Richmond Range

Richmond Range National Park is a significant subtropical rainforest park in the northern rivers region of New South Wales, located in the Richmond Valley hinterland west of Casino and Kyogle. Covering approximately 35,740 hectares, the park protects extensive areas of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, and dry sclerophyll woodland on the ranges between the Richmond River catchment and the Queensland border. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, contributing to the conservation of one of the world's most significant subtropical rainforest landscapes.

Richmond Range National Park supports the full complement of northern NSW subtropical rainforest wildlife. The threatened koala is present in ecotone communities. Albert's lyrebird inhabits the dense forest. Pademelons, ringtail possums, and diverse bats are common. The Wompoo fruit-dove, regent bowerbird, and numerous rainforest birds are present. The park's large size supports viable populations of forest-dependent species and maintains wildlife corridors across the northern rivers landscape.

Subtropical rainforest dominates the fertile basaltic soils and sheltered valleys, featuring diverse vine forests with hoop pine, bangalow palms, and numerous fig and laurel species. Warm temperate rainforest with coachwood occurs on cooler aspects. Tall wet sclerophyll forest with blue gum and flooded gum forms the transition zone. Dry sclerophyll woodland occupies the drier ridges.

Richmond Range National Park is underlain by basaltic rocks associated with the Cenozoic volcanism of the northern rivers region. The deep, fertile basaltic soils support the luxuriant subtropical rainforest. The ranges form part of the watershed between the Richmond and Tweed catchments.

Warm subtropical climate with high summer rainfall. Annual rainfall approximately 1,400 to 1,800 millimetres. Warm humid summers, mild winters. High rainfall maintains the subtropical rainforest.

The Bundjalung people are the traditional custodians of the northern rivers. The rainforest ranges were significant cultural landscapes. European timber operations cleared much of the original rainforest.

Richmond Range National Park was established as part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area conservation network. The park's large size and intact vegetation are its primary conservation values.

Walking through subtropical rainforest and birdwatching for rainforest species are the primary activities. The park is relatively remote and less visited than the better-known northern rivers parks.

Limited visitor facilities. Access via roads from Casino and Kyogle. Casino provides visitor services. Approximately 820 kilometres north of Sydney. A national parks pass applies.

Lantana control is the primary management challenge. The park's World Heritage values require ongoing protection. Connectivity to adjacent protected areas is maintained.