Before Christmas, I went on a busk walk expedition with my family in the neighbouring Cumberland State Forest. One entrance to this man-made forest is on Castlehill Road, about 1000 metres from Kuala Park Sanctuary in West Pennant Hills. I have been living in this area for over 25 years but have never suspected the secret this forest holds.
Cumberland state forest is a naturally regenerated forest. After clearing the agricultural land established in the 1800s, it became a State forest in 1939. A third of the forest was planted as an arboretum, and the remainder is naturally generated.
One of the biggest attractions for families is the Tree Tops Adventure Park. Glades of Bunya Pines that reach a height of 40 feet provide challenges to participants to slide down flying foxes and move from tree to tree on suspension bridges, ladders, and tunnels. Children and adults climb tall trees using ladders. The treetops adventure courses cater for four different groups – Junior (3-7 Years), Beginner (8+ years), Intermediate (10+ years), and Expert (13 + years). It is an exciting way to explore the forest. This challenge will boost confidence, fear of heights, etc.
The website for online booking for this adventure is below.
A network of walking trails exists in this forest. The Sensory Trail is a 350m loop that takes about 30 minutes. The Palm Gully Trail is 1 km, and the Forestry Trail is 1.3 km; both would take about an hour each. Tall trees on either side of the trail remind us of the importance of trees for the ecosystem. It was pure joy to walk, listening to birds singing and frogs croaking in the puddle of rainwater. Walking tracks are pretty smooth and easy to tread on, sometimes steep and occasionally rough. We were away from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
A beautiful Café and a commercial garden centre are in the forest. A variety of colourful plants are available in the garden centre.
The café adjoining the garden centre offers light meals and drinks. The staff are friendly and provide good service. We enjoyed cake and coffee in the peaceful environment. Many customers had their pet dogs with them in the outdoor cafeteria area. People who stroll in the forest with their pets end up in this café.
Few people were enjoying their food in the picnic area.
The pollution around us makes our minds and bodies poisonous. We don’t realise how much we deprive our bodily functions by breathing polluted air. The walking trails in this urban forest provide clean air for our minds and bodies.
Visitors can enjoy nighttime adventures watching possums, owls, and birds. There are activities for preschoolers and school educational programs.
Travel and Food with Yoga 