Mount Pikapene

Mount Pikapene National Park is a subtropical rainforest park in the northern rivers region of New South Wales, located in the Richmond Range west of Casino. Covering approximately 2,200 hectares, the park protects significant subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest on the volcanic ranges of the northern rivers hinterland. The park contributes to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and provides critical habitat for diverse wildlife in the increasingly fragmented northern rivers landscape.

Mount Pikapene National Park supports diverse subtropical rainforest fauna. Koalas are present in the ecotone communities. The park provides habitat for several threatened bat species and for the powerful owl in denser forest. Regent bowerbirds, Wompoo fruit-doves, and other distinctive rainforest birds inhabit the subtropical forest. Ringtail possums and greater gliders are present. The park contributes to wildlife connectivity across the northern rivers landscape.

Subtropical rainforest dominates the sheltered slopes and gullies, featuring hoop pine, corkwood, and diverse fig species on the fertile basaltic soils. Warm temperate rainforest with coachwood and sassafras occurs on cooler aspects. Tall wet sclerophyll forest forms the transition to open forest. The rich basaltic soils of the Richmond Range support the productive rainforest communities.

Mount Pikapene is underlain by basaltic rocks associated with the Cenozoic volcanism of the northern rivers region. The basaltic rocks weather to produce the characteristic red-brown soils that support the subtropical rainforest. The Richmond Range geology is related to the broader volcanic landscape of the northern rivers.

The park has a warm subtropical climate with high summer rainfall. Annual rainfall is approximately 1,400 to 1,800 millimetres. Summers are warm and humid, reaching 30 to 35°C. Winters are mild with overnight temperatures around 10 to 15°C.

The Bundjalung people are the traditional custodians of the northern rivers. The rainforest ranges provided diverse resources. European timber operations cleared much of the original rainforest in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Mount Pikapene National Park was established as part of the northern rivers conservation reserve network. The park's inclusion in the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area reflects its significance.

The park offers walking through subtropical rainforest. Birdwatching is productive. The park provides a quieter alternative to the more visited northern rivers rainforest parks.

Mount Pikapene National Park has basic visitor facilities. Access is via roads from Casino. Casino provides visitor services. A national parks pass applies.

Lantana control is the primary management challenge. Feral pig management protects the rainforest floor. The park's connection to adjacent natural areas supports wildlife movement across the northern rivers landscape.