Coorong National Park
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| Coorong National Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
| Nearest town/city: | Goolwa |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 467 km² |
| Managing authorities: | Department for Environment and Heritage |
| Official site: | Coorong National Park |
Coorong is a national park and lagoon ecosystem in South Australia (Australia), 156 km southeast of Adelaide. Its name is from the Aboriginal word "Coorang", which means sand dune, a reference to the sand dunes that can be seen between the park and the Southern Ocean. The western edge of the Coorong starts at the Murray Mouth, at Hindmarsh Island and the Sir Richard Peninsula, and goes about 130 km southeast. The park area includes the Coorong itself, and Younghusband Peninsula which separates the Coorong from Encounter Bay in the Southern Ocean. The Coorong is blocked off from Lake Alexandrina (South Australia) by several weirs at Pelican Point.[1]
The park was formed in 1966 as a sanctuary for many species of birds, animals and fish. It attracts many migratory species. It refuge for these animals during some of Australia's regular droughts. The 467 km² also supports coastal dune systems, lagoons and coastal vegetation.[2] One of the unique things about the Coorong is the interaction of water along its length, with sea water and Murray River water meeting rainfall and groundwater. The freshwater supports the fauna of the area while the sea water is the habitat for much of the birdlife.[3]
The waters of the Coorong are a popular venue for recreational and commercial fishers. The popular 'Coorong Mullet' and 'School Mullaway' are the main species.
- ^ Map of the Coorong Accessed 3/3/7
- ^ Coorong National Park - About the Park, Accessed 3/3/7
- ^ Coorong National Park - Natural Attractions, Accessed 3/3/7
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