Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

5.2 km Circuit

107 m

Hard track

The Bournda Lagoon track is a wonderful walk around the Lagoon, exploring the surrounding area. Bournda Lagoon and Sandy Beach Creek support some lush vegetation, including a rain forest, on their shores. The walk is well signposted with the option to miss the North Tura section of the walk and head back to the car park. Don't forget to take your swimmers for a dip at Bournda Lagoon on your way back.

Well signposted intersection Bournda Lagoon

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.

(0km) Bournda Lagoon Carpark → Bournda Lagoon Lookout

240 m

5 mins

-8m Hard track

From the intersection, this walk heads along the car park (on the right) to the signposted intersection at the other corner of the car park. The walk then follows the sign 'Bournda Walking Track' down the hill. The track winds for a short time to come to a 'Walking Track' signposted intersection before the lagoon.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow on the sign 'Walking Track' keeping the lagoon on the left. The track soon meets a signposted hill, which it heads up, coming to an signposted intersection on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to the lookout. The track winds through the trees, up onto a rocky platform overlooking the lagoon and beach.

(0km) Bournda Lagoon Lookout → Int. North Tura Carpark and Bournda Lagoon Trk

2.3 km

45 mins

64m

-62m Hard track

Turn around: From the lookout, this walk heads away from the unfenced rock edge and into the trees. The track keeps the lagoon below on the right as it winds through the trees to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Walking Track', winding up the hill, then turning left and soon coming to a 'Walking Track' signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Walking Track' arrow down the steps. The steps lead the walk beneath a line of cliffs, then the track turns left, down the hill, entering an area of rainforest vegetation (which is signposted). The track then continues down closer to the water where it turns right, and keeps the lagoon on the left for some time. The track then passes a whole lot of seats with a signpost marked 'Study Area 1'. The track continues past this to more closely follow the waterline, on the left, coming to 'Study Area 2'. The walk passes over a log then follows the track markers along the creek bank. The track then turns left, up the hill, and follows a rocky path over the hill and down to a dry creek crossing. The track crosses to the other side, where there is a signpost.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow up the rocky hill. The track winds along the hillside, with Sandy Beach Creek below on the right. The track soon descends from the hill, meandering through the bush, tending left (away from the creek) to a well-signposted intersection.

(3km) Int North Tura Carpark and Bournda Lagoon Trk → Int Bournda Lagoon and Tura Beach Trks

680 m

12 mins

13m

-12m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bournda Lagoon via Bournda Headland' sign, tending left down the hill. The walk heads straight past a 'Kunzea' sign to the right, before passing over numerous speed bump like mounds on a white dirt path. The track continues straight up this hill to wind past a 'Melaleuca' sign to the left of the track. From here, the track meanders down the hill to a signposted intersection. Now Veer left to rejoin the main walk .

(3km) Int. North Tura Carpark and Bournda Lagoon Trk → Nth Tura Lookout

820 m

15 mins

12m

-14m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Nth Tura Carpark' down the hill. The sandy track meanders through the heath to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Nth Tura Carpark', heading down the track through the thick heath. The track winds a little as it passes into areas of open and closed heath, and also passes a 'Walking Track' sign. The walk continues for a short time to meet a signposted intersection with picnic tables at the car park.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the face of the 'North Tura Beach' sign[1] initially the picnic tables to your right. The walk leads gently uphill along the wide gravel track, past the large 'Welcome to North Tura Beach' information sign[2], and toilet

[Toilet]

to come to an intersection beside the car park marked with a timber 'North Tura Beach' sign[3].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Viewing Platform' sign[4], towards the lookout. The walk leads along the gravel path, around the timber bollard[5] then up the fiberglass ramp (1.5m wide), keeping a timber fence either side.

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[6] over North Tura Beach, all the way south to Tura Headland[7] and out to sea. The lookout is also a perfect viewing point for Turingal Head[8] and Bournda Island. The fence[9] is 91cm high and the ramp leading up is 1.5m wide[10].

North Tura Beach

North Tura Beach is located north of Merimbula and Tura Heads. The beach is a beautiful expanse of sand of nearly 2.5km, stretching from Tura Heads to Bournda Island in the north. North Tura is an easterly-facing beach which is accessed by Widgeram Rd off the Sapphire Coast Drive.

(3km) Nth Tura Lookout → Int. Bournda Lagoon and Steps onto Beach Trks

100 m

3 mins

-2m Moderate track

Turn around: From the lookout, the walk heads away from the beach views[11] down the ramp. The walk then leads along a track, around a timber bollard[12] to come to an intersection just before the car park marked with a 'Viewing Platform' sign[13] pointing back up.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Walking tracks' arrow[14] 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[15], and toilet

[Toilet]

(on your left) to lead gently downhill alongside the timber fence to come to an intersection with two picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

(on your left). The intersection is marked with a 'North Tura Beach' sign[16].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Steps to Beach 80m' down the hill. The walk winds down through the melaleuca trees to an unsignposted intersection with a set of stairs.

(3km) Int. Bournda Lagoon and Steps onto Beach Trks → Nth Tura Beach

60 m

1 mins

-3m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs down the hill and through the heath and then onto the beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(3km) Int Bournda Lagoon and Steps onto Beach Trks → Int. Bournda Lagoon and Island Trks

960 m

17 mins

13m

-13m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection with the stairs, the walk heads behind the dunes, keeping the ocean to the right. The track winds through the trees behind the dunes and has some views of the ocean. The track soon comes to a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Bournda Lagoon via Bournda Headland', keeping the ocean on the right of the track. The track winds behind the dunes to soon come to a signposted intersection.

(4km) Int. Bournda Lagoon and Island Trks → Bournda Island

280 m

5 mins

-8m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Bournda Island' over the dune and down some stairs onto the beach.
Veer left: From the bottom of the steps, this walk heads away from the stairs and across the beach towards Bournda Island. The walk continues along the sand to a small cave feature at the base of the island.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk keeps the cave feature on the right and climbs up the ridge of rock. The track winds along the left-hand side of the island, with the ocean below on the left. The walk heads up onto the hill with views of both North Tura and Bournda Beaches. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Bournda Island

Bournda Island separates Bournda and North Tura beaches, and is located between Tathra and Merimbula. The island is joined to the mainland by a tombola beach, which can be submerged by the tide to form a real island. Bournda Island is covered in low dune shrub vegetation species that are perched on top of the rocky island. Access to the island is at low tide from Bournda or North Tura beaches. Bournda Island can also be accessed from the Bournda Lagoon via Headland Track.

(4km) Int. Bournda Lagoon and Island Trks → Bournda Bch Sth

170 m

3 mins

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Bournda Lagoon', following the white fencing. The walk keeps the ocean on the right as it winds down to a grassy lookout on the right of the track (with fantastic views of Bournda Island). The walk then heads down some stairs to a signposted intersection on the beach.

(5km) Bournda Bch Sth → Bournda Lagoon

460 m

8 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the beach, with the ocean on the right, and the lagoon behind the dunes, to the left. The walk continues up the beach, tending left over the dunes to the shore next to the lagoon, and stairs leading up the hill.

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. More info.

(5km) Bournda Lagoon → Bournda Lagoon Car Park

140 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lagoon, the walk heads away from the lagoon up the wooden stairs on the bushy hill. The track continues past a toilet block (on your right) and then a gate into the car park.

Bournda Beach picnic area

Maps for the Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Wolumla	1:25 000 Map Series	88242N WOLUMLA	NSW-88242N
Bega	1:100 000 Map Series	8824 BEGA	8824

Cross sectional view of the Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout

Altitude analysis for Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.2 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.5km is very steep. Whilst another 1.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 160m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 60m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 60m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 120m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 3.9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

3.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.3km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (720m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout walk.

North Tura Lookout

124 m Return, 5 mins

The lookout at North Tura is not far from the car park and is well placed above the heath. From the end of this short walk you can see up and down the remote beach, both to the north and south, although views are limited by some taller vegetation. Bournda Island can also be clearly seen to the north

Total climbing: 2m

Very easy

Bournda Lagoon

286 m Return, 5 mins

The wide and shady track to Bournda Lagoon slowly winds down to the edge of this wonderful lagoon. The Lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Ck and is separated from Bournda Beach by a small sand dune. There are limited shaded spots once on the lagoon bank, but if you bring your own shade this is a great pla

Total climbing: 3m

Moderate track

North Tura Beach

316 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is the most direct route from North Tura car park onto North Tura Beach. The walk has a viewing platform nearby which is well worth a visit for great views of the coast. The beach is not patrolled but is still a popular place for people wanting to body surf or swim. A great place for a qu

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

North Tura Beach loop

471 m Circuit, 15 mins

This is a wonderful short loop down from the car park and onto North Tura Beach. The walk explores the beach, giving the chance to get sand between the toes, before returning to the car. The optional side trip to the lookout is well worth the effort with its great view of the coast.

Total climbing: 7m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon lookout

482 m Return, 12 mins

This is a short walk that showcases Bournda Lagoon from a beautiful angle. The start of the walk is found at the Bournda Lagoon car park. The halfway point of the walk is the lookout above the lagoon, giving a great view across most of the lagoon and out to sea. After the walk you may want to head

Total climbing: 14m

Hard track

Bournda Lagoon to North Tura

1.8 km One way, 45 mins

The walk from Bournda Lagoon to North Tura passes a lagoon, two beaches, a tombola headland, dunes, heath land and stunning views of the coast. With all the different scenery there is plenty to do along this walk, so leave some extra time to thoroughly enjoy all that is on offer.

Total climbing: 23m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon car park to Bournda Island

2.1 km Return, 45 mins

This walk passes Bournda Lagoon and crosses Bournda Beach to follow the headland to the island. Bournda Island divides North Tura and Bournda beaches. The island is exposed to the elements and provides stunning views along both beaches. The cave at the bottom of the island is interesting to explore

Total climbing: 35m

Hard track

North Tura car park to Bournda Island

2.3 km Return, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views from the lookout on Bournda Island. The views extend north up Bournda Beach and south all the way along North Tura beach. The walk mainly follows the beach, giving you a chance to feel the sand between the toes and get the feet wet when playing

Total climbing: 31m

Hard track

North Tura Beach to Bournda Lagoon

3.5 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

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

Total climbing: 83m

Hard track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Lagoon

5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From Hobart Beach camping area, this walk passes the hidden Bondi Lake to come to Bournda Lagoon. The lagoon is a wonderful oasis with the deep pool and sandy, shaded edges making a really pleasant area. The proximity to Bournda Beach also creates the opportunity to have a body surf. The track to Bo

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop

7.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

The walk to Bournda Island from Hobart Beach camping area is an excellent way to see some of the sights in Bournda National Park. The first half of this picturesque walk is mainly closed in by heath and melaleuca, with closeup views of the local environment. The second half enjoys panoramic views fr

Total climbing: 70m

Hard track

Hobart Beach, Bournda Lagoon and Beach loop

10.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

This is an expansive walk out from Hobart Beach camping area taking in some of the best sights of Bournda National Park. The walk explores the area from the campsite, and around Bournda Lagoon, before following the beautiful North Tura and Bournda beaches back to the start. There is plenty of opport

Total climbing: 139m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout walk.

Bournda Beach car park to Beach

464 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is the most direct route onto Bournda Beach. The walk heads from the car park through the shaded heath to climb over the dunes and onto the beach. This places you on the beach just north of Bournda Lagoon and Island.

Total climbing: 10m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Trig loop

8 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Trig is a long walk, heading up the biggest hill in the area. The view from the top is shrouded by trees, giving visitors water glimpses and views of the ranges to the east. The walk is great exercise and explores a diverse range of environments in

Total climbing: 251m

Experienced only

Hobart Beach camping area to Bondi Lake

5 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

The walk from Hobart Beach camping area to Bondi Lake is an interesting one, mostly running parallel to the lake, which you can't see, till the very end. The walk is shaded for most of the way due to the thick heath surrounding the track until it opens out onto Bondi Lake (dry when we walked it).

Total climbing: 42m

Experienced only

Scotts Hut

3.6 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

The track to the historic Scotts Hut is a great walk along the shores of Wallagoot Lake and Scotts Bay. The walk is well signposted as it leads into the open grass area of Scotts Hut picnic area. The hut itself is well worth an explore and a peek through the windows of this once pioneer home.

Total climbing: 6m

Easy track

Hobart Beach loop

1.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to explore Hobart Beach as it leaves the popular camping area to follow along the shore of Wallagoot Lake. The track is soft underfoot with most of the walk on sand. This is great way to enjoy the shore of Wallagoot Lake.

Total climbing: 1m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach to Games Bay

10.5 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk to Games Bay from Hobart Beach camping area is a fantastic walk to this gem of a secluded beach. The turquoise waters of Games Bay tempt many people for a swim, and the bay is a great place for lunch under a shady tree.

Total climbing: 230m

Hard track

Hobart Beach to Wallagoot Gap

6 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This is a wonderful beach walk, to a more secluded beach. The walk crosses the dunes from Hobart Beach camping area and follows Wallagoot Beach north to Wallagoot Gap, just over the headland to the north. The Gap hides a small solitary beach which is a popular place for locals to swim or enjoy a qui

Total climbing: 70m

Moderate track

Wallagoot Beach

1 km Return, 30 mins

This walk is a short route onto Wallagoot Beach. On the walk down to the beach you are rewarded with views across Wallagoot Lake as well as the long Wallagoot and Bournda Beaches. The beach is a popular place for swimming and in good conditions the rocks on the northern end of the beach provide some

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Wallagoot car park to Games Bay

5.2 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk to Games Bay from Wallagoot car park follows the picturesque coastline north. The walk is well signposted and the turquoise blue water is right next to the track as it winds onto the sandy beach of the bay. The secluded beach is a great place to spend a few hours splashing in the water and

Total climbing: 182m

Hard track

Wallagoot Gap

648 m Return, 15 mins

Wallagoot Gap is a spectacular gorge, cut into the rock by the ocean. The Gap is a popular swimming spot where the water is channeled over a small reef and through the tall rock walls. The seclusion created by the tall walls of the beach give some protection from the wind and waves, but there is no

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Wallagoot Gap to White Rock

9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk to White Rock from Wallagoot Gap is an excellent way to experience the Bournda National Park coastline. The walk is scattered with many views of the coastline, with Games Bay, about halfway, a nice spot to cool down. The White Rocks provide a great picnic area (no facilities) for lunch befo

Total climbing: 398m

Hard track

White Rock

194 m Circuit, 10 mins

This is a great short walk to some appropriately named white rocks. The White Rock is not the only attraction of this walk, there are also great views over the surrounding coast. You might even see some locals jumping from the cliffs opposite White Rocks car park.

Total climbing: 12m

Hard track