Summary

This short lagoon and beach walk encapsulates the remarkable beauty of the Sapphire Coast. Forest, Pacific Ocean views, a long ocean beach, a contrasting still lagoon and rocky headlands - perfect.

Description

Middle Lagoon is a pretty saltwater body separated from the long strand of Middle Beach by a broad sand bar. The natural beauty here is stunning.

This special coastal combination of surf beach and still lagoon supports a diversity of vegetation, marine and animal life. On the lower ground salt marsh grasses and Juncus rushes are prominent, on higher ground Bloodwood, melaleuca and banksia surround the lagoon. Don’t expect mangroves though as there is an absence of tidal movement. Only at times of heavy rain in the catchment above the lagoon is it open to the sea.

Of special note are the ancient burrawangs (South coast cycads) that are native to the area.

Black swans, White -faced herons, ducks and cormorants are commonly observed on the still waters seeking weed, fish, prawns and other crustaceans. Also expect to come across Swamp wallabies and kangaroos. Keep your eyes on the canopy for Sugar gliders at dawn or dusk and on the ocean during whale season as Humpbacks and Southern rights move up and down the coast.

There are directional signs at the campground where you park. The walk consists of sandy tracks, stairs and beach walking. There is also a seamed rocky promontory that is worth exploring.

Facilities include BBQ, picnic tables, long drop toilets, interpretive signage and a lookout. Camping is permitted in designated areas - fees apply. Bring your own drinking water.

Note: all plants and animals are protected, domestic pets and firearms are not permitted.

Other Sapphire Coast walks:
Pambula River Mouth walk
Merimbula Boardwalk
Jiguma coastal walk
Lake Street / Djirringanj People's walk
Goodenia Rainforest walk
Mimosa Rocks / Aragunnu Beach walk
Pinnacles loop walk
Sandy Creek / Bournda Lagoon loop walk
Tathra Headland loop walk
Wajurda Point / Moon Bay walk

1160 Views

Points of Interest

1. Middle Beach lookout

Middle Beach Road terminates at the Middle Beach Lookout elevated high above the Pacific Ocean. There are two camping grounds with car parking, informative signage and public toilets.

2. The loop walk has steps

This walk is a loop, you can start anywhere. The start / end point as mapped is the steps at the lookout (pictured). Alternatively, walk the lagoon section and back to avoid the staircase.

3. Lookout view south

Looking above the Banksia canopy across Middle Beach.

4. Directional signs and picnic tables

Signs pointing the way to Middle Lagoon and Beach are easy to locate. The picnic tables here make a nice place for BYO refreshment before or after your walk.

5. Middle Lagoon

The walk takes you along the shoreline of the picturesque Middle Lagoon. Note the Cycad in the foreground. These are dotted throughout the National Park.

6. Floral displays

Mimosa Rocks National Park is home to diverse indigenous flora such as this colourful coastal Daisy bush.

7. A sandy path

The sandy path to the lagoon sand bar at the southern end of Middle Beach is quite firm and easy to follow.

8. Eucalypt, Melaleuca and Banksia forest

The surrounding forest consists of an alluring mix of coastal trees with many twists, wind blown contortions and a huge range of sizes.

9. Middle Lagoon sand bar

The lagoon is only open to the sea occasionally. In particular, when the catchment above has had significant rains.

10. The Pacific Ocean

Middle Beach is a fantastic expanse of sandy shore with nothing between you and the vast Pacific Ocean.

11. Oyster catchers

There are plenty of sea birds to observe such as this pair of Oyster catchers patrolling the water's edge. Note: beach nesting birds are threatened. Watch where you walk.

12. A rocky point

The rocky seams protruding into the ocean provide interesting sea life, shapes and forms to explore.

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river