Strickland State Forest

Details

Distance: Up to 10km
Location: Central Coast
Drive time from Sydney CBD: 90 minutes
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
On-off lead: Off lead
Pippa’s rating: 5.0 stars
Google Maps link to trailhead

Description

It’s hard to overstate how nice this state forest is. It’s a lush rainforest paradise. With towering old trees, massive ferns, and Gymea Lily amongst sheer rock walls, mossy cascades, and fallen ancient trees. The only reason it is not a national park is probably because some of the flora is not native. It’s a total blessing that it has state forest designation because it is one of the most beautiful places you can visit with a dog.

This hike is 10km, but it’s possible to do as little or as much walking as you’d like. There are clearly marked trails throughout the forest, with lots of options. FWIW this is another hike that would be perfect to come to by public transport (if it was possible in NSW). Niagra Park station is just a few kilometres away. Alas though, you will have to drive.

There are so many highlights on this walk there is little point in listing them all. The forest can be busy on weekends, but a lot of visitors tend to stick to the Arboretum route to and from Stoney Creek car park. On the other parts of this trail you’ll likely not meet many others. At a guess on a weekday you may have the entire forest to yourself. Enjoy and be thankful for this wonder!