Coastal Lagoons

The Coast's dynamic lagoons that live and breathe by the Pacific Ocean
copacabana beach and lagoon

4 Special breathing lagoons of the Central Coast

Just as though they are 'breathing' the Central Coast’s four stunning shallow coastal lagoon systems; Wamberal Lagoon, Terrigal Lagoon, Avoca Lagoon and Cockrone Lagoon, open and close with the tides. While this makes them unique and a highly valued natural resource supporting a network of significant ecological communities, they do have a low tolerance for external pressures compared to other estuary types. They need to be carefully managed and conserved to prevent significant environmental degradation.

An entrance barrier - known as a sand berm - connected to the ocean makes these precious natural resources a controlled oasis for waterbirds, fish, endangered frogs and invertebrates, and water-loving plants. They’re a sanctuary for many threatened species and a true treasure in the Central Coast’s natural environment.

Words: Lyndsey Douglas of WritersWho in collaboration with Love Our Waterways.

aerial of avoca lagoon or lake
Credit: Isaac Tseng x Destination Central Coast
kayaks in a colourful line
Credit: Isaac Tseng x Destination Central Coast

Paddle paradise

Childhood memories are made on the pedal kayaks and giant novelty SUPs in the shallow, warm lagoon behind Avoca Beach. Even as an adult, you may not be graceful on a SUP, but you’re guaranteed a rollicking good time!

Pedal or paddle over to the small island or let the kids take control and cruise in a sheltered waterway. It’s family fun for all ages. Book your boat or SUP ahead of time, or just turn up – there’s so many that by the time you’ve finished your coffee, there’ll be one ready to roll. Want to stand up and find your balance in the sunshine? Hire from Aquafun Avoca Lake, home to Australia’s largest selection of boats, kayaks and SUPs. Want to sit back and pedal your way around? The brightly coloured Terrigal Paddle Boats have been a hit with families, couples and groups for more than 30 years.

CENTRAL COAST PADDLING GUIDE
ECO CERTIFIED EXPERIENCE
Dive into this huge range of modern, human-powered watercraft to explore the beautiful and peaceful Avoca Lagoon! Aquafun Avoca Lake are a family-run business committed to sustainable practices, ECO Certified with Ecotourism Australia.
BOOK A PADDLE ADVENTURE

Monitoring and protecting our lagoons

These distinct types of estuary have a tendency for the ocean entrance to close during periods of low freshwater inflow. Waves can then build the sand berm up faster than the freshwater can wash it away and the lagoon closes. Central Coast Council intervenes to open these lagoons when water levels reach a trigger level, and to reduce the risk of flooding when the lagoons are closed. Why intervene? As the entrance dynamics dramatically affect water quality and ecology. The approach Council undertake is similar to other coastal local government areas where the environmental management team seek to maximise environmental health and minimise the potential flooding impacts by monitoring water level gauges at local lagoons, and reporting current levels online.

North Avoca coastline
Credit: Chris Flaxman x Destination Central Coast

A special place

The endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog calls Avoca Lagoon home. It’s home to many and loved by all, but it needs our help to ensure its ecosystem is healthy and thriving. Here’s how you can help these little fellas have a hoppier future.

Changes over time

Avoca Lagoon was once a place of ceremony for Aboriginal communities and a rich provider of food. Over time, European settlement has resulted in reduced water quality. It’s up to us all to do our part to care for the catchment.

Things to do on Coastal Lagoons...