Discover Frenchs Forest

Frenchs Forest has many different facets: bushland reserves with specific location details, an elevated boardwalk through a restored landscape, and recreational activities for play, dogs and swimming. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can match your choice of location to the activities you want to enjoy during your holiday: are nature areas, places to play, a visit to the aquatic centre or an off-leash area your priority? The different destinations offer several points to help you decide.

Bushland and location details

Wellman Reserve, also known as Fitzpatrick Reserve, is a large bushland area in the suburb of Frenchs Forest and covers 15 hectares. This area figure contrasts sharply with Blue Gum Reserve and Ararat Bushland Reserve, which are described as small. Blue Gum is in Frenchs Forest; Ararat is south of the playing fields, which are also part of the Bantry Bay Bushland Reserves.

Other location details distinguish these natural areas. Bantry Bay Bushland Reserve is in Frenchs Forest at 78–90 Bantry Bay Road, between Wakehurst Parkway and Bantry Bay Road. Nandi Reserve borders Garigal National Park and Oxford Falls; Ku-ring-gai National Park lies beyond. If you want to include nature areas in your travel plans, these provide different points of reference: a specific street location for Bantry Bay Bushland Reserve and neighbouring areas for Nandi Reserve.

Boardwalk, play and recreation

At Brick Pit Reserve, an elevated, accessible boardwalk loop passes through a restored landscape and offers insight into its historical significance. The playground has swings, slides, climbing equipment and opportunities for nature play. The reserve’s renewal was completed in 2025; check the Council’s current information before visiting.

Frenchs Forest Showground has an inclusive playground, toilets, other facilities and a car park. For families comparing places to play, the difference lies in the features mentioned: at Brick Pit Reserve, the play equipment and nature play are specified, while the playground at the Showground is described as inclusive; toilets, other facilities and a car park are also listed there.

For trips with a dog, the designated off-leash areas are a practical point to consider. Dogs can run off-leash around the clock in the fenced Showground area and in the fenced small-dog area. The dog exercise area is lit until 9:30 pm. As rules and access conditions may change, check with the Council before travelling.

Warringah Aquatic Centre has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a diving pool and a 25-metre outdoor lap pool. The different pool types offer a practical point of reference if swimming is part of your travel plans. For day planning, it’s a good idea to check the Council’s latest information.

Whether your choice of holiday rental is guided mainly by bushland, places to play, time with your dog or swimming, the destinations described offer different ways to shape your stay in Frenchs Forest.

For the broader travel overview: Warringah Council.