Nadgee Nature Reserve
Overview
The natural beauty of Nadgee Nature Reserve has been preserved for centuries, allowing visitors to explore, bushwalk, birdwatch and swim in a pristine coastal landscape.
Read more about Nadgee Nature Reserve
On the far south coast of NSW is a startling area of untouched beauty. Nadgee Nature Reserve is a haven for those who relish getting back to nature and thrive on peace and quiet. The only sign of life along long stretches of sand might be footprints left by wallabies. Swim in pristine lakes or walk along sandstone cliffs, peering into the coastal heath to see native wrens and little wattlebirds. If you fancy fishing, you’re in luck – there is superior beach, estuary and lake fishing throughout the reserve.
At Nadgee’s north end is the family-friendly town of Wonboyn, close to easy day walks, picnic grounds and tranquil beaches. Further south, experienced hikers can take on the 60km Nadgee–Howe wilderness walk. At Nadgee you won’t be bothered at all by crowds, other than perhaps a pod of dolphins riding the waves.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/nadgee-nature-reserve/local-alerts
Contact
- in the South Coast region
Nadgee Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
-
Merimbula office
02 6495 5000
Contact hours: Monday to Friday and some weekends during peak holiday periods, 10am to 3pm. - 47 Merimbula Drive, cnr Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula NSW 2548
-
Email: npws.sapphirecoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
-
Merimbula office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Nadgee Nature Reserve.
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Eden to northern end of Nadgee Nature Reserve:
- Travel south along the Princes Highway for 22.5 km
- Turn left onto Wonboyn Road and follow it to Wonboyn Village and onto Myrtle Cove
- Follow Nadgee Road, which continues on from Myrtle Cove, to the entrance of Nadgee Nature Reserve.
- Greenglade Road provides sign-posted access to Bay Cliff and Greenglade car parks
Parking
- Greenglade picnic area See on map
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Nadgee Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Autumn is a great time to enjoy Nadgee, with the mild climate favouring walking and picnicking, flower spotting and birdwatching.
Spring
Try your luck spotting humpback whales as they migrate south to the Antarctic on any of the beaches and headlands within Nadgee Take one of the many walks – short or long – and view the beautiful wildflowers .
Summer
Relax by the pristine beaches and rivers within the reserve.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 22°C
Highest recorded
37.2°C
Winter temperature
Average
10°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
370.1mm
Facilities
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Nearby towns
Eden (34 km)
Eden is a historic whaling town, ideal for a whale-watch tour. It's built around a promontory that juts into Twofold Bay.
Pambula (53 km)
Pambula is a historic river village in majestic rural surroundings. The town is at the mouth of the Pambula River among forests and lakes.
Merimbula (60 km)
The main coastal towns of the Sapphire Coast include Bermagui, Tathra, Merimbula and Eden. This stunning coastline has sparkling beaches and bays, lakes and national parks, all accessible via excellent walking tracks and coastal drives. You'll find beaches just perfect for surfing, swimming and walks.
Learn more
Nadgee Nature Reserve is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
People of the land
The area of the reserve is part of the lands of the Bidawal people and shared with the Dtharwa and Monaroo people. Aboriginal people have a long spiritual and cultural association with the area around Nadgee. Before settlement, they would travel from as far away as Wollongong, Mallacoota and Monaroo to places like Bay Cliff and Greenglade. Middens can be seen around Wonboyn Lake and along the shore.
Living treasure
Whatever part of Nadgee you explore, you'll be rewarded with pristine landscapes and stunning vistas. The reserve sits within Australia's Coastal Wilderness, which runs from the south coast of NSW to East Gippsland in Victoria, one of the 16 areas named as Australia's National Landscapes because of their natural, cultural or spiritual significance. It really is a special place.
- Bay Cliff walking track Bay Cliff walking track offers families and bushwalkers an easy hike along the beach and the past the lake. Enjoy birdwatching and fishing along the way.
- Nadgee wilderness walk Nadgee wilderness walk is a spectacular 55km walk from Merrica River to Mallacoota, with coastal views. It's great for birdwatching, whale watching and camping.
A spring treat
The vegetation in Nadgee has been almost undisturbed since European settlement. In the heath, you'll see the red and pink flowers of the common heath, masses of orange banksias, and the white blooms of the wedding bush. As summer approaches, breathe in the sweet aroma of the cream flowers of the giant honey myrtles that grow near Wonboyn Lake and the beach. With its combination of coastal heath, forest and shoreline, Nadgee is inhabited by many different species of birds. From catching glimpses of tiny wrens and ground parrots in the heathlands to staring awed at soaring white-bellied sea eagles along the coastline, you'll need your binoculars to make the most of bird watching opportunities.
- Greenglade picnic area From Greenglade picnic area you can explore one of the most magical and deserted beaches in Nadgee. Try your luck at fishing and spend the day relaxing at this convenient spot.
- Jewfish walk The easy Jewfish walk takes you through the forest to the edge of Wonboyn Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, birdwatching, fishing and picnicking.
- Merrica River nature trail Those seeking a bushwalk through pristine landscapes and along deserted beaches swimming, fishing and picnicking on the way – should head to Merrica Creek nature trail.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)
The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Nadgee Nature Reserve has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.