Australia's New South Wales Photo Gallery

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The 1986 World Heritage listing of 16 separate New South Wales rainforest areas came just in time! During 200 years of European development, it is estimated that three-quarters of the state's rainforest were destroyed.

Within the listed area, there are four major types of rainforest—subtropical, dry, warm temperate, and cool temperate. The plant and animal life reveals links with Gondwana, the ancient southern landmass that Australia drifted away from about 50 million years ago. The rainforest parks also hold numerous rare, endemic plant and animal species.

The many parks and reserves form six distinct groupings: Tweed Volcano, Washpool/Gibraltar Range, Coastal, New England, Hastings, and Barrington. Ranger-guided walks and activities are held in most of the parks during holiday periods.

The most popular park, Dorrigo National Park, is 60 km (36 mi) west of the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Visitors use graded tracks for easy access to rainforests, long clean beaches, waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers.