Errinundra

Errinundra National Park encompasses approximately 25,600 hectares of remote and ecologically exceptional cool temperate rainforest and tall wet sclerophyll forest on the Errinundra Plateau in far East Gippsland, Victoria. The Errinundra Plateau, rising to approximately 1,040 metres above sea level, is the highest and most extensive elevated area in East Gippsland and supports the largest area of cool temperate rainforest in Victoria. The park protects some of the most biodiverse and ecologically intact forest landscapes in southeastern Australia. Its remoteness and ecological values have made Errinundra the focus of significant conservation campaigns dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. The park is part of the East Gippsland Rainforest, a major conservation area of national and international significance.

Errinundra National Park supports exceptional wildlife diversity across its rainforest, wet forest, and heathland habitats. The endangered long-footed potoroo has a significant population within the park and is a focal species for conservation management. Spot-tailed quolls hunt through the park's forests. Greater gliders and mountain brushtail possums are common in the tall eucalypt forest. The endangered sooty owl and powerful owl are present as apex predators. Platypus inhabit the cold, clear headwater streams. The park provides critical habitat for the endangered southern ground-horned caterpillar moth, which has a restricted distribution on the Errinundra Plateau. Over 100 bird species have been recorded, including the rare pilot bird, lyrebird, and various forest raptors.

Errinundra National Park contains the most extensive and diverse cool temperate rainforest in Victoria, dominated by myrtle beech which forms a continuous canopy over a lush understorey of tree ferns, ferns, mosses, and liverworts. The rainforest gullies and sheltered slopes are among the most botanically spectacular environments in southeastern Australia. Surrounding the rainforest are tall wet sclerophyll forests of mountain ash, alpine ash, and brown barrel, which on the Errinundra Plateau reach exceptional sizes due to the high rainfall and productive soils. Rare and threatened plant species recorded in the park include several ferns and mosses that reach their northern limits on the cool, wet plateau. The park supports several plant species found nowhere else in Victoria.

The Errinundra Plateau is underlain by Silurian and Devonian sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that have been uplifted as part of the broader East Gippsland highlands. Unlike the granitic terrain that characterizes much of the East Gippsland hinterland, the plateau is built on older folded sedimentary rocks that have been metamorphosed by heat and pressure. These rocks weather to produce fertile, moisture-retaining soils that support the park's productive forest communities. The plateau surface is characterized by gently undulating terrain incised by the headwater streams that flow northward into the Errinundra River system and southward toward the coast. The high elevation creates the cool, wet climate necessary for the cool temperate rainforest that characterizes the plateau.

Errinundra National Park experiences a cool temperate montane climate with high, reliable rainfall throughout the year. Annual precipitation on the plateau commonly exceeds 1,500 millimetres, and the park is frequently cloud-covered and misty. Winter temperatures are cold, with frosts common and occasional snowfall on the plateau. Summer temperatures are cool, rarely exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. The combination of high rainfall and cool temperatures creates the moisture regime necessary for the cool temperate rainforest. The park is significantly cooler than surrounding lower elevation areas and maritime coastal areas. The remote location of the park means that access roads can be closed during and after heavy rainfall.

The Krauatungalung people of the Gunaikurnai Nation have traditional connections to the Errinundra Plateau and surrounding mountain country. European exploration of the far East Gippsland highlands reached the plateau in the late nineteenth century, following earlier exploration of the coastal areas. Timber operations in the surrounding state forests, seeking the valuable timber of the mountain ash forests, began in the early twentieth century. The remote and rugged terrain of the Errinundra Plateau limited large-scale timber operations within what is now the national park, but extensive logging occurred in surrounding state forests. Conservation campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s focused on protecting the Errinundra Plateau's rainforest and old-growth forest.

Errinundra National Park was established in 1988 following sustained conservation campaigns that highlighted the exceptional ecological values of the Errinundra Plateau's cool temperate rainforest and old-growth forest. The park's declaration was a significant conservation achievement in the context of the broader East Gippsland forest debate. Subsequent additions to the park have expanded its boundary to encompass more of the surrounding forest landscape. The park is managed by Parks Victoria with a focus on protecting the rainforest and wet forest communities and the threatened species that depend on them. Research and monitoring programs have documented the park's ecological values and inform adaptive management approaches.

The Errinundra Saddle Rainforest Walk is the signature attraction of the national park, a short but spectacular walk through magnificent cool temperate rainforest with ancient myrtle beech, tree ferns, and moss-draped logs creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The Ada River walk accesses old-growth mountain ash forest of exceptional size. The Cloud Gully walk provides a longer rainforest experience. The road through the park between Orbost and the Delegate River road traverses some spectacular montane forest scenery. Photography in the rainforest, particularly on misty days when light filters through the beech canopy, is a major attraction. Wildflower observation in the heathland areas is rewarding in spring.

Errinundra National Park has basic visitor facilities at the main walking track access points, including parking areas and interpretive signage. The Errinundra Saddle precinct has basic facilities for day visitors. The park is reached via unsealed roads from Orbost to the south, or from the Bonang Road to the west. The road network through the park can be closed during and after heavy rainfall and may require four-wheel drive during wet periods. The nearest town with comprehensive facilities is Orbost, approximately 60 kilometres to the south. Camping is available at the Errinundra Road camping area. The remote location means visitors should be well-prepared and carry sufficient supplies.

Errinundra National Park is a national conservation priority for cool temperate rainforest protection and threatened species management. The long-footed potoroo population within the park is monitored through baited trapping programs, and efforts to control feral predators including foxes and cats are ongoing. The park's intact forest landscape provides an important carbon store and climate refuge. Logging in adjacent state forests remains a concern for the connectivity of wildlife habitat. Invasive deer species cause significant damage to the rainforest understorey through browsing and trampling. Climate change poses long-term challenges through altered precipitation patterns and increased fire frequency, which may threaten the moisture-dependent rainforest communities.