into Meningie.
It’s a few hours well spent, mostly flat and suitable for all ages. If it’s hot, you can stop for a refreshing dip in the lake on the way through, and finish with a picnic in the Lions Park.
Coorong Country Birdwatcher’s Trail
If you’re into bird watching, then you’ve come to right place. The Coorong National Park is a wetland of significant international importance and is a protected migratory bird habitat. The incredible array of birds (and other wildlife) you will see when on the Birdwatcher’s Trail is guaranteed reward.
The entire trail is extensive, and circles Lake Albert, so if you’re short on time, we suggest a drive/walk combo, where you can pick the best parts such as the wetlands on the Narrung Peninsula. With over 240 bird species to spot, there is so much more to discover in Storm Boy country than Mr Percival.
River Bend Heritage Trail
This loop trail begins in Tailem Bend, and takes in the Murray River via levy banks, the dairy flats of Jervois, the Pangarinda arboretum at Wellington East, and the Mowantji-Willauwar Conservation Park.
A full days’ easy walk, or shorter sections, will showcase prime agricultural land, historic buildings, wetlands, birdlife and the glorious tranquillity of the river, up close and personal.
Tailem Bend Historic Rail Trail
Fully mapped and marked with interpretive signage, this will take you through the town that was built in the heyday of the railways. The community members are the story tellers, and take you through the railway station, former ferry landing and early historic buildings such as the first row of railway cottages. A great way to spend a couple of hours for history and railway buffs.
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