Coongie Lakes

I am not a "birdo", so may be wrong, but I reckon there would be more birds at Coongie when there is less surface water in other places. We have been numerous time and there are always birds.
Coongie is always open unless the roads are closed due to rain in the area.
You need to book a campsite in advance.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

Whenever there is good water in the lakes. I was there in June when the water was glowing into the northwest arm of Cooper Creek, and into the lakes. Heaps of birds and tortoises about. We camped at the end of the track on the banks of the Cooper. This is best if you are kayaking. Otherwise, you can drive over the dunes (which were soft) and camp above the edges of the lake. There you have views and have to walk down to the lake. The edges were soft so access that way for kayaking was difficult.

The official website recommends April and October as the best months to visit.

The birds are most abundant December through April. But it's too hot to comfortably or even safely visit then. I'm confident there is abundant birdlife at all times.

Coongie Lakes NP site

I was there in mid-June this year. The temperatures were fine, but the flies were pretty bad. Not just there but in the Innimincka area, down at the Dig Tree, etc. I spent two months travelling around the outback, and elsewhere the flies were barely noticeable. I was very thankful for my headnet!

Note that the 100+ km access road was moderately to heavily corrugated at that time.

As noted, you need to pay in advance for your campsite and entrance fee. This can be done online. Or You can pay at the store in Innimincka.

If you go, plan to spend a few days! I wish I could have stayed longer.

Thanks Phil and Candace