Strickland State Forest

Walking track:Yes
Walking track: Yes
Designated horse track:No
Designated horse track: No
Four wheel driving tracks: Yes
4WD tracks: Yes
Designated cycling track:No
Designated cycling track: No
Power boats / boat ramp:No
Power boats / boat ramp: No
Camping:No
Designated camping area: No
Two wheel driving:Yes
Two wheel drive access: Yes
Caravan site:No
Caravan site: No
Cabin or hut:No
Accommodation: No
Picnic area:Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Toilets:Yes
Toilets: Yes
Fireplace/BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ: Yes
Canoeing/kayaking:No
Canoeing/kayaking: No
Wheelchair access:No
Toilets & wheelchair access: No

North west of Gosford on the NSW central coast, Srickland State Forest is less than an hour’s drive from Sydney. Strickland is no longer actively harvested and is managed for education and recreation purposes.

Forests in this area have been harvested for timber for many decades – some for over 150 years. The forests you see today are regrowth forests which means they have been harvested many times over and grown back. Today's forest management practices protect biodiversity, soil and water quality and cultural heritage sites while also allowing for sustainable timber production. NSW State Forests – here today, here tomorrow. Find out more about sustainable forest management.

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Recreational facilities

Arboretum trail

This trail starts from the lower situated Stoney Creek Carpark, just a short drive from Banksia Picnic Area. This trail proceeds across Stoney Creek and into one of the oldest arboretums (tree plantings) in Australia. This 2.2km loop trail is an easy grade. Look out for the giant native hoop and bunya pines and their pine cones the size of footballs!

Banksia Picnic Area

Banksia Picnic Area is a delightful spot set amongst contrasting colours of grey gums, pink smooth-barked apples and banksias. It is also the starting point for three walking trails: Cabbage Tree Trail; Stoney Creek Trail; and Strickland Falls Trail. Set high on the ridge, picnickers can enjoy views into Gosford and Brisbane Waters. 10 minute drive from Gosford. Entry via Mangrove Road, Narara, or Dog Trap Road, Ourimbah.

Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes
BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ : Yes

Bellbird trail

This trail starts from the lower Stoney Creek carpark, a short drive from Banksia Picnic Area. This trail follows Narara Creek, meandering through rainforest and the arboretum. Simply follow the Arboretum Trail then the signs for Bellbird Trail. This 3.3km loop trail is an easy grade for walkers.

Cabbage Tree Trail

This 1.6km loop trail is a medium grade walk. Starting from Banksia Picnic Area, this trail winds through a variety of eucalypts, such as grey ironbark, blue leaved stringybark and Sydney peppermint to a large grove of cabbage tree palms.

Stoney Creek Trail

'This 3.6km return walk is a medium grade trail. This trail includes most of Cabbage Tree Trail, but continues into the rainforest and alongside scenic Stoney Creek. This trail links the Banksia Picnic Area and the walking trails starting from the lower Stoney Creek Carpark.

Strickland Falls Trail

'The beautiful Strickland Falls, surrounded by mossy rocks, ferns and palms, is reached after walking through Gymea lilies, banksias and acacias. The trail leads off from the road entering Banksia Picnic Area. This 1.6km loop trail is medium grade.