Trail Fast Facts
Nukan Kungun Hike is a 27km, grade 3 hike in Coorong National Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 1-2 days to complete.
Hike Overview
The Nukan Kungun Hike, translating to "Looking and Listening" in the Ngarrindjeri language, is a moderately challenging 25km journey (27km if you include the beach access) that traverses the diverse landscapes of Coorong National Park in South Australia. Classified as a grade 2 hike, it can be completed in a leisurely 1-2 days.
The trail commences at Salt Creek, close to the Salt Creek Roadhouse. Winding its way through the park, it connects several popular walking tracks before culminating at the 42 Mile Crossing campground. Here, you have the option to extend your adventure by tackling the additional 2km trek over sand dunes to reach the ocean beach.
Secluded campsites nestled amidst the natural beauty are scattered along the route, offering opportunities for a truly immersive experience. The varied terrain encompasses mallee woodlands, tall tea-tree shrublands, and spinifex grasslands, all punctuated by numerous ephemeral salt lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife – encounters with kangaroos, wombats, and emus are frequent, and you might even spot the elusive endangered malleefowl.
A recommended itinerary involves starting at Salt Creek and completing the 25km journey south to set up camp at 42 Mile Crossing on the first day. After basking in the coastal scenery at the beach, you can return to Salt Creek for your departure on the second day. Alternatively, a car shuffle can be arranged for a one-way trek.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 17 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 188 m
Total descent: -183 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Accessing Coorong National Park is straightforward. Located approximately 200 kilometres southeast of Adelaide, the park can be conveniently reached via the Princes Highway. If you're travelling from Adelaide, follow the highway towards Meningie. Alternatively, for those arriving from the south, Kingston serves as the park's southern entrance. The Coorong Northern Lagoon offers a unique option - accessible by boat via the Murray Mouth or by car along the Princes Highway to either Narrung or Meningie.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Situated a comfortable two-hour drive southeast of Adelaide, Coorong National Park offers a haven for nature lovers seeking diverse experiences. Whether you're a birdwatcher drawn to the abundant birdlife, a water enthusiast seeking boating, kayaking, or fishing adventures, or a landlubber enjoying camping, hiking, or four-wheel driving, the Coorong caters to all interests. The park also holds deep significance for the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land for millennia.
Beyond recreation, the Coorong is recognised as a wetland of international importance. The park shelters a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, including a significant population of endangered species. Bordering the Coorong National Park are the Encounter and Upper South East Marine Parks, further highlighting the region's ecological wealth.
The park itself offers a range of facilities to enhance your visit. Campgrounds, toilets, picnic tables, walking trails, and boat ramps ensure a comfortable and convenient experience. Exploring the Coorong's rich cultural heritage is also encouraged. The Ngarrindjeri people have left their mark on the landscape through ancient shell middens, testaments to thousands of years of habitation. Their name for the Coorong, "Kurrangk" meaning "long narrow neck," reflects the unique geographical features of this remarkable park. The Ngarrindjeri people continue to be involved in the park's management, ensuring a holistic approach to preserving this special place.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.