The Coorong is a coastal lagoon system stretching approximately 130 kilometres southeast from the Murray Mouth along the South Australian coast, encompassing close to 500 square kilometres within Coorong National Park. The lagoon is separated from the Southern Ocean by the Younghusband Peninsula, a narrow strip of sand dunes, and is divided into a Northern Lagoon and a Southern Lagoon. Parts of the Southern Lagoon can dry up completely over summer, which is an important planning consideration. The park is located around 200 kilometres southeast of Adelaide, accessible via the Princes Highway from Tailem Bend, with entry points near Meningie and Kingston. The Northern Lagoon can be accessed by boat via the Murray Mouth or by road via Narrung or Meningie.

Water depths are shallow throughout much of the system. Boats with a draught of less than one metre can navigate from Goolwa to Long Point, while dinghies drawing less than half a metre, or canoes and kayaks, are best suited for exploring the Northern Lagoon south of Long Point and the Southern Lagoon. Navigation can be hazardous due to currents, choppy water, shifting sands, rocky reefs, and shallow water. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so checking forecasts before setting out is essential. An exclusion zone has been declared at the Murray Mouth, and access inside areas marked by orange buoys is prohibited due to ongoing dredging operations.

Boat launching and retrieval is permitted only at public boat ramps. Overnight camping in the park requires a camping permit, obtainable from several locations including the Marina at Hindmarsh Island, South Coast Marine at Goolwa, Signal Point Interpretive Centre at Goolwa, and self-registration stations at Godfreys Landing, Barker Knoll, Mark Point, and Long Point. Godfreys Landing campsite is accessible only by boat, and additional secluded campsites exist along the Younghusband Peninsula.

Paddling here involves open lagoon waters, narrow channels between sand dunes, and extensive wetland environments. The Coorong supports significant birdlife including pelicans, terns, and migratory shorebirds. Named paddle trails in the area include the Mundoo Channel Murray Mouth route, the Parnka Point trails, and the Lousy Jacks Loop, which involves overnight camping on the Younghusband Peninsula. Guided kayak tours and kayak hire are available through local operators based near Hindmarsh Island and Goolwa.