Local Area

Meningie is the gateway to the unique Coorong region and the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong toruism region, Australia’s largest freshwater lake system. Our township is considered the northern gateway to the unique Coorong National Park. It is part of the Murray lakes region with many beautiful wildlife and nature walks which makes it a great place to relax, unwind, enjoy pleasant walks along the shores of Lake Albert, marvel at the stunning sunsets over the lake and enjoy the prolific birdlife.

Originally occupied by five tribes of the Njarrindjeri people, the first European to explore the area was Captain Charles Sturt in 1830. Many settlers followed, bringing sheep and cattle and by the 1840’s the ferry at Wellington was operating.

Meningie was established as a staging post on the coaching route carrying the overlanders on their way to Melbourne and the goldfields of Ballarat and Bendigo. The main Melbourne route eventually shifted north but the area remained an important agricultural and fishing area.

The name “Meningie” is generally accepted to come from the Aboriginal word meaning “mud". 

Things to see and do

	Coorong mullet is a local delicacy, commercially fished and found on the menus of many top restaurants. You will also find it on the board of many fish and chipperies in the area.
	The Birdman of the Coorong - Thought to be South Australia’s only genuine bushranger that roamed the Coorong on an ostrich!
	Due to the prolific birdlife, bird watching is a constant source of interest throughout the Coorong. The area is host to the largest breeding ground of Australian Pelicans as well as Egrets, Silver Gulls, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Red-necked Stints and many more. The Coorong Birdwatcher's Trail is a great way to find the best spots to spot some incredible birdlife in the Coorong.
	The Raukkan Church is featured on the Australian fifty-dollar note alongside David Unaipon, a preacher, author and inventor from SA.
	The lake is ideal for all water sports including windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and fishing.
	Point Malcolm is the only freshwater inland lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere. It was originally built to guide the paddle steamers across lakes Albert and Alexandrina. Find out more.
	Derived from an Aboriginal word ‘karangk’ meaning narrow neck, it is one of the most breathtaking national parks in Australia. You will also be a guest of the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters for thousands of years. It is a place of Aboriginal significance. The Coorong is ideal for birdwatching and photography with its distinctive landscape in an important breeding area for the Australian pelican and a refuge for ducks, swans, cormorants, terns, grebes and over 230 migratory birds that travel annually from Siberia, Alaska, Japan and China.
	Trig Hill Lookout the highest point in the town and gives a wonderful view over the town and the lake.
	Pink Salt Lake about 12 kms north of the town is one of many salt lakes in the area which are coloured by beta carotene in the water, giving a vivid pink appearance in sunshine.
	The Lake Albert Golf Course is considered one of the best country courses in South Australia. It is a challenging and undulating par 72 course of lush green fairways lined by trees.
	Visit Camp Coorong for a unique Aboriginal cultural experience. See local Aboriginal sites and learn about local bush tucker and the lifestyle of the early Aboriginals.
	The Pelican Path, is an interpretive walk which highlights the European, Aboriginal and environmental history of the Meningie region. The path is located directly across the road form the Lake Albert Motel at the Meningie Lions Jubilee Park.