Estuaries in NSW

The entrance to Wallaga Lake is usually located along the northern side of Murunna Point. The lake has small inputs of fresh water from a number of creeks, notably Narira and Dignams Creek, and exhibits some degree of stratification with salinities varying from 25 ppt at the surface to over 30 ppt at the bed. The lake is between 3 and 6 m deep over most of its area, with deeper water up to 8 m north of Merriman Island (centre of the lake). Bottom sediment is principally mud in the deeper areas,sand along the eastern fringe and a combination of sand and shell toward the entrance of Dignams Creek. The tidal limit is located 4 km up Dignams Creek or a little over 10 km from the entrance.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Population and Holiday Centres

General

• Popular for amateur fishing.
• Wallaga Lake National Park (11.4 km2) includes the south-western lake foreshores between Narira and Dignams Creek.

Estuarine Vegetation

The spatial data is reproduced from NSW Fisheries(2006/7) studies, whilst the species makeup is from the West et al.(1985). This map shows the spatial extent of the Estuarine Vegetation.

References

R.J. Williams, G. West, D. Morrison and R.G. Creese, (2006),
"Estuarine Resources of New South Wales",
prepared for the Comprehensive Coastal Assessment (DoP) by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens.

R.J. West, C.A. Thorogood, T.R. Walford and R.J. Williams. (1985).
"An Estuarine Inventory for New South Wales, Australia".
Fisheries Bulletin 2. Department of Agriculture, New South Wales.

Estuary Commerce

This estuary falls in the area covered by Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

Wallaga Lake

Local Government Areas

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)