Overview
Glide across the calm waters of Bournda Lagoon on a guided canoe tour with a National Parks discovery guide. Find out about this special part of Bournda National Park, near Tathra.
- When
The tour runs on Thursdays on the following dates in 2026:
- 24 September
- 1 and 8 October
Times: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Easy. Suitable for adults and children, 6 years and over.
- Price
- Fees per person: Adult $54. Concession $46. Child $38. A 10% family or group discount applies for 4 or more people. Terms and conditions apply.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Meeting point
- Bournda Lagoon carpark
- Equipment
provided - Yes. Canoes, paddles, lifejackets and instructions are provided.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, sturdy shoes
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
- Availability
- Group and school tours available during school holidays and by request. Group minimum 12 people. Email us for group bookings.
Canoeing is a unique way to connect with nature. You’ll be surrounded by abundant birdlife, tranquil bushland and the stunning coastal scenery of Bournda National Park.
As you paddle, your guide will share insights into the park’s wildlife, landscapes and the stories that make this lagoon such a special place. This tour is perfect for families, nature lovers and any paddling skill level. It’s a relaxed adventure that combines fun on the water with hands-on learning.
Bring enclosed shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and drinking water and snacks. Wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
All equipment, including canoes, paddles and lifejackets, is provided.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/canoe-bournda-lagoon/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Bournda National Park in the South Coast region
Bournda National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to extreme weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. This park uses a self-registration fee collection system, please bring correct change.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Canoe Bournda Lagoon.
Getting there and parking
Bournda Lagoon is in the southern part of Bournda National Park. To get there by car:
- Travel along Sapphire Coast Drive.
- Turn onto Bournda Road, which has a signpost to Hobart Beach campground, and follow this road into the national park.
- Take the first right to Bournda Lagoon and follow for 2.6km to the end.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking available at Bournda Lagoon carpark.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Not wheelchair-accessible.
Learn more
Canoe Bournda Lagoon is in Bournda National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Birdwatchers haven
With around 200 species of birds in the area, Bournda is a birdwatcher's paradise. The estuarine wetlands at the eastern end of Wallagoot Lake provide roosting and feeding areas for a large variety of waders and waterfowl. Keep your eyes out for threatened species like the little tern, hooded plover and pied oystercatcher. Bondi Lake is the largest freshwater lake situated behind coastal dunes in the region, and is another important habitat for waterbirds.
- Bournda Environmental Education Centre Bournda Environmental Education Centre offers school environmental education programs for Kindergarten to Year 12 students. It is located in Bournda National Park, near Tathra.
- Bournda Lagoon Bournda Lagoon is an ideal spot within Bournda National Park, near North Tura, where kids can swim, fish and go paddling and picnic among the paper barks.
- Canoe Bournda Lagoon Glide across the calm waters of Bournda Lagoon on a guided canoe tour with a National Parks discovery guide. Find out about this special part of Bournda National Park, near Tathra.
- Kangarutha walking track Kangarutha walking track, in Bournda National Park, is a hiking route with scenic coastal views and birdwatching, picnicking and swimming opportunities along the way.
- Sandy Creek loop track Taking in Bournda Lagoon, Sandy Creek and pockets of dry sclerophyll forest, Sandy Creek loop track is a hike in Bournda National Park on the far South Coast.
Get active
With so much to do, there's no excuse not to get active in Bournda. The beaches and waterways offer a range of options for watersport enthusiasts - waterskiing, boating, paddling, sail boarding, fishing, swimming and surfing. The coastal walk is perfect for hikers and those hoping to spot migrating whales. And for cyclists, the roads throughout the park are an extensive network to navigate on your bike.
- Living Country, living culture Join us for Living Country, living culture – a Stage 1 History excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.
- Living Country, living culture Join us for Living Country, Living Culture – a Stage 2 History excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.
- Living Country, living culture Join us for Living Country, living culture – a Stage 3 Geography excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.
Ships ahoy
There's plenty of fascinating heritage in Bournda, dating back to the 1830s when European settlement of the district began. Today, you can still see anchor bolts at Kangarutha Point, which was established as a port with Kianinny Bay in 1859. It's also believed the existing track to the point, and parts of the coastal walk, were once used to supply ships anchored there, and transport produce and passengers. Some building remains can also be found around Games Bay, which was cleared for dairy farming by settler Mr Games.
The land of generations
Bournda has been a special place for the Dhurga and Yuin people for thousands of years, with its plentiful food supply and quarry for making tools. As you explore the park and its wildlife, it'll be no surprise that 'Bournda' means 'place of tea tree and kangaroos'.
- Bournda Environmental Education Centre Bournda Environmental Education Centre offers school environmental education programs for Kindergarten to Year 12 students. It is located in Bournda National Park, near Tathra.
- Living Country, living culture Join us for Living Country, living culture – a Stage 1 History excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.
- Living Country, living culture Join us for Living Country, Living Culture – a Stage 2 History excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.
- Living Country, living culture Join us for Living Country, living culture – a Stage 3 Geography excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.
- Traditional weaving workshop: Bournda Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Bournda National Park, near Bega and Merimbula. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.