These ancient Australian rainforests are living relics of a long-lost supercontinent

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning 370,000 hectares, the Gondwana Rainforests preserve lineages of plants and animals that predate the breakup of the ancient Gondwana landmass. These subtropical reserves serve as a vital sanctuary for rare species, offering a rare glimpse into the lush, prehistoric world that once blanketed the entire Australian continent millions of years ago.

The Gondwana Rainforests represent a biological time capsule. When Australia drifted away from the Gondwana supercontinent roughly 40 million years ago, the land was largely cloaked in dense rainforest. As the continent migrated northward, these forests gradually retreated. By 1788, only 1% of the land remained covered by such ecosystems, and subsequent European settlement led to the loss of three-quarters of that remaining forest through logging.

Today, the site comprises 41 distinct reserves across New South Wales and Queensland. It is recognized as the most significant subtropical rainforest system globally and holds nearly all of the world's Antarctic beech cool temperate forests. Beyond its flora, the region is a critical refuge for biodiversity, supporting over 200 threatened species. The area is home to diverse populations of wildlife, including hundreds of bird varieties, dozens of frog species, and over a hundred types of reptiles.

The landscape is also shaped by deep geological history, featuring the remnants of the Ebor and Tweed Shield volcanoes, the latter being a remarkably well-preserved erosion caldera. Despite its protected status as a World Heritage Site since 1986, the area faces modern pressures. The 2019–2020 bushfire season was particularly devastating, impacting over half of the total land area and threatening vulnerable species like the Hastings River mouse and the rufous scrubbird. Today, managers must contend with ongoing challenges, including invasive weeds, pathogens like myrtle rust, and the broader impacts of climate change.

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