The Blue Gum Swamp is a swamp located in Blue Mountains National Park in the lower Grose Valley of the Blue Mountains, in New South Wales west of Sydney, southeastern Australia. It is situated adjacent to the Blue Gum Swamp Creek near Winmalee and is within the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Greater Blue Mountains Area.[1]

Blue Gum Swamp
New South Wales
Blue Gum Swamp is located in New South Wales
Blue Gum Swamp
Blue Gum Swamp
Coordinates33°39.065′S 150°36.340′E / 33.651083°S 150.605667°E / -33.651083; 150.605667

Natural history

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Leucopogon fletcheri flowers in the Blue Gum Swamp.

In the ancient past, the valley floor was blocked. This caused a residual alluvial deposit, which resulted in relatively deep and fertile soils. The tall mountain blue gum (Eucalyptus deanei) trees in the gully may reach 50 metres (160 ft) in height.[2] On the ridges the dry stunted vegetation is typical of much of the sandstone based areas near Sydney.

The area is well regarded by bird watchers. Noteworthy species here include the powerful owl, lyrebird, sooty owl, and the tiny Weebill.[3]

Mammal species are mostly nocturnal and not often seen. However, they include the yellow-bellied glider, sugar glider, greater glider, swamp wallaby, common ringtail possum, common brush tail possum, grey-headed flying fox, bandicoots and microbats.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Blue Mountains National Park: Plan of Management" (PDF). NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (PDF). Government of New South Wales. 1 May 2001. pp. 2, 76, 103. ISBN 0-7313-6998-X. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  2. ^ National Parks & Wildlife Service - Information Sign
  3. ^ "Blue Gum Swamp, Winmalee". Eremaea Birds A birding atlas built from members' bird lists. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
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