The nature reserve encompasses one of the best remaining examples of coastal lagoon, wetland and barrier dune on the Central Coast. Stands of undisturbed littoral rainforest, present in only a few other areas of the Central Coast, are also found in the reserve.
Since over 90% of the catchment of Wamberal Lagoon lies outside the nature reserve, protection of the lagoon depends, in particular, on the co-operation of neighbours and Gosford City Council. Accordingly the formation of a Catchment Management Committee for Wamberal Lagoon is proposed to reduce the impact of human land-use on the natural heritage of the nature reserve.