South East Forest National Park

South East Forest National Park is a vast and beautiful natural reserve located between New South Wales' Monaro region and the South Coast.

The park spans a vast area of 115,177-hectares (284,610-acres) and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, including ancient old-growth eucalyptus forests and remnants of temperate rainforest.

South East Forest National Park was formed in 1997 by combining five previously established national parks: Genoa, Tantawangalo, Bemboka, Yowaka, and Coolangubra. These national parks were gazetted in 1994, and Genoa National Park was created by the group of Nalbaugh and Nungatta National Parks established in 1972 and 1973. Logging began in 1969 and continued for 25 years despite increasing opposition. The Genoa, Tantawangalo, Bemboka Yowaka and Coolangubra national parks were established under the Fahey government in 1994.

South East Forest National Park is renowned for its eucalyptus species, including wet sclerophyll forests, which comprise 42% of the park. Temperate rainforest can be found in protected areas, whilst high elevations yield subalpine bogs. The park is also home to a plethora of wildlife species including the olive whistler (Pachycephala olivacea), and threatened species such as the smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus). Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy visiting this national park, as it forms a part of the Ulladulla to Merimbula Important Bird Area, as declared by Birdlife International newline.