Nelson Lagoon is a pristine coastal estuary located within the Bega Valley Shire on the Sapphire Coast. This tranquil lagoon is a barrier estuary, intermittently open to the South Pacific Ocean, creating a dynamic saltwater environment characterized by excellent water quality. The lagoon is fringed by extensive coastal saltmarsh, which covers an area of approximately 0.155 square kilometers, providing critical habitat for both fish and birdlife. The system is relatively small, classified as a low-level estuary, and offers a serene, protected fishing environment distinct from the open coast.