Explore the wonders of Cumberland State Forest
Australia's only metropolitan State forest
Forests NSW manages more than 800 State forests for timber production and conservation of the natural environment.
Cumberland State Forest, located in metropolitan Sydney, contains 40 hectares of native forest. The original privately-owned land was cleared in 1908. In 1938 its management was taken over by the then NSW Forestry Commission, and one third of the land was planted as an aboretum while the rest was allowed to regenerate naturally. What you see today is more than 50 years of forest growth.
Download our Cumberland State Forest brochure
Includes a map of the forest, highlighting walking trails, picnic areas
and other facilities.
 455 kb PDF file
Information Centre and Forest Shop
Uncover the mysteries of the forest and learn about forest management. The Information Centre has exciting displays, audiovisual presentations and reference books. Free publications and Statewide recreation information is also available.
In the Forest Shop you will find an extensive range of products for sale: wood-turned bowls, handcrafted jewellery, wooden toys, books, unique native timber furniture and State Forest maps. Friendly staff are available to answer enquiries, seven days a week. Mon-Fri: 9:00-4:30. Sat-Sun: 10:00-4:30.
View the location of Forests NSW' other forest shops.
Forest Walks
Discover Cumberland's tall eucalypt forests and find out how they are managed by walking the Forestry Trail. Explore the moist rainforest on the Palm Gully Trail. Touch, hear and smell your way along our unique Sensory Trail. Guided forest walks are available, just ask at the Information Centre for walk times.
Cumberland Forest map outlining the forest walking tracks.
Activity programs
Follow the links below to download the current Cumberland State Forest activity program.
Outdoor dining at cafe
Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining at Cafe Saligna. Open for breakfast, lunch, hot and cold drinks, freshly made cakes and biscuits, seven days a week. Also catering for community groups and private functions. Lunch bookings suggested on Ph: (02) 9873 2955.
Barbeque and picnic areas
 Cumberland offers four leafy picnic areas. Fires are not to be lit, however, electric barbeques are provided free of charge. To preserve the beauty of the forest please place rubbish in bins provided. Dogs are welcome, but ensure that are kept on a lead at all times.
Wildlife
Cumberland State Forest has a rich population of birds. Of the 60 breeding species, the more unusual include the powerful owl and the satin bowerbird, the tawny frogmouth and the bell miner. Other animals include the ringtail possum, brushtail possum, sugar glider and boobook owl. Amphibian species in the forest include the bleating tree frog and the common eastern froglet.
Education
Our Forest Studies Centre provides fieldwork opportunities for all school groups, K-12 and tertiary groups (The K-2 program is self-guided, while the 3-12 program is guided). Programs have been developed for many different curriculum areas. Cumberland's education officer can also bring the forest to your classroom. For an information pack call (02) 9871 0050.
Community programs and forest activities
Cumberland has an extensive range of programs for community groups, families and individuals. These include guided walks, slide presentations, spotlighting tours, school holiday activities, treasure hunts, bush tucker tastings and a volunteer bush regeneration program. Become a volunteer bush regenerator. Bookings are necessary for all activities ph: (02) 9871 3377 on the following telephone extensions:
- School Holiday Activities : (02) 9871 3377
- Spotlighting tours : (02) 9871 3377
- Community presentations, weddings, and other functions : (02) 9872 0107
- School excursion visits : (02) 9872 0105
- Volunteer Ranger applications (02) 9872 0106
Native Plant Nursery
 Cumberland Forest Nursery specialises in native trees and shrubs for the home gardener and rural landholder. Experienced horticultural staff will advise you on all your plant needs. The Nursery is open seven days a week.
Cumberland Forest Nursery price list.
Phone (02) 9871 3222
Fax (02) 9871 3456
email: bevj@sf.nsw.gov.au
Forests NSW' Library
Our large reference library, located in the Research and Development section of Cumberland, has information on Australian trees, flora and fauna, forest conservation and timber production. Forests NSW' Library is open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm.
Phone (02) 9872 0111 Fax (02) 9872 5341 email: library@sf.nsw.gov.au
Find out how to get to Cumberland State Forest.
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