Tapin Tops

Tapin Tops National Park is a remote subtropical and warm temperate rainforest park in the Manning Valley hinterland of New South Wales, located in the ranges between Port Macquarie and Walcha. Covering approximately 17,950 hectares, the park protects extensive areas of subtropical rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, and dry sclerophyll woodland on the elevated ranges above the Manning Valley. The park contributes to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and provides habitat connectivity across the northern tablelands landscape.

Tapin Tops National Park supports diverse subtropical and warm temperate rainforest wildlife. The superb lyrebird is abundant in the wet forest gullies. Yellow-bellied gliders and greater gliders are present. The platypus inhabits permanent streams. Diverse rainforest birds including the Wompoo fruit-dove inhabit the subtropical sections. The park's remote character contributes to its conservation value.

Subtropical rainforest dominates the lower slopes and sheltered gullies. Warm temperate rainforest with coachwood occupies cooler aspects. Tall wet sclerophyll forest with flooded gum and blue gum covers the mid slopes. Dry sclerophyll woodland occupies the exposed ridges. The diversity of communities reflects the broad elevation range.

The park is underlain by Permian sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks of the New England Orogen. The elevated ranges create the moist conditions supporting the diverse forest communities.

Warm temperate to subtropical climate. Annual rainfall approximately 1,200 to 1,800 millimetres. Warm summers, mild winters. High rainfall maintains the rainforest communities.

The Biripi people are the traditional custodians of the Manning Valley hinterland. The rainforest ranges were important seasonal territory.

Tapin Tops National Park was established as part of the Gondwana Rainforests conservation network.

Remote walking through subtropical rainforest. Birdwatching for lyrebirds and rainforest species. The park's remoteness appeals to experienced bushwalkers.

Limited visitor facilities. Access via roads from Wauchope. Port Macquarie provides visitor services. A national parks pass applies.

Lantana control in the rainforest edges. Connectivity to adjacent protected areas maintained.