South Australia's Storm Boy-Inspired Itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of Storm Boy, Fingerbone Bill and Mr Percival. explore South Australia's Coorong, Murray Mouth and Goolwa regions with our three-day itinerary.

Set along the wild, untouched Coorong coastline, Storm Boy's tale of friendship, trust and growing up has touched hearts for over half a century. Follow our three-day Coorong, Murray Mouth and Goolwa itinerary to recreate the most iconic moments of Colin Thiele's 1966 novel and new feature film, set to hit cinemas 17 January 2019.

If you're starting off in Adelaide, the Coorong National Park is just a one hour and 25-minute drive away. An alternative, but popular route into the Coorong is from Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road. Book and pay for vehicle entry and camping online before arrival.

Friday: the journey begins

Set-up camp in the Coorong National Park or Mundoo Island Station
Coorong National Park, Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

The Coorong National Park is prime Storm Boy country. Here you'll find 12 campgrounds with 63 designated camping sites, perched on the edge of the wild Southern Ocean, bordered by towering dunes, quiet waterways and snow-white sand. You'll need a 4WD to access these camping spots, but the roar of the sea, twinkling stars and fantastic fishing make it well worth the trip. 

Set-up camp directly opposite where Storm Boy was filmed on Mundoo Island. Adjacent to the water's edge, enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming or simply sitting back and relaxing among abundant bird life and the sounds of nature. If you'd prefer not to rough it, stay at Mundoo Island Station. Take your pick from two self-contained accommodation options: Gunnadoo is a modern homestead with five bedrooms and a range of bed configurations. The Retreat has accommodation for up to four guests in two bedrooms

Canoe the Coorong

Pelican in Coorong National Park, Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

Drive just 20 minutes to Hindmarsh Island, jump into a kayak and glide out onto glassy Coorong waters. Canoe the Coorong offers full-day, all-inclusive guided kayaking tours through the iconic Coorong, Murray Mouth and Goolwa regions. See the world through Storm Boy's eyes, stopping on the banks for bush tucker walks and native coastal flora expeditions, culminating at the spectacular Murray Mouth.

You can also canoe the coorong from Mundoo Island Station, where boating access is available directly from some campsites. Back on land, embark on a fascinating Mundoo Island Station and Coorong Tour.

Watch the sun set at the Coorong National Park's 42 Mile Crossing
Coorong sunset, Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

Crack open a local beer or wine and end day one at 42 Mile Crossing – one of the Coorong National Park's most spectacular sunset spots.

Saturday: local food and Aboriginal culture

Join The Tailor's Cultural Coorong Beach Experience Catching pipis, Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

Wake up to a blazing Coorong sunrise, then jump in the car and head to the Goolwa Pipi Co. factory in Port Elliot. (Fun fact: in Storm Boy the movie, the town of Port Elliot played the role of Goolwa in 1959.)  From here, you'll embark on a tour like no other, combining adventure, Aboriginal culture, nature and wildlife, complete with a fine dining experience overlooking the silver sands of the beautiful Coorong. The Tailor's Cultural Coorong Experience takes you to Barkers Knoll – the exact location of the 1976 Storm Boy film. You'll spend the rest of your day learning about Ngarrindjeri people and culture, exploring jaw-dropping coast, cockling and digging into lavish seafood feasts.

The Tailor's Cultural Coorong Beach Experience begins at the Goolwa Pipi Co., Port Elliot; a 20-minute drive from the Coorong National Park.

Enjoy dinner at the Australasian Circa 1858
The Australasian Circa 1858, Fleurieu Peninsula

Each Saturday night, The Australasian: Circa 1850 opens-up its decadent dining room to the public. Here, chef, patissier and hotel owner, Juliet Mitchell will personally cook you a sumptuous Asian-inspired feast, even if you're the only couple dining. The menu changes monthly and heroes fresh local produce, paired with premium beer, wine and spirits.

Sunday: the Spirit of the Coorong
Experience the Spirit of the Coorong

Spirit of the Coorong, Murray River, Lakes & CoorongAfter treating your eyes to yet another jaw-dropping Coorong sunrise, you'll hit the road, heading back to Goolwa for a six-hour Spirit of the Coorong Adventure Cruise. Cruise along the last stretch of the Murray to the river mouth and across into the Coorong National Park. Stop for two guided walks, explore stunning secluded beaches, dig into a delicious lunch and learn about the Coorong's rich Aboriginal history.

Post-tour, pack up your tent, fit in a final beach stroll, then jump back in the car for a quick one-hour drive back to Adelaide, or an eight-hour drive back to Melbourne.
Keep exploring

Although Storm Boy is set in the Coorong, much of the Storm Boy movie was filmed in the Fleurieu Peninsula, particularly in the towns of Goolwa and Port Elliott. For more Storm Boy locations and itinerary ideas, visit the Fleurieu Peninsula.

For more visit: https://southaustralia.com