Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is a protected conservation area in New South Wales, Australia.

It covers an extensive area of 2,201 hectares and is located near the Barrington Tops in the Hunter Region. The conservation area is known for its unique flora and fauna, as well as the relics of the "Mountain Maid" gold mine.

The "Mountain Maid" gold mine was discovered in 1875 and quickly attracted a population of around one thousand people. The mine yielded a significant amount of gold, with 8,819 ounces at the end of 1886. Visitors can still explore the mine with a tour guide today.

The conservation area boasts diverse flora, including wet sclerophyll eucalyptus forest and a unique "dry" rainforest. Visitors can find rainforest trees such as shatterwood, black booyong, Moreton Bay fig, and white cedar. Some red cedar trees in the area grow over 40 meters tall. The rainforest is also home to large epiphytic ferns like birds nest ferns, staghorn fern, and elkhorn ferns.

In terms of fauna, the conservation area is home to various marsupial animals, including koalas, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, wombats, and greater gliders. Microbats can be observed resting in the gold mine shafts during the day.

Whether you're interested in the area's history, flora, or fauna, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is a must-visit destination in New South Wales.