Estuaries in NSW

The Towamba River enter Twofold Bay at its southern extent, through a permanently open, although severely shoaled, entrance. The river enters the Bay through Kiah Inlet, a long, thin back beach waterway separated from the Bay proper by a thin beach sand strip. The large catchment is predominantly forested, on steep sided rugged valleys. The head waters of the catchment are not far from Bombala. The lower reaches of the river show significant sand shoaling. The location of the entrance within Twofold Bay should ensure that it is well protected from significant ocean storms from the south.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Population and Holiday Centres

General

• The fluvial origin of sands comprising Whale Beach, a 1 km long wave-built barrier at the entrance to the Towamba River, is exceptional for South Coast rivers.
• Part of the Mount Imlay National Park is included in the Towamba River catchment.
• The Towamba River has been declared a recreational fishing haven.

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.

Towamba River

Local Government Areas

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)