Strickland State Forest

Strickland State Forest is a small day-use forest in Niagara Park, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

It covers an area of 5 square kilometres and is known for its remarkable diversity of flora, fauna, and bird species. The forest offers picnic facilities, walking trails, and remnants of the oldest established trees in Australia. It was also the site of the first government forest nursery and the national forestry training school.

Visitors to Strickland State Forest can experience a unique Australian forest experience. The forest features a diverse range of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, heath woodland, tall eucalypt, and lush rainforest. There are peaceful walking trails through the forest, which showcase cabbage tree and rainforest vegetation. The forest is also a great spot for bird watching, with many bird species to observe. Picnic facilities, including tables, a shelter, fireplaces, and toilets, are available for visitors to use.

The best time to visit Strickland State Forest is during the Australian summer months from December to February, when the weather is warm and pleasant. It is open to the public every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

To get to Strickland State Forest, visitors can either drive or take public transportation. By car, take the Gosford exit off the F3 Freeway, turn left at the roundabout onto Wisemans Ferry Road, then turn right onto Somersby Falls Road. From there, turn right onto Somersby Falls Picnic Area, then left onto Mangrove Road. Parking is available at the top of the road. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Niagara Park Station and walk