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Environment and Heritage

South Eastern Highlands bioregion

The South Eastern Highlands bioregion lies just inland from the coastal bioregions of the South East Corner and the Sydney Basin, bounded by the Australian Alps and South Western Slopes bioregions to the south and west.

 

About the bioregion

The South Eastern Highlands bioregion includes most of the Australian Capital Territory and extends south into Victoria.

The Lachlan, Macquarie, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Shoalhaven and Snowy Rivers all flow across the bioregion.

A temperate climate dominates the region, with significant areas in the north and south at higher elevations having a montane climate with milder summers.

Soils and vegetation vary in relation to altitude, temperature and rainfall.

There are over 80 plants species listed as threatened, and over 80 animal species also listed as threatened, with a noticeable decline in the endangered regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia), although some non-endangered species are increasing substantially.

There are several national parks and reserves along with private conservation agreements in this bioregion, including Kosciuszko National Park and the Ramsar-listed Blue Lake.

Read Chapter 16, the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, in Bioregions of New South Wales: Their biodiversity, conservation and history for more information.

Bioregion area

  • 8,375,961 hectares in total
  • 4,945,318 hectares in New South Wales
Map of New South Wales, Australia, highlighting the South Eastern Highlands 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 South Eastern Highlands bioregion

Parks, reserves and conservation areas

This bioregion includes:

  • Panoramic view of an escarpment and valley from Lockleys Pylon Walking Track in Blue Mountains National Park. The image shows a rugged cliff face with layers of exposed rock, surrounded by dense green forest. The valley below is covered in lush vegetation, and the sky above is partly cloudy, adding depth to the landscape.
    Lockleys Pylon walking track, Blue Mountains National Park
    Lockleys Pylon walking track, Blue Mountains National Park
    Image Credit: Steve Alton/DPE
  • "A view of the Grose River flowing through Blue Mountains National Park. The river is surrounded by lush green forest and large rocks, with hills visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
    Grose River, Blue Mountains National Park
    Grose River, Blue Mountains National Park
    Image Credit: Willow Warriors
  • Scenic view from the Mount Hay summit walking track, featuring heathland wildflowers in the foreground. The landscape includes a variety of green vegetation with colorful flowers, and rolling hills and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
    Healthland wildflower, mountain and valley views on Mount Hay summit walking track, in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park, near Leura
    Healthland wildflower, mountain and valley views on Mount Hay summit walking track, in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park, near Leura.
    Image Credit: Elinor Sheargold/DPE
  • https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Topics/Parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/A-F/blue-mountains-national-park-three-sisters-115139.jpg
    Three Sisters, Blue Mountains National Park
    OEH
    Image Credit: Three Sisters, Blue Mountains National Park
  • A panoramic view of the Brindabella region in south-east New South Wales, showcasing a vast expanse of forested hills and valleys under a partly cloudy sky.
    Brindabella region, south-east NSW
    Brindabella region, south-east NSW.
    Image Credit: NSW Government
  • Valley view and mesa of the Pantoneys Crown, Gardens of Stone National Park
    Valley view and mesa of the Pantoneys Crown, Gardens of Stone National Park
    Valley view and mesa of the Pantoneys Crown, Gardens of Stone National Park
    Image Credit: Rosie Nicolai
  • Boulder fields, Kosciuszko National Park
    Boulder fields, Kosciuszko National Park
    Boulder fields, Kosciuszko National Park
    Image Credit: Mel Schroder/DPE
  • Nattai National Park part of The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
    Nattai National Park
    Nattai National Park part of The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

More information