Coonalpyn, located on the Dukes Highway between Tailem Bend and Keith is a small service centre that lies in the heart of the former Ninety Mile Desert. Established in 1909 to service the growing wheat and wool industry after part of the original "desert" area were transformed into usable agricultural land, the town was settled around the existing railway station. The name, of Aboriginal origin was taken from the nearby homestead of Coonalpyn Downs, which also was the name of the prior District Council before it amalgamated into its current form. The town, similar to many other Murray Mallee towns of similar size, has been subject to a gradual decline in recent times due to ongoing employment issues and diminished importance, possibly as a result from the increasing availability of long distance commuting/freight.

Population: 200
State: South Australia
Name Origin: Of Aboriginal origin meaning "place of mice excreta" which refers to the mice plagues that used to frequent the area.
Pronunciation: Coo-nal-pn
Postcode: 5265
Local Government: Coorong District Council
Location: 164km south-east of Adelaide
Main Roads: Dukes Highway
Main Watercourses: None
Radio Stations (Music): Triple J (105.5), Power FM (98.7)

Photos from Coonalpyn (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):
 

	The Dukes Hwy, looking south-east from Dent Road, Coonalpyn (2006).
	The Dukes Hwy, looking south-east from Campbell Tce, Coonalpyn (2006).
	The Dukes Highway, looking north-west as it approaches Richards Tce, Coonalpyn (2006).
	Parkland abutting the railway siding & silos, Coonalpyn (2006).
	The Coonalpyn Silos and Dukes Hwy, looking north-west. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).