Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra, Canberra, Australia | Park

As a result of the expanding population and the proximity of Stromlo Forest Park to the developing suburbs of Weston Creek, the forest was opened to the public for recreational purposes in 1967. The Forest quickly became an important recreational resource for many Canberran's, particularly those in Weston Creek.

To cater for the increasing number of recreational horse riders in the area, equestrian facilities began to appear. Mrs Llewelyn opened her riding school 'Llanelly' on Lady Denman Drive in the 1960's and many riders agisted their horses at the de Salis' property 'Weston' in Weston Creek. They road their horses to the Equestrian Park at Curtin for Pony Club and through the Stromlo Forest Park for recreation and exercise.

In time, as the economic base of Canberra changed, the long-term viability of the forestry industry in the ACT became a regular topic of discussion. With popular recreational activities such as running, walking, dog sledding, bike riding, horse riding and the occasional car rally, Stromlo Forest Park was becoming a hive of activities for the community.

As part of the celebration of the Australia's 200th birthday, Stromlo Forest was integrated into the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) the longest marked non-motorised self-reliant multi-use trekking route in the world, stretching an extraordinary 5,330 kilometres from Cooktown in tropical North Queensland, to Healesville in Victoria. The BNT links up with the ACT equestrian trail system to provide access from Stromlo to Equestrian Park at Curtin and other riding areas in north and south Canberra.