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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

South Western Slopes bioregion

The South Western Slopes bioregion has some of the most highly cleared and altered lands in New South Wales.

 

About the bioregion

The NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion is an extensive area of foothills and isolated ranges comprising the lower inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range extending from north of Cowra through southern New South Wales into western Victoria.

The bioregion extends from Albury in the south to Dunedoo in the northeast.

The climate is mainly sub-humid with hot summers and no dry season. A temperate climate occurs at higher elevations along the eastern boundary of the bioregion. Rainfall varies from 1,200 mm in the east to 400 mm in the west.

BirdLife International has identified a large area as an Important Bird Area as it supports wintering populations of the endangered swift parrot and most of the largest population of superb parrots. There are several other threatened species of animals and plants in this bioregion.

There are many national parks and nature reserves, and 2 historic sites. Conservation agreements are place with several landholders via stewardship agreements.

The bioregion includes parts of the Murray, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Macquarie River catchments.

Read Chapter 10, the South Western Slopes bioregion, in Bioregions of New South Wales: Their biodiversity, conservation and history for more information.

Bioregion area

  • 8,681,126 hectares in total
  • 8,114,379 hectares in New South Wales
Map of New South Wales, Australia, highlighting the South Western Slopes bioregion in green. The rest of the state is shown in white, with some geographical features like rivers and mountain ranges outlined.

Map showing the South Western Slopes bioregion

Parks, reserves and conservation areas

This bioregion includes:

  • Scenic view from a high vantage point, likely on a mountain or hill. A metal staircase descends through a forested area with trees and bushes on either side. In the distance, a vast expanse of flat land stretches to the horizon. Several people are visible on the staircase, indicating it is a popular spot for hiking or sightseeing.
    Bushwalkers, Goobang National Park
    Bushwalkers, Goobang National Park
    Image Credit: C Davis/OEH
  • A scenic view of a countryside landscape at sunrise, seen from a hilltop lookout. The sun is rising on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the fields, trees, and small buildings scattered throughout the valley below. Soft clouds streak across the sky, painted with hues of orange, pink, and blue. The foreground includes grassy and rocky terrain, leading the eye toward the expansive, tranquil scene stretching into the distance.
    View over Hill End Historic Site from Bald Hill lookout
    View over Hill End Historic Site from Bald Hill lookout
    Image Credit: J Spencer/OEH
  • Xantheria understorey and iron, scribbly bark overstorey Grass Tree trail, Livingstone National Park.
    Livingstone National Park, Grass Tree trail
    Livingstone National Park, Grass Tree trail
    Image Credit: Jo Caldwell/OEH
  • Looking toward sky at rocks and tree, Weddin Mountains National Park
    Weddin Mountains National Park
    Weddin Mountains National Park
    Image Credit: Ian Brown/DPE
  • White cypress pine trees (Callitris glaucophylla) in Pomingalarna Reserve, Wagga Wagga. The image shows a forested area with sunlight filtering through the dense foliage of the pine trees, casting long shadows on the ground covered with dry grass and underbrush.
    White cypress pine trees (Callitris glaucophylla), Pomingalarna Reserve, Wagga Wagga
    White cypress pine trees (Callitris glaucophylla), Pomingalarna Reserve, Wagga Wagga
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • Two vibrant green superb parrots with yellow and orange markings interact energetically on a branch, surrounded by foliage, conveying a lively, natural scene.
    Superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii)
    Superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) males
    Image Credit: Helen Fallow/DCCEEW

More information