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  2. /Parks
  3. /The Hills
  4. /West Pennant Hills
  5. /Cumberland State Forest

Cumberland State Forest

Dogs welcome — rules apply•Dog rules
Dog rating

Updated 15 Apr 2026

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Cumberland State Forest is a dog-friendly on-leash walking area with well-maintained trails through established forest. There are BBQ areas, toilets, and a garden centre on site. The shade and tree coverage make it pleasant even on warm days. It's one of the more accessible state forests near Sydney for an on-leash bushland walk.

Dog rules

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, dogs must be on-leash at all times in all parks and public places. Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of children's playground equipment and food preparation areas, from active sports fields during organised sport, public bathing areas, school grounds, and child care centres. Dog faeces must be removed immediately. (Source: The Hills Shire Council — Stay out of the Doghouse, thehills.nsw.gov.au.)

At a glance

Shade availableFrom reviews
Toilets nearbyFrom reviews
On-leash onlyFrom reviews
BBQsFrom reviews
95 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125
Get directionsVisit website

Before you go

  • 💧No confirmed drinking water — bring your own to be safe.
  • 🗑Poo bags not confirmed — best to bring your own.

What people say

AMAllan's M.
Google Maps
★★★★★9 months ago

Amazing state forest, lots of walking trails, dog friendly. Nature's beauty 👌

HRHorace R.
Google Maps
★★★★★5 years ago

What a great place for relaxation. Beautiful maintained BBQ area's. I love the garden centre. And the best part is that you can bring your dog along for the day with the family. (🐕 on leash) Restrooms🚻 could do with extra cleaning. And hand wash should be provided at all restrooms.

ASAdam S.
Google Maps
★★★★★6 months ago

In north-west Sydney, the Cumberland State Forest is a great place in the heart of the 'Hills District' for a walk amongst nature. There are numerous tracks to walk of varying lengths. Feel the temperature change as they drop down into the lush green coolness along the creeks and streams, shaded by the canopy above. Listen to the Kookaburras as they fly above amongst the trees. There are various picnic areas with toilets and bbqs as well as a Cafe with a great choice of food. There is also a Treetops Adventure area for those who want to get up into the trees. The Cumberland State Forest is also a great place to take your fur baby for a walk.

NANehemiah A.
Google Maps
★★★★★1 year ago

This natural forrest is an awesome local get away in the middle of the suburban sprawl. This picturesque forest, with its peaceful picnic grounds, it also has various bush tracks for a walk through nature. All centres around a charming nursery which has a beautiful setting, specialising in Australian natives and has a variety of rare plants, shrubs and trees. The team are experts, really interested in assisting you with expert advice. There is a cozy café that is right next to the nursery with good coffee. This urban forest, nursery and cafe is a hidden gem that invites visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and find solace in its beauty. Well worth a visit!

TGTristan G.
Google Maps
★★★★☆3 years ago

Followed gps to find the road it was taking us (Bryant I think) was blocked off so was very frustrating find the place as we have never been before. But once we found where it was it was quite cute. Very cheap plants compared to any other nurseries. Very good quality plants considering the cheapness. Just don't get your soils here as they are twice the price as bunnings for the exact same stuff Very helpful staff were there. Didn't get to try but there is a little Cafe there incase you want to rest your feet after a day's spending.

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95 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125
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How we know this

We check council regulations, official sources, and community reviews to verify dog access at every venue. Access may change — always check on-site signage. Something wrong or missing? Submit feedback. How it works.