Day 130 Monday 22nd August
Today we took a drive through the northern part of the Coorong. First we went to Long Point. We saw many birds along the way including pelicans, terns, oystercatchers, ibis, egrets, swans and ducks. The Coorong is a salt lake about 100km long with a relatively thin area of sand dunes before the ocean.
After Long Point we went on a 4 wheel drive track to Mark Point. Here there was an old windmill and trough where the early settlers watered their sheep and cattle. The Coorong is saltwater but there were fresh water springs around.
We continued along the track and wanted to go to Pelican Point. This is where the book and movie Storm Boy was made. Unfortunately the road was blocked and we couldn’t get there. There were also barrages at Pelican Point to stop the salt water from going into Lake Alexandrina.
We then drove on to a town called Narrung. Near this town was an aboriginal community called Raukkan. This was very interesting as it was here that we found the church which is on the $50 note. David Unaipon is also on the $50 note and he was born here in 1872. He became a minister in this church and he was also an inventor which is why he is on the note. We went to the cemetery and saw his grave as well. Unfortunately there was no information about him here but the caravan park manager told us to look for it.
We then went on to Narrung and crossed the Narrows ( a small gap between Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert) on the ferry. On the other side was a lighthouse which is the only inland lighthouse.
We crossed back on the ferry and returned to our van.
That night we went to the pub for tea and had Coorong Mullet. Yes mother, mullet. It was very tasty.
Day 131 Tuesday 23rd August
We left Meningie at 9.00 this morning and travelled along the Coorong until we got to 42 Mile Crossing. We decided to stay here for the night in the National Park. We drove across to the ocean side and saw surf and sand dunes and millions of shells but no people or buildings. Good fishing here apparently. It was quite beautiful.
Distance travelled today 90 km
Total distance travelled
