Cumberland State Forest, Sydney: Attractions, walks & Treetops
The best activities in Cumberland State Forest, Sydney, are the ropes course at the Treetops West Pennant Hills Adventure Park and three easy forest walking trails.
Cumberland State Forest is an example of one thing that the Greater Sydney Area does exceptionally well – green spaces within the city boundaries. Sydney plays host to several national parks, sprawling parklands and numerous designated reserves. These include the Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside and Bidjigal Reserve in Baulkham Hills.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
Where is Cumberland State Forest located?
In the western suburb of West Pennant Hills, however, you’ll find the only state forest in Sydney. Indeed, it’s the only metropolitan state forest in Australia.
Cumberland State Forest is hardly enormous, but it’s still surprising to find half an hour from Sydney CBD. Run by the NSW Forestry Commission, Cumberland State Forest covers 40 hectares. It has been a state forest since 1939. Around a third of the area is designated as an arboretum, while the rest is set aside for regrowth.
There are several picnic areas within the forest. The Shepherds Picnic Area and Bellamy Picnic Area are next to the main car park.
Things to do in Cumberland State Forest: Walking trails
Three looping walking trails also start from the Cumberland State Forest car park in West Pennant Hills. The sensory trail is the easiest Cumberland State Forest walk, and is wheelchair-friendly. This 350m walk is dotted with interpretive signs.
The one kilometre Palm Gully Trail and 1.3km Forestry Trail show off a bit more of the forest, but neither will take more than an hour.
What to do in Cumberland State Forest: Treetops Adventure Park
For more adventurous things to do in Cumberland State Forest, try the Treetops Adventure Park. This privately owned attraction offers a series of ropes courses, allowing children to wobble, stretch and climb over a series of obstacles.
There are different courses for different ages at Treetops West Pennant Hills. The simplest is around ten metres off the ground and aimed at three to nine-year-olds. The Cumberland State Forest Treetops experience costs $51 for adults and from $28 for children.
There are other Treetops Adventure Parks in Newcastle, Korora near Coffs Harbour, the Western Sydney Parklands in Abbotsbury and the Ourimbah State Forest on the Central Coast.
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