Rainforest in Washpool National Park. Photo: Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.

Washpool National Park is a landscape of steep gorges, clear waters and dense forests.

Australia's rainforests today are direct descendents of the ancient forests of the supercontinent Gondwana. During this period, 510 - 200 million years ago, parts of what now make up Australia lay further south, within the Antarctic circle.

During this time, many of Australia's forests were cool-adapted Gondwana rainforests. These reduced as Gondwana broke into separate continents and Australia moved north into warmer zones.

Much of the cool-adapted rainforests disappeared but a narrow strip remains in south-eastern Australia.

Washpool National Park today contains remnants of these ancient rainforests, including the world's largest stand of coachwood trees.

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife acquired 1,191 ha of wilderness land near Tenterfield for Washpool National Park, enabling dedication of around 150 hectares of identified wilderness. This acquisition for the National Reserve system secures another piece of Australia's unique natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is the only organisation in Australia whose philanthropy is an investment in our public estate, for all to enjoy.

Click to see photos of Washpool National Park from the Clarence Valley Bushwalking Club here.