Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves, National parks and reserves in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria, Australia
The Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves is a group of eleven protected areas: Alpine, Baw Baw, Brindabella, Kosciuszko, Mount Buffalo, Namadgi and Snowy River national parks, Avon Wilderness Park, and the Bimberi, Scabby Range and Tidbinbilla nature reserves. They lie in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria and cover 16,531.80 square kilometres, holding most of Australia's alpine and sub-alpine environments.
The group of eleven protected areas was listed as a "place" on the Australian National Heritage List on 7 November 2008 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The listing covers 16,531.80 square kilometres (6,382.96 sq mi) and takes in the Alpine, Baw Baw, Brindabella, Kosciuszko, Mount Buffalo, Namadgi and Snowy River national parks, the Avon Wilderness Park and the Bimberi, Scabby Range and Tidbinbilla nature reserves.
Indigenous peoples have maintained connections to these mountainous lands for thousands of years, and evidence of their presence such as ancient campsites and rock carvings remains visible throughout the parks. Visitors can encounter these traces while walking and learn about the long history of how Aboriginal communities used these areas.
Winter sports activities operate from June through September, while hiking trails and camping remain available in other seasons. Check weather conditions and road access before visiting, as mountain routes can become impassable quickly in bad conditions.
Together these protected areas form the largest contiguous alpine and sub-alpine habitat on the continent, home to rare plant species found nowhere else in the world. Several animal species living here exist nowhere else, making these parks one of Australia's most irreplaceable natural areas.
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