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Strickland State Forest: A Central Coast Gem

Discover diverse flora, fauna, and historical forestry remnants in this compact Central Coast ecotourism destination. Open dawn to dusk.

4.7

Strickland State Forest, a compact yet ecologically diverse area on the Central Coast of NSW, offers a tranquil escape with rainforests, eucalypt forests, and historical remnants of Australia's first forestry nursery and training school.

A brief summary to Strickland State Forest

  • Monday 7 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-5 pm
  • Friday 7 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven tracks.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the Banksia Picnic Area.
  • Visit after rain to see the waterfalls at their fullest.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Gosford, head west on Wisemans Ferry Road. Turn right onto Dog Trap Road, then right again onto Mangrove Road. Finally, turn right onto Strickland Forest Road. The forest entrance is at the end of this road. Parking is free. Note that access to Strickland is during the daytime only with the entrance gate being unlocked between 7am and 5pm (Apr – Oct) and between 7am and 7pm (Nov – Mar).

Unlock the Best of Strickland State Forest

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Discover more about Strickland State Forest

Strickland State Forest, nestled on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is a living exhibition of diverse forest habitats. This compact, five-square-kilometer forest is an ecotourism destination, boasting an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore wildflowers and dry heath woodland in the north, tall eucalypts on its slopes, and lush rainforest in the south. Established as the first government forest nursery (1886-1890) and national forestry training school (1920-1927), Strickland State Forest showcases remnants of native and exotic tree plantings, now among the oldest in Australia. These historical plantings, known as an arboretum, can be seen along the Arboretum Track. The forest offers extensive walking tracks that wind through varying forest types, past waterfalls, under cabbage tree palms, and along creeks. These tracks are maintained by the volunteer group Friends of Strickland in partnership with Forestry Corporation of NSW. The Ridge to Rainforest Track descends through dry forest into tall, moist forest and gully rainforest, featuring mossy rocks and a planted grove of Hoop Pine. Strickland State Forest provides excellent picnic facilities, including an all-weather shelter, picnic tables, and toilets. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Australian bush, surrounded by a rich tapestry of plant and animal life.

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