High Conservation Value Old Growth forest

This heritage-listed forest stretches across twelve local government areas in the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, and New England regions of New South Wales. The area contains mature eucalypt woodlands with diverse forest types and various understory vegetation layers.

These forests have existed for thousands of years as part of the landscape before gaining formal protection in 2000. This heritage registration became a turning point in preventing further degradation of the ancient ecosystems.

Indigenous communities maintain deep connections to this forest and continue using it for traditional practices and ceremonial gatherings. The landscape itself carries traces of these long relationships in how it is organized and used.

The area includes twenty-four national parks with marked trails where visitors can explore the landscape on foot. The trails vary in difficulty, and it is important to stay on designated paths to protect the environment.

The forest provides habitat for many rare and endangered animal species that depend on the mature trees and minimal human disturbance. These animal populations are closely linked to the condition of the old-growth forest and respond sensitively to any changes.