Major city · Australia
Meningie
Go for one night as a Coorong National Park base: it is the closest town to the park, 2 h 15 min by car from Adelaide, and there is no bus or train.
Meningie sits on the south-east shore of Lake Albert and is the closest township to the Coorong National Park, so it works as a one-night base for the lakes and the Coorong rather than as a destination on its own. There is no public transport: you need a car. Two nights covers the park, the lake and the town's small museum without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr; Mar–May and Sep–Nov for mild days
- avoid Jan–Feb (hot, 30 °C (86 °F)+ and fire risk); mid-winter for cold, windy lake daysavoid Jan–Feb (hot, 86 °F (30 °C)+ and fire risk); mid-winter for cold, windy lake days
- Airport
- ADL
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Meningie000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Meningie, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyMeningie is a small, quiet town and feels safe day and night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportADL Adelaide Airport (About 2 h 15 min by car via the M1, A1 and B1; no public transport to Meningie).
- Getting aroundCar only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedFamily or cabin unit, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedMotel room, a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedMotel room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$190 (≈ US$130) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ADL Adelaide Airport (About 2 h 15 min by car via the M1, A1 and B1; no public transport to Meningie)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Dec. Mixed: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Meningie: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car only. There is no train or bus service to Meningie, and no local bus in town. Everything in the town centre is walkable in 10–15 minutes; the Coorong and lake lookouts need a car.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Coorong National Park
goDoor to door: 20–40 min
Car south on the Princes Highway, then park access roads and the Ocean Beach track
The main reason to stay here. Check park access and 4WD requirements before you go.
Meningie Hill Lookout
goDoor to door: 10 min
Short drive or walk up from town
Open 24/7; best at sunset over Lake Albert.
Meningie Cheese Factory Museum
cautionDoor to door: 5 min
3 Fiebig Rd, on the Princes Highway
Volunteer-run; opening days are limited, so check before driving out.
Murray Bridge
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car north on the Princes Highway
Bigger town for supplies, fuel and river walks.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Princes Highway frontage
Motels and the pub line the highway through town; walk to the lake and the bakery.
Lake Albert shore
Waterfront motel and caravan-park style stays; best for sunset over the lake.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–170 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–260 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room1 × 1 night × A$150 | A$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$190 | A$380 |
| Fuel, Adelaide return (about 300 km)1 × A$55 · check | A$55 |
| Coorong National Park entry1 × A$0 · check current park fees | A$0 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$64 |
| Trip total≈ A$350 per person per day, bed included | A$699≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and hire car excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bakery pie or pasty | A$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub counter meal | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Motel room, double2026 estimate; higher in summer and school holidays. | A$90–220 (≈ US$60–150) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport: without a car you cannot reach Meningie or leave it.
- Long drives between stops and wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk: avoid night driving on the Princes Highway.
- Summer heat and total fire bans: check the CFS fire danger rating before any bush or park walk.
- Fuel and food options are limited after dark; fill up and eat before 8 pm.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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MeningieMeningie
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies in Meningie; the nearest consulates and embassies are in Adelaide.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Adelaide → Meningie by car: about 2 h 15 min, 160 km (99 mi) via the M1, A1 and B1 (check)about 2 h 15 min, 99 mi (160 km) via the M1, A1 and B1 (check)
- Meningie → Coorong National Park: 20–40 min by car
- Fuel, Adelaide return: about A$55 (≈ US$40) (check)
Say or show
- Where is the nearest fuel? — Where is the nearest fuel?
- Is there a fire ban today? — Is there a fire ban today?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the park open today? — Is the park open today?
Phone coverage is patchy in parts of the Coorong; download offline maps before you leave town.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Meningie. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr; Mar–May and Sep–Nov for mild days · avoid Jan–Feb (hot, 30 °C+ and fire risk); mid-winter for cold, windy lake days · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ADL: drive time, hire-car pickup and a late-arrival plan for the Princes Highway motels.
- Walking cluster for the town centre with rescue anchors: bakery, pub, museum, lake foreshore.
- Place pages with verified opening days (Cheese Factory Museum, lookout) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fire-ban and heat fixtures so the Coorong day can go green or be swapped.