Estuaries in NSW

Pambula Lake, sometimes referred to as the Broadwater, is located approximately 5 km south of the town of Pambula. With its relatively deep and shoal free inlet, the estuarine tidal response is large (although slightly reduced compared to the ocean). Results of tidal gauging indicate a relatively constant tidal range throughout the inlet and lake, with the lake range, in fact, slightly exceeding that of the inlet. The lake is shallow inshore, deepening rapidly towards the centre. A large proportion of shallow areas are under oyster lease. The lake is fed from the north-west by the Yowaka and Pambula Rivers, the tidal limits for the rivers being located at Griegs Flat (10 km upstream from the entrance) and close to the Pambula River bridge (11 km upstream from the entrance), respectively.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Population and Holiday Centres

General

• The southern shoreline of the estuary from the entrance alongside Haycock Point, past Peach Tree Point, to the south-eastern corner of the lake, is located within the Ben Boyd National Park.
• Pambula Lake and Yowaka River have been declared recreational fishing havens

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.

Pambula Lake

Local Government Areas

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)