Coongie Lakes. 15/06/87; South Australia; 2,178,952 ha; 27º34'3.72''S 139º56'26.25''E. Crown Land, National Park, Pastoral Lease. The site is an extensive and complex freshwater wetland system in the floodplain of Cooper Creek, one of the largest dryland rivers in Australia with a predominantly natural flow regime. Some wetlands fill only rarely, others hold water for a limited period after flooding, and others are permanent. A major flood heralds a period of flourishing plant growth and an influx of wildlife with large numbers of waterbirds, especially pelicans, cormorants, herons, ibises, spoonbills, ducks and waders that congregate to feed and breed, dispersing as waters recede. The site is increasingly important for recreation and tourism but the primary uses are cattle grazing, oil and gas production. Ramsar site no. 376. Most recent RIS information: 2013