NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Estuaries

Estuaries are semi-enclosed waterbodies where freshwater from rivers mixes with the sea.

Pambula River, Beowa National Park
Pambula River, Beowa National Park.
Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
An aerial view of Lake Illawarra on the south coast of New South Wales
An aerial view of Lake Illawarra on the south coast of New South Wales.
About estuaries

Estuaries form a place of transition from freshwater environments on the land to the marine environment of the sea.

Green and golden bell frog (Litorea aurea)
Green and golden bell frog (Litorea aurea).
Credit: Rosie Nicolai/DPE
Biodiversity in estuaries

Estuaries are often referred to as the nurseries of the sea. They contain a diversity of plants and provide shelter, nutrient-rich food and nesting sites for juvenile and adult animals.

Wonboyn River
Wonboyn River.
Credit: DPE
Protection and management of estuaries

Appropriate management of estuaries is essential to protect and maintain their unique biodiversity and fragile function.

Swan Lake
Swan Lake.
Credit: DPE
Monitoring and reporting on estuaries

We monitor and report on the health of NSW estuaries to assess the condition of estuarine ecosystems, understand where more research is needed, and inform management decisions.

Clarence River
Clarence River.
Credit: DPE
Health of our estuaries

The estuaries of New South Wales are some of our greatest natural assets. We monitor the ecosystem health of 164 estuaries and swimming health of 24 estuaries.

Yellow water quality monitoring buoy floating on water in lake.
Water quality monitoring buoy at Durras Lake.
Credit: DPE
Estuaries research

Our scientists collaborate with many partners on projects that help us better understand and manage our estuaries.

View of Illawarra coastline from Sublime Point lookout in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area
View of Illawarra coastline from Sublime Point lookout in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.
Credit: Nick Cubbin/DPE
Coastal and estuary grants

The NSW Government provides technical and financial support to local government to manage risks from coastal hazards.

Aerial view of Pine Brush Creek near a coastal area, showcasing a contrast between the natural waterway, greenery, and the adjacent developed land with buildings and roads.
Pine Brush Creek.
Credit: DPE
Publications

Search our list of publications about estuarine environments, including estuary research, monitoring and reporting.