Tura Island

Wallagoot Lake

Wallagoot Gap

Wild Horse Bay

The Sapphire Coast (New South Wales' south coast) is known for its many beautiful national parks, of which Bournda National Park is a personal favourite. The combination of ocean beaches, creeks, saltwater and freshwater lagoons and the expansive waters of Wallagoot Lake make Bournda a most appealing place to visit, relax and take in the wonders of mother nature.

Kianinny Bay

While the park is well serviced with camping and recreational facilities, its natural environment remains unspoiled. The wetland areas around the mouth of Wallagoot Lake provide valuable habitat. Threatened little terns breed on the northern side of Wallagoot Lake in most summer seasons. The site is fenced to protect the birds from disturbance. A team of shorebird volunteers assist the National Parks and Wildlife Service with monitoring and protection of the birds.
Bournda Beach is truly a bathers' delight. The beach was once a popular surf spot, but tracks leading to the beach have all been closed off, with only pedestrian traffic exploring the lagoon and a magnificent coastline. Bournda Beach itself extends south past Bournda Island to Tura Beach adjoining Merimbula, while the nine-kilometre-long Kangarutha Track dips in and out of small bays as it heads north to Kianinny Bay at the edge of Tathra.
There are many opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, good picnicking by Bournda Lagoon, and walking. Walking tracks range in length from the 9km Kangarutha Track from Turingal Head to Kianinny Bay, to shorter walks from Tura Beach headland to Bournda Lagoon.
The park has a rich history of Aboriginal occupation. It was an important food gathering place and evidence of hunting and tool making have been found in coastal middens and old camp sites.

How to get there: Bournda National Park is close to the town of Merimbula. Access is from Merimbula and Tura Beach in the south (sealed) or from Tathra in the north (unsealed). Camping is available at Hobart Beach on the southern shores of Wallagoot Lake.

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