The Properties the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (CERRA)
(The Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia)
Natural History
Natural History Index
The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia* (CERRA) property is actually composed of a series of 8 distinct groupings of parks and reserves distributed between Newcastle and Brisbane, united by the common story they tell of Australia's unique and evolving rainforests.
Barrington Group
Barrington Tops National Park contains an unsurpassed mosaic of eucalypt forests and rainforest types, plus subalpine woodlands, swamps and grasslands. Self-guided walks through rainforest are provided at the Gloucester Tops and Williams River sections of the park.
The Border Group
A comfortable drive from the Gold Coast and the popular backpacker destination of Byron Bay, this group includes mountain views and lush rainforest which attract many visitors.
Springbrook National Park features panoramic views over the Gold Coast and northern NSW from walks through subtropical and cool temperate rainforest. Lamington National Park protects the largest remaining tract of undisturbed subtropical rainforest.
Mount Warning National Park protects the diverse rainforest communities which clothe this rugged mountain peak. Walks, scenic drives, dramatic lookouts and visitor facilities are provided in Border Ranges National Park, whilst Night Cap National Park provides excellent day facilities and walking tracks.
Focal Peak Group
From the rugged volcanic peaks of Mount Barney National Park which attract experienced, self-reliant bushwalkers, to the lush lowland subtropical rainforest of the Murray Scrub in Toonumbar National Park, there are many landscapes to discover in this group.
These rainforests abound in fruit-eating birds such as fruit doves, bowerbirds and the rare Coxen's fig parrot. Facilities and walking tracks are provided in Tooloom National Park and Mallanganee National Park.
Along with the Mount Nothofagus Flora Reserve, the Focal Peak Group of CERRA World Heritage areas were declared inside Toonumbar, Richmond Range and Tooloom National Parks in the 1994 CERRA relisting when these estates were still state forests.
World Heritage areas are also declared inside Mount Clunie and Koreelah National Parks. The majority of these parks are accessible via Kyogle, Bonalbo and Woodenbong in NSW, and Rathdowney in QLD.
Gibraltar Range Group
A wild region of tall trees and clear waters, Washpool National Park is the largest rainforest wilderness in NSW. Neighbouring Gibraltar Range National Park is renowned for spring-time wildflower displays. Visitor facilities are located off the Gwydir Highway in both parks. A network of marked walking tracks on the wilderness edge has been established.
Hastings - Macleay Group
The spectacular gorges of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park can be viewed from lookouts, camping and picnic areas located on the edge of the New England Tablelands. Or visit the moister rainforest clad mountains and gullies of Werrikimbe National Park.
Iluka Group
Iluka Nature Reserve contains the largest remaining stand of littoral rainforest in NSW. A self-guided walk explains the importance and fragile nature of this rainforest by the sea.
Main Range Group
Main Range National Park contains unusual forms of subtropical rainforest which provide habitat for rare ground-dwelling birds such as Albert's lyrebird and the eastern bristlebird. Facilities and walking tracks are provided at Cunningham's Gap, Spicer's Gap and Goomburra State Forest.
New England Group
The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is a major interpretation centre for the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves. Explore the exhibits and the adjoining majestic subtropical rainforest of Dorrigo National Park. For unforgettable panoramas over forested wilderness, visit Point Lookout in New England National Park. Facilities are provided and there are numerous short walks to explore the cool temperate rainforest.
