As you crest the top of the sand dune the view that greets you is almost unfathomable.
You have bumped your way along a track from Innaminaka that varies from excellent to rough and rutted. You have passed through a changing vista of open saltbush plains, shrub-covered sand dunes and gum lined creek to suddenly burst on a massive expanse of water hemmed in by sand dunes.
Coongie Lakes seem to spread out before you for miles. As you drop down on to the flat alongside a small “gulf” on the southern shore of the lake the numbers and variety of birds on and in the water is just amazing. Brolgas wade through the shallows surrounded by ducks, swans, spoonbills, avocets and pelicans to name but a few.
Set up camp in the designated areas on this shoreline and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.
If you have a canoe or kayak you can get even closer and more personal with the life of the lake. Sunset and sunrise bring their magic of light changes over water.
During the night soft calls of drifting birds and the calls of roaming dingoes remind you that you are in fact deep in the Australian Outback camped at an oasis of incredible beauty and diversity.
Gear up and head into our magnificent outback to see the spectacular natural attraction that is Coongie Lakes.
Getting there
Getting to Coongie requires planning and preparation as it is a remote destination a long way from civilisation.
You can get a Desert Parks Pass via the National Parks website or from designated outlets. With this, you get maps and information about a number of great travel areas in the north of South Australia.
You can also do the trip without the pass by paying the daily fees – depends on how long you are there whether it is good value or not. Do your planning and get out there, you won’t regret it!