ENTERTAINMENT VENUES TUGGERAH

Watagan, Olney, Heaton, Awaba, Ourimbah and Wyong State Forests, collectively known as 'The Watagans' are part of a chain of State Forests which start from Ourimbah in the south and stretch north to Cessnock. These State Forests are considered nature's playground for the range of nature-based activities available in the area. These forests contain not only beautiful mountain scenery but have all the necessary facilities for day-trippers, bushwalkers, four wheel drivers and campers. There are also treetop adventures, paintball games and mountain biking in the area. To get to the Watagans travel from Wyong via Dooralong Road and pick up the Watagan Forest Road. From Cooranbong travel via Martinsville and pick up Martinsville Hill Road or Freemans Drive and then onto Mount Faulk Road.

The Australian Rainforest Sanctuary was opened in 1985 as a conservation and education centre. The sanctuary offers a unique chance to experience and learn about the life cycle of an authentic Australian rainforest. It is viewed as a work of art, using the natural shapes and colours of the rainforest as a canvas for a wide variety of ever-changing views and vistas. The Sanctuary is home to almost 200 species of rainforest flora and is home to more than 126 species of native birds. You'll do well to find a more beautiful setting for a picnic, barbecue or that special occasion. The sanctuary's facilities include five kilometres of natural walking trails; covered picnic areas; function centre available for weddings, engagements, corporate events and more; education centre; natural lighting areas; children's play equipment; gas token barbecues; light refreshments; and there's so much more.

The entrance to Strickland State Forest is at the top of Mangrove Road, Somersby. For a small day-use forest (293 square kilometres), Strickland contains an impressive diversity of flora and fauna: wildflowers, heath woodland, tall eucalypts and lush rainforest. Strickland was the site of the first government forest nursery (1886 - 1890) and national forestry training school (1920 - 1927). Remnants of native and exotic tree plantings established during those times, known as an arboretum, are among the oldest in Australia. Picnic facilities are set in dry eucalypt forest and include picnic tables, a large all-weather shelter, fireplaces and toilets. Extensive and well-built walking trails feature cabbage tree palms, rainforest vegetation and meander through the arboretum. Strickland State Forest offers a tranquil and unique Australian forest experience.