south east forests
national park
Step into AN ANCIENT forest
South East Forests National Park covers an area of 115,534 ha and spans over 100km of spectacular coastal escarpment, tableland edge and hinterland country. The park features extensive areas of tall old-growth forests, streams, waterfalls, waterholes, upland swamps, escarpments, gorges, high peaks and panoramic views. It forms an important link in a system of conservation reserves stretching over 600 km along the great eastern escarpment of southern NSW and eastern Victoria.
The park offers a sense of adventure an solitude, with ample opportunities for walking, picnicking and camping in forest settings ranging from wilderness to quality facility areas. The many roads and vehicle trails in the park also provide opportunities for driving and cycling.
Some areas of this park were affected by fire in 2019/2020. You’ll notice some changes to the landscape, as well as signs of recovery. Some areas may remain closed for longer to allow habitat to recover or because of repair works. Be sure to check with
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for alerts and updates. You can also visit the Merimbula National Parks and Wildlife Office from Monday - Friday, or call them on 02 6495 5000.
a wildlife corridor
The park protects valuable native habitats including those supporting rare and endangered animals such as the long-footed potoroo, southern brown bandicoot, smoky mouse, yellow-bellied glider, tiger quoll and the powerful, masked and sooty owls. It also contains old growth forest and protects water catchments for coastal towns. The park also contains significant native grasslands.
rich in history
Historic Alexander’s Hut can be found in the park, providing insight into the lives of early settlers of the Monaro. The park encompasses the former Genoa, Tantawangalo, Coolangubra, Bemboka and Yowaka National Parks and was declared in 2001 after many years of disputes between conservationists and the timber industry.
significance of the park
The establishment of the South East Forest National Park is one of the outstanding conservation decisions of the 90s. The protection of some of the most important areas of forest in Australia and the achievement of a conservation corridor 150 kms long. It also serves as a key visitor destination essential to the State’s tourism industry.
The importance of the latest addition to the State’s conservation reserve system lies primarily in the fact that it will protect some of the last remaining patches of old growth forest left in NSW. The area also supports a diverse range of species currently listed as “threatened” of “vulnerable”.
The park will link with the long established 81,000 ha
Wadbilliga National Park
to the north providing a continuous protected area from the coastal escarpment just west of Narooma to the Victorian border. This will link conveniently with the Coopracambra – Kay National Park just over the Victorian border. The South East Forests National Park will also provide valuable catchment protection for the coastal townships.
SEE AND do
Immerse yourself in nature with one of our guides, zoom down a twisting mountain bike trail, find your dream beach, secret fishing spot, hidden cove or perfect wave. Make the most of the Sapphire Coast.
