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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

South East Queensland bioregion

The South East Queensland bioregion lies mostly in south east Queensland but extends to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.

 

About the bioregion

In New South Wales, the South East Queensland bioregion is bounded by the NSW North Coast bioregion in the south and to the west. It extends from northern New South Wales into Queensland.

Before IBRA version 6, the South East Queensland bioregion did not extend beyond the Queensland border. A large part of what was the NSW North Coast bioregion is now South East Queensland, which now extends 200 km south to encompass Grafton.

The South East Queensland bioregion is a popular place to live, with many holiday towns lining the coast and eastern inland.

The Clarence, Richmond and Tweed river catchments are all in this bioregion.

The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the east through to temperate in the uplands. There is a small area at higher elevation in the south-west with a montane climate.

There is a wide variety of soils, vegetation, climate and topography within this bioregion. The South East Queensland bioregion has over 300 threatened animal and plant species.

Read Chapter 14, the North Coast Bioregion, in Bioregions of New South Wales: Their biodiversity, conservation and history for more information on the North Coast and South East Queensland bioregions.

Bioregion area

  • 7,804,921 hectares in total
  • 1,655,317 hectares in New South Wales

Parks, reserves and conservation areas

This bioregion includes:

  • A scenic view from a cliff edge in Coorabakh National Park, showcasing a vast expanse of lush green forested valleys and hills under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The cliff is covered with patches of vegetation and trees, highlighting the natural beauty and rugged terrain of the park.
    Coorabakh National Park
    Coorabakh National Park
    Image Credit: J Spencer/OEH
  • A scenic view of a natural landscape featuring a waterfall cascading down rocky terrain into a small pool of water. The surrounding area is densely forested with a variety of trees and vegetation. In the background, there are rolling hills covered in lush greenery, extending into the distance.
    Duffer Creek Gibraltar Range National Park on the Gibraltar Washpool World Heritage Walk
    Duffer Creek Gibraltar Range National Park on the Gibraltar Washpool World Heritage Walk
    Image Credit: Rob Cleary/Seen Australia
  • "A serene river scene in Koreelah National Park, featuring lush green trees with overhanging branches, a rocky riverbank, and calm water reflecting the surrounding forest.
    Koreelah National Park
    Koreelah National Park
    Image Credit: David Young/DPE
  • "A scenic view of Protestors Falls at The Channon, located within Nightcap National Park. The waterfall is cascading over rocks into a serene pool surrounded by lush greenery and dense rainforest. The tranquil setting highlights the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the area.
    Protestors Falls The Channon, Nightcap National Park
    Protestors Falls The Channon, Nightcap National Park
    Image Credit: Carolyn Lloyd
  • "A scenic landscape with a person standing on a grassy hill, which slopes down towards the left side of the image, leading to a coastline with the ocean visible in the background. The sky is mostly clear with some scattered clouds. The person is wearing a red jacket and white shorts, adding a sense of scale to the vast and tranquil landscape.
    Coastal Walk, Yuraygir National Park
    Coastal Walk Yuraygir National Park
    Image Credit: R Cleary Seen Australia/DPE
  • View from Pinnacle Lookout in Border Ranges National Park, featuring the lush, World Heritage-listed rainforest, the crater escarpment, and Wollumbin (Mount Warning) under a clear sky.
    Wollumbin (Mt Warning) from Pinnacle Lookout, Border Ranges National Park
    Wollumbin (Mt Warning) from Pinnacle Lookout, Border Ranges National Park
    Image Credit: DPE
  • A perspective view of the lush green trees on the walking track in Tooloom National Park. The trees are a vibrant shade of green, with long light coloured trunks. The sunlight filters through the trees creating a mesmerising view.
    Walking track, Tooloom National Park
    Walking track, Tooloom National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE

More information