Sandy Creek / Bournda Lagoon loop walk

Sandy Creek / Bournda Lagoon loop walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

This outstanding loop walk takes you beside, above, across and around the fabulous Sandy Creek / Bournda Lagoon, to Bournda Island and the splendid Tura and Bournda Beaches. It is breath taking.

Description

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The variety of wonderful natural features on this walk will continue to astonish you from beginning to end. There are awesome views from rocky platforms, frequent and observable changes in ecosystems, microclimates and vegetation, bird, animal and marine life sightings and the most handsome of waterways and beaches.

This is an exceptional walk. For those steady on their feet and in good walking shoes it is nothing short of a delightful adventure. It isn't a particularly long or arduous walk, but the track does have variations in ups, downs, steps, surfaces and width. There is also a shallow creek crossing by foot that requires removing shoes and socks. Trail markers guide you along the way.

Take your time. Where coastal ti tree marks the start of your walk expect many unexpected and diverse other botanical discoveries as you go. The reeds, rushes and ferns of the wetland lagoons are complemented by rainforest gullies and dry open woodland on higher ground.

A wide range of birds are attracted to the area. The many lookout points make observing the likes of White-bellied sea eagles, Black swans, Australian pelicans, Black ducks and Pied cormorants easy.

Forest birds are plentiful as well with Grey fan-tails common and Black cockatoos (yellow-tailed or red-tailed glossy) or Lyrebirds ready to surprise you if you take things quietly. Please take care when walking not to disturb threatened beach nesting birds such a Hooded plovers.

Bournda Lagoon offers Water dragons. There are Black bream, Flathead and Mullet for fishers and observers while the surrounding forest has a healthy population of Black-tailed Wallabies and Eastern grey kangaroos.

The South East area of NSW has been home to the Monaroo and Yuin Aboriginal Nations for millennia. Cultural artefacts such as tools and middens are fascinating to observe and consider. However, all such cultural sites are protected and must not be interfered with.

Note: there is a small day visitor fee to enter Bournda National Park paid via an honesty box at the entrance. You must write and hold a receipt for the duration of your visit. Facilities at Bournda Lagoon include a picnic area with tables and toilets. There is no drinking water. Camping is available at nearby Hobart Beach on Wallagoot Lake (fees apply).

Pets and firearms are not permitted in the National Park. Be SunSmart and carry your own water and refreshments.

Other Sapphire Coast walks:
Middle Lagoon & Beach loop walk
Merimbula Boardwalk
Jiguma coastal walk
Goodenia Rainforest walk
Lake Street / Djirringanj People's walk
Mimosa Rocks / Aragunnu Beach walk
Pambula River Mouth walk

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Points of Interest

1. A natural lookout

After walking down to the Bournda Lagoon from the picnic ground, a short climb takes you to a rocky outcrop for a clear view across to the opposite side of the loop.

2. The view

Looking over Sandy Creek, Bournda Lagoon and Bournda Beach to Bournda Island, your ultimate destination.

3. Rockface vegetation

The diversity of plants is astonishing. Succulents, lichens, mosses and many other growths add colour and interest to the rocks.

4. Rocky steps

This short staircase is probably the roughest part of the walking track.

5. Study Area

The walk includes open air sites set aside for student study groups to observe and learn from.

6. Escarpments by the water

In some places steeply sloping rock walls narrow the space between land and water.

7. The back of the lagoon

Sandy Creek feeds Bournda Lagoon from the catchment above. The creek narrows steadily as you travel inland to a point where crossing is easy.

8. Liana

Wet gullies running down to Sandy Creek are home to rainforest vegetation such as these thick woody climbing Liana tendrils.

9. Enormous trees

Rainforest pockets sheltered from the battering coastal weather allow many trees to reach their huge potential.

10. Crossing Sandy Creek

The loop walk involves crossing Sandy Creek by foot. Generally, the creek runs shallow and slow. Shoes and socks need to be removed unless they are water compatible.

11. Lyrebirds live here

You will hear their mimicry, you may even observe one en route such as this male - if you travel quietly.

12. Black she-oak forest

Once across the creek you enter dry open woodland dominated by different species according to the immediate environment.

13. Wildflowers

There are flowering plants to be enjoyed for every season, such as this brilliant Hakea display.

14. Busy birds

One of the busiest common birds you will observe is the Grey fan-tail. They are very generous with observation time. As long as you stay still while watching their acrobatic insect catching.