North Tura Beach to Bournda Lagoon
Yuin Country

1 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

3.5 km
oneway

↑ 84 m
↓ -82 m

Hard track
This walk from North Tura car park to Bournda Lagoon takes the inland route, away from the coast. The heath protects the walk as it winds through numerous vegetation types and then down across Sandy Beach Creek. The walk then follows the beautiful lagoon before heading up to the car park for the car shuffle or pick up. Let us begin by acknowledging the Yuin people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Signpost at North Tura. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track north of North Tura car park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track through the heath. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Trck past Banksia near North Tura. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bournda Lagoon sign. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Signpost along track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track up the hill south of Sandy Beach Ck. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track up the hill south of Sandy Bch Ck. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Arrow marker at creek crossing. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sandy Beach Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Arrow marker beside Bournda Lagoon track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sandy Beach Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track cut over log. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sandy Beach Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track over tree at Bournda Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track down from Field Study Hut. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stairs near the Field Study Huts intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Bournda Lagoon lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bournda Lagoon from lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bournda Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track up from Bournda Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track to Bournda Lagoon car park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bournda Lagoon car park toilet. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Gate before Bournda Lagoon car park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Sandy Creek Walking Track & North Tura Road (-36.8290906,149.9343291)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Princes Highway, A1
  • Turn on to Merimbula Drive then drive for 4.2 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Sapphire Coast Drive, 9 and drive for another 510 m
  • Turn left onto Sapphire Coast Drive, 9 and drive for another 5.7 km
  • Turn right onto Widgeram Road and drive for another 1.1 km
  • Turn right onto Widgeram Road and drive for another 1.1 km
  • Keep left onto North Tura Road and drive for another 20 m
Finish (-36.8155856,149.9375543)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car   (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Walking tracks' arrow along the wide gravel path keeping the car park to the left. The path leads behind the large 'Welcome to North Tura Beach' information sign, and toilet (on your left) to lead gently downhill alongside the timber fence to come to an intersection with two picnic tables (on your left). The intersection is marked with a 'North Tura Beach' sign.
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bournda Lagoon via Sandy Beach Creek' sign, passing picnic tables on the left. The track winds a little as it passes through open and closed heath areas, as well as a 'Walking Track' sign. The track continues, bordered by the heath, coming to a signposted intersection.
From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Bournda Lagoon' down the sandy track. The track is virtually fenced by the vegetation either side, and soon comes to a signposted intersection.
From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Bournda Lagoon via Sandy Beach Ck' up the slight hill. The track tends right, heading through the bush to meet Sandy Beach Creek (below on the left). The track loosely follows this creek, then heads down some rocky steps to the arrow-marked bank of the creek.
From the creek bank, this walk crosses the creek. The track follows a rocky path over a small hill, then turns right along the waterline. The walk follows track markers along the creek bank, coming to an area with a number of seats, signposted as 'Study Area 2'. The track continues past this area to closely follow the waterline (on the right of the track) to 'Study Area 1'. The track passes these seats and continues above the lagoon (on the right) to an area of rainforest vegetation, which is signposted. The track here turns left, heading up to a cliffline and following this along to a set of stairs. The walk climbs the stairs to a signposted intersection.
From the intersection, this walk keeps the lagoon on the right and heads in the opposite direction to the 'Walking Track' sign. The track heads across the hill to turn right, down the hill to another 'Walking Track' sign near a rock shelf.....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Sandy Creek Walking Track & North Tura Road Start heading along Sandy Creek Walking Track (a walking track).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Nth Tura Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
North Tura Car Park (about 30 m back from the start).
There is a sign (about 8 m back from the start).
After another 10 m find the "Pinch Point" (on your left).
Pinch Point
Pinch Point

Timber bollards at end of carpark. Gap of 1.3m (0.5m high) provides access to picnic area, toilet and walking tracks.
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Timber bollards at end of carpark. Gap of 1.3m (0.5m high) provides access to picnic area, toilet and walking tracks.

After another 15 m find the "Toilet" (15 m on your left).
Toilet
Toilet

Unisex single pit toilet. Entrance is 90cm wide, toilet seat 38cm high (57cm to back wall). Simple handrail is 82cm high. Floor space is about 110cm by 230cm. A 4cm step into the toilet. Tap (no basin) outside 74cm from ground.
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Unisex single pit toilet. Entrance is 90cm wide, toilet seat 38cm high (57cm to back wall). Simple handrail is 82cm high. Floor space is about 110cm by 230cm. A 4cm step into the toilet. Tap (no basin) outside 74cm from ground.

Then pass the sign (5 m on your left).
Turn left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 15 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 78cm high, 91cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 42cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on paved area.
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Two timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 78cm high, 91cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 42cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on paved area.

After another 40 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
After another 650 m turn left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 910 m cross the ford.
After another 320 m cross the ford.
After another 430 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 670 m veer right, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Bournda Lagoon Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn around when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 110 m turn left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 110 m turn right, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 95 m continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 60 m find the "Bournda Lagoon" (50 m on your right).
Bournda Lagoon
Bournda Lagoon

Bournda Lagoon has formed behind Bournda Beach, between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lagoon is deep enough for swimming and is a popular spot for a freshwater swim. The lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Creek, which has been silted up at the southernmost end of Bournda Beach. The lagoon supports a variety of environments, including a rainforest, on its shores. However, the lagoon is subject to environmental issues such as algal blooms. The lagoon can be accessed by bush track from Bournda Lagoon car park, at the end of Bournda Rd.
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Bournda Lagoon has formed behind Bournda Beach, between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lagoon is deep enough for swimming and is a popular spot for a freshwater swim. The lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Creek, which has been silted up at the southernmost end of Bournda Beach. The lagoon supports a variety of environments, including a rainforest, on its shores. However, the lagoon is subject to environmental issues such as algal blooms. The lagoon can be accessed by bush track from Bournda Lagoon car park, at the end of Bournda Rd.

Veer left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 155 m come to the end.
A toilet.
"Bournda Beach picnic area".
Bournda Beach picnic area
Bournda Beach picnic area

Bournda Beach picnic area is found next to Bournda Lagoon car park, in Bournda National Park. The picnic area is shaded by the trees behind Bournda Beach, which is between Tathra and Merimbula. The picnic area has modest facilities with a few picnic tables, BBQ pit and a toilet nearby. The picnic area is a great place to eat lunch before heading down to Bournda Beach or Lagoon, which are only a stroll away through the bush.
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Bournda Beach picnic area is found next to Bournda Lagoon car park, in Bournda National Park. The picnic area is shaded by the trees behind Bournda Beach, which is between Tathra and Merimbula. The picnic area has modest facilities with a few picnic tables, BBQ pit and a toilet nearby. The picnic area is a great place to eat lunch before heading down to Bournda Beach or Lagoon, which are only a stroll away through the bush.


An optional side trip to Nth Tura Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 40 m come to the end.
"North Tura Lookout".
North Tura Lookout
North Tura Lookout

North Tura Beach Lookout is between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lookout platform (4.6x4.6m) has stunning views over North Tura Beach, all the way south to Tura Headland and out to sea. The lookout is also a perfect viewing point for Turingal Head and Bournda Island. The fence is 91cm high and the ramp leading up is 1.5m wide.
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North Tura Beach Lookout is between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lookout platform (4.6x4.6m) has stunning views over North Tura Beach, all the way south to Tura Headland and out to sea. The lookout is also a perfect viewing point for Turingal Head and Bournda Island. The fence is 91cm high and the ramp leading up is 1.5m wide.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Bournda Lagoon Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 30 m come to the end.
"Bournda Lagoon Lookout".
Bournda Lagoon Lookout
Bournda Lagoon Lookout

Bournda Lagoon lookout is a small unfenced rock platform perched above Bournda Lagoon, in Bournda National Park. The views to the south, over the lake, reveal how close the lagoon is to the beach. The angle of the lookout onto the water gives a look through the water to the bottom of the lagoon.
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Bournda Lagoon lookout is a small unfenced rock platform perched above Bournda Lagoon, in Bournda National Park. The views to the south, over the lake, reveal how close the lagoon is to the beach. The angle of the lookout onto the water gives a look through the water to the bottom of the lagoon.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

North Tura Beach to Bournda Lagoon


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 3.5 km
Time 1 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.2 km apart with the largest gap of 3.5 km.

Seat: There is one 95 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Entity|toilet
45 mToilet
Seat
95 m[seat]
Toilet
3.5 km[toilet]
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