An aerial view of Mountain Cottage surrounded by thick forest.
A rock lily plant in full flower. There are several flower heads and many thick leaves.

BIODIVERSITY AT ROCK LILY

At Rock Lily we’re home to a unique set of ecologies, including rare endangered forest full of eucalypts, ferns, and grasses, over 100 bird species, and a wealth of fauna from large eastern grey kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles to tiny phascogales and micro bats. For visitors interested in ecology and wildlife, there are opportunities to get out with binoculars or camera and experience the vast range of life here.  

For guests of Rock Lily, we are more than happy to arrange to walk with you around the property to point out significant aspects of this endangered environment and show you how to spot and identify our wildlife and plants.

BROGO VINE FOREST

Here at Rock Lily, we’re fortunate to share our place with a patch of remnant Brogo Vine Forest (also known as Brogo Wet Vine Forest), a type of temperate eucalypt forest. Brogo Vine Forest is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and has been recommended for federal conservation protection under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Brogo Vine Forest once covered a significantly larger area but is now found in a limited region confined to the Bega Valley. It is found on the margins of the valley between Myrtle Mountain, Tantawangalo and Brogo, from Brogo to Cobargo and on a few hills within the valley. It typically occurs on steep, often rocky slopes with a northerly aspect.

An echidna wanders across dry grass

ROCK LILY FLORA

Brogo Vine Forest is a sclerophyll forest with a canopy dominated by eucalypts, including Eucalyptus tereticornis (forest red gum) and Angophora floribunda (rough-barked apple), with an occasional subcanopy of rainforest trees, including Ficus rubiginosa (Port Jackson fig), and an open, shrubby mid-storey and diverse groundcover of forbs, grasses and ferns.

A wide variety of vines and climbers in the ground layer and mid-storey are key characteristics of this forest. Patches of dry rainforest with fig-dominated canopies are commonly found within or adjacent to Brogo Vine Forest on rocky outcrops.

A king parrot perches in a tree. It is a verdant green with a bright crimson-orange chest and head.

ANIMAL LIFE

Eucalypts are used as hunting and nesting sites for birds of prey such as Ninox strenua (powerful owl) and Accipiter fasciatus (brown goshawk) and provide habitat for arboreal marsupials such as Petauroides volans (greater glider) and Petaurus breviceps (sugar glider). Insectivorous microbats, such as Nyctophilus geoffroyi (lesser long-eared bat) and Vespadelus regulus (southern forest bat), may be found roosting in tree hollows. Varanus varius (lace monitor) may also utilise tree hollows as a food source and as an over-wintering shelter.

Wallabies, echidnas, wombats, native rats, possums, and bandicoots can be seen by a quiet, careful observer. You may encounter several hundred species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects over a visit to Rock Lily.

"Mountain Cottage at Rock Lily is a true delight. Fantastic views, very comfortable bed, spotlessly clean, and filled with so many thoughtful touches. We had a wonderfully relaxing time, loved the breakfast items provided, and even our dog was able to stay with us on this pet friendly property. Would definitely recommend and can't wait to get back someday soon! Thanks Steve, Alli and Craig for your hospitality."

Daria, Tasmania

"Out of all air bnb's I have stayed at, this one exceeded our expectations. Amazing hospitality, amenities and one of the most amazing views in Australia. Brogo Dam is down the road and has amazing bass fishing. The host also puts a couple of special little touches of the experience. We will definitely be visiting again. Hands down 5 out of 5."

Steven, NSW

"Just a perfect place to sit back and relax in nature. If you’re looking for a cute and cosy cottage with a great view that you can recharge in, then this is a must visit destination."

Ross, ACT

"This is one to not miss!! The pictures don’t do it justice to how incredible the view is and the house. All the hard work these guys have done to make it so welcoming is worth everything and more. For us the hosts and the small touches made it that more special! Can’t wait to come back with friends and family!!"

Hollee, NSW

"Comfortable cottage, fully equipped and a generous hamper. We were grateful for the host's care and attention and quick communication. Beautiful views and very restful. Nearby Brogo Dam is worth visiting."

Judy, ACT

"This would have to be one of the best places we have stayed so far in all our travels. We can’t praise enough the peaceful setting and so many environmentally sensitive thoughts and things to educate the public. Well done and look forward to returning."

Jeff, NSW

"Stephen, Alli and Craig are wonderful, caring hosts. It was so special to walk into a beautiful rustic, clean and welcoming little cottage. We were so impressed with the comfy bed beautifully made up, yummy breakfast and so many other little touches such as shampoos, goodies in the fridge, coffee pods and everything you might need. Loved the steep walks to the valley, the native animals and stunning bush scenery. Great hospitality. Thank you!"

Ada and Henk, ACT