Jewfish walk
Nadgee Nature Reserve
Overview
The easy Jewfish walk takes you through the forest to the edge of Wonboyn Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, birdwatching, fishing and picnicking.
- Where
- Nadgee Nature Reserve in South Coast
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Distance
- 0.6km return
- Time suggested
- 15min - 1hr
- Grade
- Grade 1
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch.
Follow the boardwalk that meanders through the tall forest and, before long, Jewfish walk arrives at the beach on the edge of Wonboyn Lake. Once you’re there, you’ll be cooled by the peaceful atmosphere. With its calm water, this is the perfect place for young kids to paddle in the shallows. Keen fishermen will catch tailor, flathead and, of course, the occasional jewfish here.
In spring, the air is filled with the sweet perfume of the swamp paperbark’s blossom. Summer brings the cream flowers of the rough-barked apple and, with them, the honeyeaters and parrots that come to feed.
Map
Map legend
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/walking-tracks/jewfish-walk/local-alerts
General enquiries
- 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
Park info
- in Nadgee Nature Reserve 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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Jewfish walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
0.6km return
Time
15min - 1hr
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Steps
No steps
Gradient
Flat: The walk is mostly flat along its length, with a slight slope along the 200m floating boardwalk.
Quality of path
Formed track: The first part of the walk is hard-packed ground and then roughly a third of the way along the track, the surface changes to a 1.8m-wide fibre-reinforced polymer mesh boardwalk.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Jewfish Walk is in the northern precinct of Nadgee Nature Reserve. To get there from Eden:
- Travel south along the Princes Highway for 22.5km
- Turn left onto Wonboyn Road and follow the road through Wonboyn village and to Myrtle Cove
- Follow Nadgee Road from Myrtle Cove to the entrance of Nadgee Nature Reserve
- Jewfish carpark is on the left immediately after the Nadgee Nature Reserve sign
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Jewfish walk can become boggy when it rains.
Parking
Parking is available in gravel Jewfish carpark, next to the start of the walk.
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
Seats and resting points
There are 2 bench seats at the lookout.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
Jewfish walk is flat and step-free, with a 1.8m-wide hard-packed ground trail that becomes a floating boardwalk roughly a third of the way along the track. The boardwalk has a slight slope.
Permitted
You are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
No wood fires allowed.
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.
Learn more
Jewfish walk is in Nadgee Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
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.
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.
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.
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.