Frenchs Forest: Reserves, Play and Swimming

Frenchs Forest brings together a range of interests for a stay: bushland reserves, a raised boardwalk through a restored landscape, and play and swimming options. If you’re looking for a hotel in Frenchs Forest, these destinations can help you prioritize your interests for your visit. The selection ranges from small reserves to a 15-hectare bushland area and several types of pool at Warringah Aquatic Centre.

Bushland reserves in Frenchs Forest

Ararat Bushland Reserve is a small bushland reserve south of the playing fields, which are also part of the Bantry Bay Bushland Reserves. Bantry Bay Bushland Reserve is at 78–90 Bantry Bay Road, between Wakehurst Parkway and Bantry Bay Road. If you want to identify one of these reserves specifically, the Bantry Bay address provides a precise street location, while Ararat is located by its position south of the playing fields.

Blue Gum Reserve is also small. Wellman Reserve, also known as Fitzpatrick Reserve, is a large bushland area covering 15 hectares. Wellman and Fitzpatrick are two names for the same reserve. This gives a clear comparison of size: Ararat and Blue Gum are described as small reserves, while Wellman is a large area with a stated size.

Nandi Reserve borders Garigal National Park and Oxford Falls; Ku-ring-gai National Park lies beyond them. These relationships provide specific geographic reference points for Nandi Reserve. They differ from the area measurement given for Wellman: here, the neighboring places and protected areas are the key landscape references.

Playgrounds and other leisure destinations

Frenchs Forest Showground has an inclusive playground, toilets, other facilities, and a car park. These amenities distinguish the showground from the bushland reserves described above. As facilities can change, check the latest council information before your visit.

Dogs may be off leash at any time in the fenced showground area and the fenced small-dog area. The off-leash dog exercise area is lit until 9:30 pm. When planning a visit with a dog, both the clearly designated areas and the difference between the all-day off-leash permission and the lighting hours are relevant. Rules and access can change; check the council’s information before you travel.

Warringah Aquatic Centre has an Olympic-size swimming pool, a diving pool, and a 25-metre outdoor lap pool. The different pool types cater to different activities. If you’re looking to swim laps outdoors, the outdoor pool is specifically designed for that; there is also an Olympic-size swimming pool and a separate diving pool.

Boardwalk and nature play at Brick Pit Reserve

At Brick Pit Reserve, a raised, accessible circular boardwalk route passes through a restored landscape and offers insight into its historical significance. The route thus connects the reserve’s landscape with a historical perspective. The playground at Brick Pit Reserve has swings, slides, a climbing frame, and opportunities for nature play. The reserve upgrade was completed in 2025; check the council information about playground facilities before your visit.

The destinations therefore cater to different interests: bushland and named landscape features at the reserves, play options at the showground and Brick Pit Reserve, and different types of pool at the aquatic centre. This lets you plan your visit to Frenchs Forest around specific places and features instead of treating all leisure destinations as alike.

For the broader travel overview: Warringah Council.