Back to previous page

Cudgen Lake

Cudgen Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Cudgen Lake, near the coastal villages of Cabarita Beach and Bogangar on the Tweed Coast, is perfect for kayaking, swimming, picnicking and birdwatching.

Accessibility
Medium
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.

Just near the coastal villages of Cabarita Beach and Bogangar on the Tweed Coast, Cudgen Lake is a hidden wetland treasure surrounded by floodplain forest and rainforests. Look out over the calm waters and you’ll see majestic Round Mountain in the south and striking views to the west of Wollumbin Mount Warning in the World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park.

Great for a family day out, head to Cudgen picnic area and enjoy lunch by the water. The kids will love swimming in the shallow waters of the lake. Launch your canoe or kayak from the boat ramp and head off to explore the nearby creeks. You can also enjoy a day of windsurfing on the lake. Cudgen Lake is occasionally suitable for sailing if there has been a lot of rain for a long time. You can also try your luck fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the tranquility.

The lake and surrounding wetlands is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Look out for waterbirds like the Australasian grebe or the white-faced heron.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Picnic bench among paper park trees on the edge of Cudgen Lake in Cudgen Nature Reserve. Photo: Jessica Stokes © DCCEEW

    Cudgen Lake picnic area

    Cudgen Lake picnic area is located on the shores of Cudgen Lake near Cabarita Beach. It’s a peaceful spot for a barbecue or picnic lunch after kayaking or canoeing.

 

Subscribe to Naturescapes

Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.

A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon