Mount Imlay

Mount Imlay National Park is a rugged forested mountain park on the far south coast of New South Wales, located south of Eden in the far southeast corner of the state. Covering approximately 3,645 hectares, the park encompasses the distinctive isolated peak of Mount Imlay, which rises to 886 metres and is visible from much of the far south coast and the edge of the ranges. The park protects significant areas of wet sclerophyll forest, dry sclerophyll forest, and warm temperate rainforest on the granite and metamorphic terrain of the far south coast ranges.

Mount Imlay National Park supports diverse wet forest wildlife. The superb lyrebird is abundant in the wet gully forest. Yellow-bellied gliders and greater gliders inhabit old-growth eucalypts. The long-footed potoroo, one of Australia's most endangered small mammals, has been recorded in the park's dense understorey. The powerful owl hunts the forest. The platypus occurs in permanent streams. Spotted quolls have been recorded. The park's relatively inaccessible terrain provides refuge for wildlife.

The vegetation features tall wet sclerophyll forest with brown barrel, blue gum, and alpine ash on the moist slopes and ridges. Warm temperate rainforest with coachwood and sassafras fills the sheltered gullies. Dry sclerophyll forest and heath on the exposed granitic ridges contrast with the lush wet forest. Tree ferns are abundant in the gully environments. The summit supports exposed heath and sparse woodland with extensive views.

Mount Imlay is underlain by Silurian and Devonian granite and metamorphic rocks of the Lachlan Fold Belt. The mountain forms a prominent outlier of the ranges, rising steeply from the surrounding coastal plain and foothills. The granitic terrain creates the distinctive rocky summit. The wet forest communities reflect the high rainfall on the ocean-facing escarpment.

The park has a cool temperate to subalpine climate at higher elevations, with a warmer temperate climate at the base. Annual rainfall is approximately 1,000 to 1,400 millimetres. Winters are cold with occasional snow on the summit. Summers are cool and moist. The ocean proximity moderates temperatures.

The Thaua people are the traditional custodians of the far south coast. Mount Imlay is a prominent cultural landmark in the Thaua landscape. The surrounding coast and hinterland were deeply connected to Thaua identity. European timber operations accessed the forests of the far south coast in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Mount Imlay National Park was gazetted to protect the wet forest and the significant wildlife values of the far south coast ranges. The park preserves one of the best remaining examples of the forest communities of the far south coast escarpment.

The Mount Imlay summit track is a challenging walk to panoramic views over the far south coast and into Victoria. The track passes through diverse forest communities from wet sclerophyll to summit heath. Birdwatching for lyrebirds and wet forest species is excellent. The park's remoteness appeals to experienced bushwalkers.

Mount Imlay National Park is accessed from Princes Highway south of Eden. A car park at the trailhead provides the starting point for the summit walk. The park is approximately 480 kilometres south of Sydney. Eden provides visitor services. A national parks pass applies.

The long-footed potoroo is a conservation priority requiring management of predator control and habitat protection. Invasive weed control in the rainforest gullies is important. The park's tall wet sclerophyll forest is a key carbon store and climate refuge for forest-dependent species.