Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth

Photo: Lake Alexandrina. (John Baker)

Click here for a PDF map of this icon site.

One of Australia’s most unique and significant estuaries

The Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth extend over approximately 140,000 hectares, covering 23 different wetlands types, from very fresh to saltier than the sea. Where the River Murray meets the sea, it is one of the 10 major havens for large concentrations of wading birds in Australia, and is recognised internationally as a breeding ground for many species of waterbirds and native fish.

The Coorong is 140 km long and ranked among the top six waterbird sites in Australia, based on the diversity and number of species found there. However, a lack of water flowing to this area has severely impacted upon its health.

The Living Murray First Step ecological objectives:

• Open Murray Mouth;
• More frequent estuarine fish spawning;
• Enhanced migratory wader bird habitat in the Lower Lakes.

For the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth Icon Site Management Plan visit the publications page.

Links to other Icon Sites:

• Barmah–Millewa Forest
• Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest
• Hattah Lakes
• Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay–Wallpolla Islands
• Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth
• River Murray Channel