Recreation in Strickland State Forest
Strickland State Forest contains an impressive diversity of flora and fauna.
Vegetation types range from dry eucalypts, heath and wildflowers on the ridges,
tall eucalypts on the slopes, to lush rainforest along the creeks. Strickland
contains several rare plants and a large diversity of wildlife. Aboriginal
engravings and European historic sites are also evident throughout the forest.
Strickland is home to one of the oldest arboretums (native and exotic tree
plantings) in Australia, with species such as red cedar, hoop pine and bunya
pine planted between 1887 and 1924. Some of the surviving giants can be seen
along the Arboretum Trail. Today, Strickland State Forest is managed by State
Forests of NSW to protect its special environmental and heritage values,
providing unique opportunities for education and recreation. Our education
officers run excursions programs for primary and secondary school groups through
this forest. Click here to contact
an eduction officer for details.
Strickland also has an active community group helping to maintain and improve
the forest. Click here for more information on the "Friends of
Strickland" or contact the Hunter region office.
Note: Access into Strickland is during the day only. After-hours access into
the forest is restricted by a locked gate.
Picnic areas
Camping grounds
No camping is permitted in Strickland State Forest
Bushwalking trails
Click here to download a
map showing the bushwalking trails in Strickland State Forest in pdf file
format.
| Trail |
Grade
|
Map
Ref |
|
Easy
|
Medium |
Hard
|
|
Cabbage Tree Trail
1.6 km loop trail (45 minutes) |
|
|
|
K-13 |
Stoney
Creek Trail
1.3 km one way (45 minutes) |
|
|
|
K-13 |
Strickland Falls Trail
0.7 km one way (20 minutes) |
|
|
|
K-13 |
|
Arboretum Trail
2 km loop trail (60 minutes)
|
|
|
|
K-13 |
Bellbird Trail
3.6 km loop trail (90 minutes) |
|
|
|
K-13 |
|
Easy: suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness,
generally gentle grades.
Medium : suitable for people with an average level of fitness,
contains some steeper grades.
Hard : suitable only for people with a good level of fitness,
contains steep grades and rough sections of track.
|
Lookouts
A small lookout providing views into Gosford and Brisbane Waters is located
in Banksia Picnic Area.
The Central Coast forest map showing recreation areas, special features and
roads is available for purchase from the State Forest Information Centre on 1300
655 687 or your local State Forest
office (rrp $9.85 plus $1 postage).
For specific information about the State forests in this area please contact Forests NSW Central Region office during business hours on (02) 6585 3744.
| 
