Coongie Lakes National Park

In the heart of South Australia's desert wilderness, the thriving wetlands of Coongie Lakes National Park is a highlight of many an Outback adventure.

100kms north-west of the pioneer town of Innamincka, and fed by the waters of Coopers Creek, these Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance are a wildlife haven.

While Coongie Lakes contains water most of the time, the large expanse of ephemeral wetlands fill after flood and heavy rain, visit during the cooler months to experience one of South Australia's most spectacular natural attractions.

This pristine water-world of channels, waterholes and lakes is the perfect spot to get back to nature, so bring your binoculars and watch as Coongie Lakes puts on a wildlife show like no other: tortoises peeking above the surface, water rats frolicking in the shallows, while in the background, flocks of waterbirds such as pelicans, swans and ducks flock to this oasis in the desert.