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A Bench on the Bend
The Merimbula Boardwalk allows a beautiful – and accessible – out-and-back walk along Merimbula Lake and Boggy Creek in the far southeast of New South Wales (NSW) Australia.
You can’t beat the Sapphire Coast of NSW, Australia on a sunny day!
As regular visitors to these pages know, I live in a beautiful corner of the world – but, I tend to get lazy when I’m at home and not venture any further than my own boardwalk along Curalo Lake in Eden, (eg: Winter Colours in my Neighbourhood).
I usually do get to neighbouring coastal town Merimbula – a mere twenty minute drive away – weekly, but I generally don’t get beyond the shops and cafés. It had been months since I walked along the boardwalk there.
Last week, I decided to rectify that, and made a point of setting enough time for a stroll.
“Merimbula Boardwalk meanders around the lake shore and through mangrove forests, under eucalyptus canopies and past pristine oyster farms.” It is a delightful out-and-back walk: 3.4 kilometre (2.11 mile) according to the Government sites; but closer to 4.3 km (2.67 mi) according to AllTrails and my walking app. Either way, between an hour and an hour-and-a-half is plenty of time to enjoy it in a leisurely manner.
Although the waters here are called Merimbula Lake, and fed by Boggy Creek, this is technically an ICOLL – an intermittently closing and opening lake or lagoon – and is tidal. Unlike my ICOLL, Curalo Lake in Eden, which is only opened artificially during potential flooding events, Merimbula Lake is generally kept open because of the importance of its large scale oyster industry.
On a photographic note: I often don’t pull out the cameras at home – especially as the lenses on phones have improved. These are all iPhone (iPhone15Pro) shots – and taken in jpeg (HEIC) rather than RAW format. Although this rather limits my editing options, on a sunny day it’s less of an issue.
Join me for a lovely walk:
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Clear Water and Colourful Rocks
Many of the rocks in this neighbourhood are rich in iron oxide, giving them a deep red colour that stands out against the pristine waters and eroding sandstone.
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Almost Abstract : Seaweed Underwater
Because the boardwalk is over the water in many places, you get a bird’s-eye view of the shallow lake/estuary. The patterns of Nature’s artworks transfix me, and a mix of seaweed and wild mussels under the sunny ripples catches my eye.
Sign Board
The boardwalk was originally built in 1997. It is well sign-posted and well maintained – although its increasing popularity has led to plans to upgrade the infrastructure.
A Curve in the Boardwalk
Tea trees (melaleuca) cling to the steep shoreline. I love the contrast of the red rock with the green algae.
Mangrove on a Bend
Living in Thailand, I developed a real appreciation for mangrove habitats. There are at least five mangrove species in NSW; I think the ones here are the common grey mangrove (Avicennia marina).
Mangrove Trunk and Roots
Mangroves are well adapted to these intertidal areas. One obvious feature of the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) is its spiky vertical roots which can be seen at low tide protruding from the mud or sand. These act like snorkels, drawing air into the root system and allowing the plant to survive in soils that are not well aerated.
Location, Location!
Grasses and Mangroves
Growing in a tidal area, the plants here need to be adapted to changes in water levels and salinity.
Lines and Curves
To the right of the boardwalk here, samphire – a salt-rich succulent plant also known as sea asparagus, glasswort, or pickleweed – grows in the intermittently-wet and brackish ground.
A Tinny on the Mudflat
Nature’s Artworks : Ripples and Waves
Watching the water over the sands is mesmerising.
Oyster Farms
Many of the estuaries along the Far South Coast of NSW are home to oyster leases, producing high-quality Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) and other varieties for local consumption and export.
Grasses
Fruit of the Grey Mangrove (Avicennia Marina)
Neptune’s Necklace (Hormosira Banksii)
Nature’s patterns are everywhere I look.
Dragon Boat Practice Practice
I reached the carpark at the end/mid-point of my walk just as the women’s dragon boat team were approaching the landing.
Back into the Mangroves
Sunny’s Kiosk & Boat Hire at the end of the walk, wasn’t open – so, I headed straight back into the trees.
Reflected Trunks
Lilies and Ferns
There are short sections of earthen path that allow you to get off the boardwalk and into the eucalyptus and melaleuca forest.
Winding Boardwalk
Nature’s Sculpture : Standing Wood
Even dead, the trees are beautiful.
Nature’s Artworks : New Growth in the Ripples
Weathered Wood on the Sand
Oyster Farms
Oyster farmers will tell you that oysters are the canaries of the waterways: because they are filter-feeders, they are sensitive indicators of water quality. The waters here are carefully monitored to ensure good harvests.
Through the Mangroves and Melaleuca
Walkers on the Boardwalk
This is a very popular walk – but all dogs are on-leash and no bicycles are allowed, so the popularity didn’t impact my enjoyment.
Sparkle and Shine
Lone Fisherman
Parts of the community of Merimbula come back into view as I get close to where my car is parked.
Having missed out on a mid-walk coffee, I took myself back to town for a lunch on the harbour.
A perfect morning, really!
I have to remember to do it more often.
Happy Walking!
Photos: 24September2025
