Estuaries in NSW

The major towns of Nambucca Heads and Macksville are located at the entrance and 13 km upstream of the entrance respectively. The main arm of the river is approximately 76 km long, of which 28 km is tidal - the mean ocean tidal range at the entrance is approximately 1.6 m. Main . The river is navigable to approximately 5 km upstream of Macksville, although the entrance is very hazardous. Other main tributaries include Taylors Arm and Warrell Creek. 55% of the catchment is zoned rural, 40% State Forest and of the remainder 1.6% Environmental Protection and 1.9% National Park.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Population and Holiday Centres

General

• Small oyster and commercial fish producer.
• 55% of the catchment is zoned rural, 40% State Forest and of the remainder 1.6% Environmental Protection and 1.9% National Park
• There are three sewage treatment plants which discharge into the Nambucca River estuary, at the confluence of Newee Creek, at Bowraville and into Warrell Creek downstream of Scotts Head

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 Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

Nambucca River

Local Government Areas

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)