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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

South East Corner bioregion

The South East Corner bioregion is in the south-east corner of New South Wales and extends into Victoria.

 

About the bioregion

The NSW portion is in 2 parts:

  • Most of the bioregion is bordered by Sydney Basin bioregion to the north and the South Eastern Highlands bioregion to the west.
  • A small fragment lies between the Australian Alps and South Eastern Highlands bioregions.

The bioregion includes the towns of Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Bega, Merimbula and Eden. Most of the bioregion's population live in the towns along the coast.

The Clyde, Deua, Moruya, Buckenbowra, Brogo, Wadbilliga, Towamba, Genoa and Tuross rivers traverse the bioregion with the main catchments being the Clyde, Deua, Tuross, Bega, Towamba and Genoa catchments.

The climate is mostly temperate, with warm summers and no dry season. A small patch at higher elevation in the south-west has a montane climate.

The diverse topography, rainfall and temperature is reflected in the diversity of vegetation. There are over 40 threatened plant species and nearly 90 threatened animal species in this bioregion, particularly the long-footed potoroo (Potorous longipes).

Almost half of this bioregion is managed in conservation tenures.

Read Chapter 18, the South East Corner Bioregion, in Bioregions of New South Wales: Their biodiversity, conservation and history for more information.

Bioregion area

  • 2,532,053 hectares in total
  • 1,206,479 hectares in New South Wales

Parks, reserves and conservation areas

This bioregion includes:

Map of New South Wales, Australia, highlighting the South East Corner 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 East Corner bioregion

  • Bittangabee Bay featuring clear turquoise waters, a sandy beach, and surrounding dense greenery with rocky outcrops under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
    Bittangabee Bay, Beowa National Park
    Bittangabee Bay, Beowa National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/OEH
  • A scenic view of a waterfall cascading over large rock formations in Biamanga National Park, surrounded by lush, dense forest. The water flows into a calm, clear pool at the base of the rocks, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Towering trees and vibrant green foliage frame the waterfall, emphasizing the natural beauty and tranquility of the scene. Soft sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating parts of the waterfall and enhancing the lush, pristine environment of this cultural site.
    Biamanga National Park
    Biamanga National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • Biamanga National Park
    Biamanga National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/OEH
  • View to the coast from the Granite Tors in Gulaga National Park
    View to the coast from the Granite Tors in Gulaga National Park
    Image Credit: Stuart Cohen/DPE
  • Mallacoota Lookout, South East Corner Bioregion, a World Biosphere Reserve, Nadgee Nature Reserve
    Mallacoota Lookout, South East Corner Bioregion, a World Biosphere Reserve, Nadgee Nature Reserve
    Mallacoota Lookout, South East Corner Bioregion, a World Biosphere Reserve, Nadgee Nature Reserve
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • Pipers lookout, South East Forests National Park
    Pipers lookout, South East Forests National Park
    South East Forests National Park is within the catchment for Towamba River.
    Image Credit: DPE
  • Two people kayaking on a calm body of water with clear visibility to the sandy bottom, near a sandbank, with lush green hills and a blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.
    Nelson Lagoon, Mimosa Rocks National Park
    Kayaking on Nelson Lagoon, Mimosa Rocks National Park
    Image Credit: David Finnegan/DPE

More information