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O H E M R I E T IN AG O E PATRIM GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA New England National Park Park National England New Ruming Shane ©

OUR NATURAL TREASURES WHY WORLD HERITAGE? HOT SPOTS OF BIODIVERSITY Explore the amazing Gondwana A RECORD OF THE PAST Some of the most important and Rainforests of Australia World significant habitats for threatened Heritage Area (Gondwana Rainforests The Gondwana Rainforests WHA species of outstanding universal WHA) within north-east NSW reveals major stages of Earth’s value from the point of view of and south-east . It’s history. Sheltering in the high science and conservation are a true pilgrimage to see these rainfall and rich soils of the Great contained within the Gondwana magnificent rainforests – places of Escarpment lie remnants of the Rainforests WHA. towering ancient trees, plunging once vast rainforests that covered Of the thousands of different native waterfalls, craggy gorges and the southern supercontinent plant species in Australia, half splendid rainbows. of Gondwana. occur in rainforests. More than 200 These rich and beautiful forests form Few places on Earth contain so many of the plant species found in the some of the most extensive areas of plants and animals that are so closely Gondwana Rainforests WHA are rare diverse rainforest found anywhere related to their ancestors in the or threatened with extinction. in the world and their importance fossil record. is recognised with World Heritage Spectacular remnant landforms listing. These natural treasures are within the Gondwana Rainforests yours to visit, explore and appreciate. WHA provide fascinating insights into a prehistoric world of dramatic volcanic eruptions and massive continental uplift.

A WINDOW TO THE FUTURE These amazing areas show us how plants and animals are continuing to evolve. Rainforest occurs in New South Southern Sassafras © Pete the Poet Wales and south-east Queensland CONSERVING THE WORLD’S as a series of ‘islands’ separated by HERITAGE eucalypt forest and agricultural lands. Many plants and animals occur in World Heritage Areas are widely separated populations and irreplaceable sources of life and this separation leads to genetic inspiration—places of such value divergence and the evolution of that the international community has new species. agreed they must be conserved for all time. We inherit World Heritage Mount from the past, look after it today and © Pete the Poet pass it on to future generations. Ipswich N

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1 MAIN RANGE 3 FOCAL PEAK 6 DORRIGO/NEW ENGLAND , on From the rugged volcanic peaks of Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is a the spectacular rim of the long- Mount Barney National Park, which major interpretation centre for the extinct Main Range volcano, attract experienced, self-reliant Gondwana Rainforests of Australia contains unusual forms of bushwalkers, to the lush subtropical WHA. Explore the exhibits and subtropical rainforest that provide rainforest of the Murray Scrub in the adjoining majestic subtropical habitat for rare ground-dwelling , there rainforest of . birds such as Albert’s Lyrebird. are many landscapes to discover For unforgettable panoramas Take a break and a short walk in this group. Facilities and walking over forested wilderness, visit from Cunningham’s Gap or take a tracks are also provided in Tooloom Point Lookout in New England few days and stay to explore the National Park and Richmond Range National Park. longer walking trails through the National Park. park. Facilities and walking tracks 7 HASTINGS-MACLEAY are provided at Cunningham’s 4 ILUKA The spectacular gorges of Gap, Spicer’s Gap, Queen Mary Visit the coastal town of Iluka and Oxley Wild Rivers National Falls and at the head of the take a wander through the largest Park can be viewed from many Goomburra Valley. remaining stand of littoral rainforest lookouts located on the edge in NSW in Iluka . of the New England Tablelands. 2 TWEED CALDERA Take the self-guided tour to learn Situated on the remnants of the about the importance and fragile provides opportunities to explore once-massive Tweed Shield nature of this rainforest by the sea. ancient Antarctic Beech cool volcano, this group contains temperate rainforest. magnificent mountain views and 5 lush rainforests. Explore the forest is the 8 BARRINGTON TOPS on the extensive walking tracks largest rainforest wilderness in Barrington Tops National Park in ; take NSW, renowned for tall trees and contains a mosaic of eucalypt in panoramic views of the Tweed clear waters. Spring-time wildflower forests and rainforest types, sub- Valley and Mount Wollumbin from displays and granite outcrops alpine woodlands, swamps and Springbrook National Park or the are a highlight of Gibraltar Range grasslands. Easy short walks are Scenic Drive in National Park. Visitor facilities and provided in the Gloucester Tops, Border Ranges National Park. a network of marked walking tracks Williams River and Barrington on the wilderness edge have been Plateau sections of the park. established in both parks.

Be a minimal impact visitor Take only memories - leave only footprints. Let’s all preserve these rainforests for future generations to enjoy and discover. Photo © Branden Bodman/ OEH Bodman/ Branden © Photo FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-and- heritage/gondwana-rainforest-world-heritage-parks

Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service 13 QGOV (13 74 68) www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/world-heritage-areas/ gondwana_rainforests_of_australia.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AUSTRALIA’S WORLD HERITAGE AREA Department of Environment and Energy 1800 803 772 www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world- heritage-list New England National Park © M Van Ewijk

Loveridge’s Frog (Kyarranus loveridgei) © H B Hines

Barrington Tops National Park © Deb Etheredge Barrington Tops National Park © NPWS

September 2017