I have previously written about a lovely walk through sand dunes from
Godfrey's Landing, in Coorong National Park, to the sea. You need a boat to get to the starting point of that walk but here's another wonderful walk that doesn't require a boat.
Coorong lagoon
Beacon 19 is spot on the Goolwa channel, just outside Goolwa town, where fishers launch their boats before heading to the Coorong. It's a pretty spot and there's plenty of birdlife to admire on the lagoon.
Beacon 19 Walking Trail
The walking trail begins at the Beacon 19 carpark and takes you through the dunes to the Southern Ocean. It's not long enough for serious hikers but it is perfect for a short nature walk at just 1.6km return. Children would love it and it would be ideal to take interstate or overseas visitors as a way of showing them the saltwater lagoons of our beautiful Coorong and where they are in relation to the sea.
Don't bring your dogs along
Dogs are restricted in these areas due to fox baits and human walkers are asked to remain on the track in order to reduce the spread of nasty weeds.
The meandering path
The track meanders through native scrub and low-lying native plants including Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens), Knobby Club Rush (Ficinia nodosa) and Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa).
Pigface
It's a peaceful walk and the only the sounds you are likely to hear are of crickets, birds and waves.
The peaceful path
As the sound of the waves gets louder and the native scrub gives way to sand dunes, prepare for a majestic view.
A majestic view
The sight of a pristine beach, a powerful ocean and a long stretch of sand awaits you as you head over the crest of the dunes.
The pristine beach
If you'd like a more challenging walk, you have the option to park your car at the Goolwa Barrages car park and walk to Beacon 19 before reaching the walking trail.
Goolwa Barrages
You'll be walking along the road from the Barrages as there is no walking path, so needless to say, you'll have to be traffic wary on this stretch. There is little traffic, however, and you'll be walking alongside the water with plenty of birds to admire on your way.
The road between the Barrages and Beacon 19
The return trip will add around 2kms to your walk.
The very start of Coorong National Park
