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Environment and Heritage

Brigalow Belt South bioregion

The Brigalow Belt South bioregion is in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, extending from south of Dubbo in central-western New South Wales to the mid-Queensland coast.

 

About the bioregion

The Brigalow Belt South bioregion is within the eastern subhumid region of Australia. The climate varies from subhumid to hot and semi-arid. The Brigalow Belt South bioregion consists of a wide variety of landscapes derived from basalt and quartz soils.

The Liverpool Range, in the south-east of this bioregion, is the largest lava field in New South Wales and has important grassland ecosystems.

The Warrumbungles, further north, display many volcanic attributes.

Only a small area is under conservation management, with national parks and nature reserves making up most of this area. There are some private conservation agreements, wildlife refuges and state forests. Most of this bioregion has been cleared.

Read Chapter 11, the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion, in Bioregions of New South Wales: Their biodiversity, conservation and history for more information.

Bioregion area

  • 27,219,776 hectares in total
  • 5,623,054 hectares in New South Wales.
Map of New South Wales, Australia, highlighting the Brigalow Belt South bioregion in green. The rest of the state is shown in white, with some geographical features like rivers and mountain ranges outlined.

Map showing the Brigalow Belt South bioregion

Parks, reserves and conservation areas

This bioregion includes:

  • An aerial photo of reeds in the Northern Marsh, Macquarie Marshes
    An aerial photo of reeds in the Northern Marsh, Macquarie Marshes
    An aerial photo of reeds in the Northern Marsh, Macquarie Marshes
    Image Credit: T Hosking/DPE
  • A tranquil scene of the Macquarie River in Dubbo, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. The river is flanked by lush trees on both sides, under a bright blue sky. The orangey sunlight, possibly from sunrise or sunset, casts a golden hue on the water, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
    Macquarie River, Dubbo
    Macquarie River, Dubbo
    Image Credit: Destination NSW
  • Tree along a creek, Gwydir catchment under a bright blue sky
    Tree along a creek, Gwydir catchment
    Tree along a creek, Gwydir catchment
    Image Credit: Joanne Ocock/DPE
  • A view of iconic rock formations in Warrumbungle National Park
    Warrumbungle National Park. Warrumbungle is a Gamilaroi word meaning crooked mountains
    Warrumbungle National Park
    Image Credit: Jeremy Little
  • Warrumbungle National Park - The name Warrumbungle is a Gamilaroi word meaning crooked mountains. The trees and mountains are silhouetted against a dark blue sky, which is partially filled with small, cotton-like clouds.
    Warrumbungle National Park, declared Australia's first Dark Sky Park in 2016
    Warrumbungle National Park, declared Australia's first Dark Sky Park in 2016
    Image Credit: Simone Cottrell/DPE
  • A clear night sky over Warrumbungle National Park, with two-thirds of the photo filled with shining stars. The bottom third featuring vegetation and mountains, creating a striking contrast against the starry sky.
    Clear night sky with stars, Warrumbungle National Park
    Clear night sky with stars, Warrumbungle National Park
    Image Credit: Robert Mulally
  • View of the sandstone caves in Warrumbungle National Park. The photo captures the intricate textures and layers of the sandstone formations, with sunlight casting dramatic shadows that highlight the natural beauty and geological features of the caves.
    Warrumbungle National Park sandstone caves
    Warrumbungle National Park sandstone caves
    Image Credit: DPE
  • A close-up of a Sulphur-crested White Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) in flight at Warrumbungle National Park, with its striking white feathers standing out against a dark background.
    Sulphur crested white cockatoo Cacatua galerita in flight Warrumbungle National Park
    Sulphur crested white cockatoo Cacatua galerita in flight Warrumbungle National Park
    Image Credit: Robert Cleary/DPE

More information