South East Forest National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

South East Forest National Park sprawls across undulating hills and rugged mountainous terrain, with tracts of precious old-growth forest, flowering heathlands, massive granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, fern-filled gullies and rare and threatened plant and animal species. It lies in the south of the state, its southern section adjoining the Victorian border. There are sites of significance to local Aboriginal people, who are today involved in the management of their traditional lands. European goldminers, timber-getters and farmers also left their mark before the national park was created in 1997.Eucalypts are the dominant species with patches of other plants such as acacias. There is a wide variety of native fauna, including 48 mammal and 33 reptile species. Watch for echidnas, wombats, eastern grey kangaroos, koalas and swamp wallabies. The old-growth trees in particular provide valuable habitats for arboreal marsupials and hollow-nesting birds. This is a wonderful environment for scenic driving, bushwalking, picnicking, swimming and camping. Both sealed and unsealed roads provide access to many areas, there are picnic spots with facilities and lookouts providing outstanding views (Pipers Lookout and Wolumla Peak are particularly good). Postmans and Cattlemans tracks are both interesting 4WD routes. Of the short walks, Goodenia Rainforest Walk (2.4 km return, 45 minutes, easy) is a lovely track through a lush fern gully shaded by towering lilly pillies. There are several wheelchair-accessible walks. Overnight bushwalks, bush camping (carry drinking water and a fuel stove), cycling and horse riding are also possible.

Fact file

Camping

Postmans (4WD access only)

Location and access

440 km south of Sydney; 60 km south-east of Cooma via Snowy Mountains Hwy to Pipers Lookout; 30 km east of Bombala via Mt Darragh Rd to Coolangubra section; 28 km west of Pambula via Princes Hwy then Wyndham Rd to Yurammie section

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• NPWS Bombala (02) 6458 4080
• NPWS Merimbula (02) 6495 5000

Size

115 534 ha

Where to Stay

Merimbula (02) 6495 1129


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• Campsites

Campsites

Alexanders Hut

In the central section of the national park, Alexanders Hut is a simple slab dwelling that provides shelter and basic facilities for campers. You can also set up a tent in the grounds around the hut. The hut is... Find out more

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Nunnock camping ground

It’s 2WD dry-weather access only to this camping ground. To get here from the north, follow the Snowy Mountains Hwy from Nimmitabel and turn onto Packers Swamp Rd. Turn left onto Cattlemans Link Trail, and follow... Find out more

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Postman’s camping area

Located on a sandy bend in Tantawangalo Creek, this camping area is 4WD dry-weather access only via Postmans Track off Tantawangalo Rd. There’s a long walk from the car to the tent. There’s water in the... Find out more

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Six Mile Creek Rest Area

As you follow the Tantawangalo Mountain Rd to this campsite, you can inform your companions you’re travelling on a road originally constructed more than 150 years ago. Six Mile Creek is a refreshing and scenic... Find out more

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Waratah Gully camping ground

It’s hard to beat the magic of old-growth forest, and you can experience it yourself at Waratah Gully campground. It’s in the Coolangubra section of the national park, accessible east of Bombala on Bucky... Find out more

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