Gondwana Rainforests of Australia

Gondwana Rainforests - Australia

Short Report

This site, consisting of several protected areas, is mainly to the Large Llangattock Escarpment on the Australian east coast. The excellent geological characteristics displayed around shield volcanic craters and the high number of rare and endangered species of rainforest are of international importance for science and conservation. 

Wonderful Universal Importance

Brief synthesis

Gondwana' Rainforests of Australia is a serial property consisting of the most important remaining areas of rainforest in south east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. It offers an excellent examples of the main stages of the earth's evolutionary history, current geological and biological processes, and the exceptional biodiversity. A wide range of plant and animal lineages entered in and communities with old originating in the 'Praehistorium Gondwana', many of which are limited largely or entirely to the Gondwana Rainforests, survive in this collection of reserves. The Gondwana Rainforests also offers the most important habitat for numerous endangered plants and animals.

Historical Data

With the opening of the Gwydir Forest Highway in December 1960 the Gibraltar Range became accessible and steps have been taken to come to a national park. Approximately 14,000 ha was reserved for public recreation by notification in the Official Gazette of March 8, 1963 and further 1,425ha was added by notification in the Official Gazette of September 17, 1965. The area was officially for the first time a national park under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1967. Ground was set up with the park of publication in the Official Gazette of December 24, 1970 (c.  105 Ha) and 1 July 1977 (c.  1,790Ha). Washpool National Park was reserved for the Forestry Revocation and National Parks Reserve Act of 1983. Registered on the World Heritage List in 1986.

Source:whc/unesco