Skip to main content

Wallagoot Lake

BeginnerGO
GO

It's a go.

Showing last known conditions

Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 7.0 sWind Speed 2.0 knPrecipitation 5.8 mmTidal Phase ebb

Last evaluated

Primary photo of Wallagoot Lake

The spot

Community-maintained

Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

Wallagoot Lake is a large, calm coastal lake nestled within Bournda National Park on the NSW Far South Coast. Sheltered from ocean swell, its glassy, protected waters are ideal for beginner snorkelers and families. The lake's unique aquatic environment supports a rich diversity of marine life, while the surrounding bushland — home to waterfowl and threatened little terns — adds a serene, wild backdrop. Access is via a well-maintained picnic area with a boat ramp, making entry easy from the sandy shoreline. The lake's warm, shallow margins offer clear visibility in summer, perfect for spotting fish and crustaceans in the seagrass beds.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • Moderate risk: Hot weather and bushfire risk

    Summer temperatures can be extreme with elevated fire danger; total fire bans may close the park.

  • Moderate risk: Low tide access to Wallagoot Gap

    Wallagoot Gap is safest at low tide; at high tide the gorge can be cut off or have strong surge conditions

  • Moderate risk: Extreme weather closures

    The park may close during extreme weather or bushfire danger periods, stranding visitors or requiring immediate evacuation.

  • Low risk: Limited mobile reception

    Very limited mobile phone coverage in Bournda National Park — download maps and emergency apps before arrival.

  • Low risk: Variable water levels at lake entrance

    The sandbar separating the lake from the ocean opens and closes naturally, affecting water clarity and tidal flow.

  • Low risk: Boating traffic

    The lake is popular for waterskiing and powerboats — stay aware of boat traffic, especially on weekends and holidays.

  • Low risk: Strong surge at Gap entrance

    Ocean swell channels through the narrow gorge creating powerful surge and wave action near the rock walls

  • Low risk: Boat traffic

    Boat traffic from waterskiers and paddlers can create occasional wake, especially near the boat ramp and channel.

  • Low risk: Lagoon mouth opening

    The lagoon occasionally opens to the ocean, which can create sudden currents near the entrance channel and change water levels.

  • Low risk: Wood fire barbecue embers

    Hot coals and embers from picnic-area barbecues can pose a burn hazard on the sandy shore.

Wildlife Guide

No wildlife notes for this spot yet.

2 photos from the community

Getting in

Shore entry
Entry

Drive south from Tathra on Sapphire Coast Drive, then turn onto Wallagoot Lake Road. Follow to the end where the picnic area and boat ramp are located. The spot is within Bournda National Park, approximately 20 km north of Merimbula.

Parking & facilities

Car park at the end of Wallagoot Lake Road, about 220 m from the lake shore.

parkingtoiletspicnic_tablesboat_ramp

$8 per vehicle per day (self-registration envelope system — bring correct change).

Spot Map

Community

Recent Reports

Loading community reports…
View all reports for this spot →
Gallery ┬╖ 2 photos

Trust

Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?

Verification
Needs verificationUnverified

No nearby spots yet.

Needs verification

Quick verify

One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.

Conditions last evaluated
Spot data last updated
Data sources
Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
License
Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports