Living in Frenchs Forest means you do not have to go far to enjoy the outdoors. Bushland, sports fields, walking tracks, dog-friendly spots, and family recreation areas are all close by, so locals have many ways to stay active.
Whether you like to run trails in the morning, ride your mountain bike, play ball with the kids, or take the dog for a run, here are some of the best fitness-friendly parks and open spaces in and around Frenchs Forest.
Garigal National Park
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: 0 to 5 km, depending on the trailhead
Garigal National Park sits right next to the Forest area, so many residents have bushland just outside their door. There are walking tracks and fire trails for bushwalkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers, making it easy to turn a simple walk into a tougher workout.
The Stepping Stone Crossing to Cascades trail is a good way to get moving. It is 2.6 km one way and works for both walking and mountain biking.
Manly Dam
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: around 5 km, depending on the access point
If you want a longer walk or ride, Manly Dam is right next to Frenchs Forest and has lots of options. The Park Circuit Track is 7.3 km long, with steps, obstacles, and some steep parts, so it is a good pick if you want more than just a casual stroll. Some parts of the track are shared with mountain bikers.
You can do the whole circuit, go for a trail run, or make it a family day with a walk and some time to relax around the reserve.
Frenchs Forest Showground
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: around 3 to 4 km
Dogs need exercise too, and Frenchs Forest Showground is one of the best places for them. There are two fenced off-leash areas, including a smaller space just for small or shy dogs.
For owners, it is an easy way to get more walking and outdoor time while letting the dog run. Being next to Lionel Watts Reserve also makes this a great local spot for recreation.
Lionel Watts Reserve
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: around 3 to 4 km
If your family likes sports, scooters, bikes, or playground time, Lionel Watts Reserve is a great choice. It has sports facilities, a skate park, an inclusive playground, and over 800 metres of shared paths.
The playground has climbing, swings, flying foxes, and nature play, so younger kids can stay active without it feeling like a workout.
If you bring your dog along, the off-leash areas at Frenchs Forest Showground next door make it easy to fit in different activities on the same outing.
Aquatic Reserve and Warringah Aquatic Centre
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: around 3 to 4 km
Not every workout needs to involve a bush track. Aquatic Reserve on Aquatic Drive has sports and skating facilities, so it is a good spot for active families and teens. The nearby Warringah Aquatic Centre also offers swimming, giving locals another way to mix up their weekly exercise.
It is particularly handy when you want something different from walking, running, or cycling, but still want to stay close to home.
Narrabeen Lagoon
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: around 7 to 10 km, depending on the access point
Narrabeen Lagoon is a great option if you prefer a flatter walk, run or bike ride. The shared trail around the lagoon is about 8.4 km and is designed for walkers, cyclists and people of different fitness levels, with access points including Middle Creek Reserve, Berry Reserve and Jamieson Park.
The mostly level route makes it easy to choose between a shorter outing and completing the full loop. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds around the lagoon, so it works well for families who want to combine exercise with some time outdoors. Dogs are allowed on much of the trail when kept on a leash, although they are prohibited from some wildlife protection areas.
Davidson Park
Approx. distance from central Frenchs Forest: around 4 km
Davidson Park gives you another way to get active without travelling far. Located beside Middle Harbour Creek in Garigal National Park, it offers open grassy areas as well as access for canoeing and kayaking, with two dedicated canoe launch ramps.
If you would rather stay on land, the Davidson Park to Stepping Stone Crossing walk begins here and follows Middle Harbour Creek for 5.2 km one way. It is a Grade 3 walk with some short steep sections, making it a good option when you want something more challenging than a neighbourhood walk.
An active lifestyle close to home
These places are not just great because of all the activities, but also because they fit easily into daily life. You can walk the dog at the Showground, play Saturday sport at Lionel Watts, hit the trails in Garigal, or do a longer weekend circuit at Manly Dam – there are plenty of ways to keep moving.
For families thinking about Frenchs Forest, having bushland, recreation, and open space nearby is another reason to love the area. If you are looking to buy or sell in Frenchs Forest, talk to JDH Real Estate about the homes, streets, and local lifestyle features that matter to buyers.
