There’s a peculiar pleasure in walking a trail that was once a cow pasture. At Dairy Farm Nature Park in Singapore, that contrast is the whole point: a former dairy farm turned into a 63-hectare green space where hiking trails, birdwatching, and quiet walks have replaced the old milking sheds.

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Area: 63 hectares ·
Opening hours: 7am – 7pm daily ·
Parking: 126 car lots ·
Wallace Trail length: 2.2 km ·
Dog policy: Leashed on designated routes

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact historical dates of the Cold Storage dairy farm operation
  • Whether the park is fully open during renovation periods
3Timeline signal
  • Early 1900s: Cold Storage dairy farm operates on site
  • 2003: Dairy Farm Nature Park opens to public
  • 2010: Wallace Trail established
  • 2020: Education centre and quarry viewing platforms upgraded
4What’s next
  • Plan your visit: check the NParks page for any closures
  • Book a guided walk for groups of 30+ (permit required 1 month ahead) (NParks page)

Eight key facts at a glance, from address to trail length:

Label Value
Official name Dairy Farm Nature Park
Location 100 Dairy Farm Road, Singapore 679057
Size 63 hectares
Opened 2003
Opening hours 7am – 7pm daily
Parking 126 car lots (Carpark A: 50, Carpark B: 76)
Dog friendly Yes (on leash, limited area)
Wallace Trail length 2.2 km

What time does Dairy Farm Nature Park open?

The park itself opens at 7am and closes at 7pm daily, according to NParks (Singapore’s national park authority). That’s the general gate hours — but specific facilities have their own schedules.

Are there different opening hours for the education centre?

Yes. The Wallace Education Centre opens at 8:30am and closes at 5:00pm daily, except Mondays when it is closed (NParks). The Singapore Quarry viewing platform is accessible from 8:00am to 6:30pm.

Is the park open on public holidays?

Yes, the park remains open every day of the year, including public holidays. The education centre, however, follows its Monday closure even on public holidays that fall on Monday (NParks).

What is the last admission time?

There is no official “last admission” — the park gates close at 7pm, so plan to exit by then. Trails are not lit, so aim to finish hikes before dusk.

The catch

The park’s 7pm close means you lose about 30 minutes of usable daylight compared to the 7am–7pm window. Late afternoon visits (after 4pm) are popular but leave little buffer for the 2.2 km Wallace Trail.

Is Dairy Farm Nature Park dog friendly?

Yes, but with important restrictions. According to NParks, dogs on a leash are allowed only from Carpark A to the Singapore Quarry — not on the Wallace Trail or other forest trails. This is to protect wildlife.

Are dogs allowed on all trails?

No. The Wallace Trail is strictly off-limits to dogs. The only dog-permitted route is the paved path from Carpark A to the Singapore Quarry viewing platform.

What are the leash rules?

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are required to carry waste bags and clean up after their pets. The park does not provide dog waste stations on the trail.

Are there dog waste stations?

No dedicated dog waste stations are mentioned on the NParks page. Bring your own bags.

Why this matters

If you own a dog that needs a long walk, Dairy Farm Nature Park is not the place for it — the only dog-friendly stretch is a short paved path. For a full hike, consider leaving your dog at home.

How long is the Wallace Trail?

The Wallace Trail is 2.2 km long, according to NParks. It runs from Hillview MRT Station to the Wallace Education Centre, taking about 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace.

Is the Wallace Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes. The trail is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels. It’s a popular choice for families with children and casual walkers.

Are there other trails in the park?

Yes. The Dairy Farm Loop is about 1.5 km of moderate terrain, and the Singapore Quarry walk is a 1 km easy path. Mountain biking trails are also available for experienced riders.

What is the difficulty level of the Wallace Trail?

Easy. The trail is mostly flat with gentle slopes, suitable for beginners and seniors. No special gear is needed beyond comfortable shoes and water.

The verdict: The Wallace Trail delivers a manageable 2.2 km walk through history, but dog owners and late-afternoon visitors need to adjust their plans accordingly.

What is the history of Dairy Farm Nature Park?

The land was originally a dairy farm operated by Cold Storage in the early 20th century. The company used the site to supply fresh milk to Singapore. After the dairy closed, the area was repurposed as a nature park, officially opening in 2003 (Wikipedia).

When did the dairy farm operate?

Cold Storage established the dairy farm in the early 1900s, but exact start and end dates are not well documented. The name “Dairy Farm” remains as a nod to the site’s agricultural heritage.

When did it become a nature park?

The park was officially opened to the public in 2003 after conservation efforts by the National Parks Board. The Wallace Trail was added in 2010.

What is the significance of the name ‘Dairy Farm’?

The name reflects the site’s history as a working dairy farm. The trail is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the British naturalist who collected about 700 species of beetles in the vicinity of the Dairy Farm site in 1854 (NParks Wallace Trail PDF).

Historical significance

The transformation from dairy farm to biodiversity hotspot shows how Singapore repurposes agricultural land for conservation. The park now hosts species that would have been common when cattle grazed here a century ago.

What activities can you do at Dairy Farm Nature Park?

The park offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and birdwatching to mountain biking and educational programs at the Singapore Quarry.

Can you go birdwatching?

Absolutely. Dairy Farm Nature Park is a known birdwatching hotspot. Species like the Straw-headed Bulbul, Blue-winged Pitta, and Rufous-coloured Kingfisher can be spotted. The park is listed on eBird as a popular location for birders.

Are there guided walks?

Yes. NParks organises guided walks, especially for school groups and community events. For groups larger than 30 people, a permit is required at least one month in advance (NParks).

Can you cycle in the park?

Cycling is allowed on designated mountain biking trails. The park is part of the Bukit Timah mountain biking network. Bicycles are not permitted on the Wallace Trail or the Quarry walk.

The upshot

For a quick escape from the city, Dairy Farm Nature Park delivers more than its size suggests. The Wallace Trail alone is a micro-history lesson: a 2.2 km walk that connects a 19th-century naturalist’s beetle collection with a 21st-century urban park.

Additional sources

thesmartlocal.com, holidify.com, tripadvisor.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, trip.com, tripadvisor.com, fussymama.sg, nparks.gov.sg

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Frequently asked questions

Can I have a picnic at Dairy Farm Nature Park?

Yes, picnics are allowed in designated areas. There are benches and shelters near the education centre. Please dispose of rubbish properly.

Is there an entrance fee to Dairy Farm Nature Park?

No, the park is free to enter. No tickets or fees are required.

What should I bring for a visit to Dairy Farm Nature Park?

Bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars if you plan to birdwatch.

Are there restrooms available at Dairy Farm Nature Park?

Yes, restrooms are available at the Wallace Education Centre and near Carpark B.

What is the nearest MRT station to Dairy Farm Nature Park?

Hillview MRT (Downtown Line) is the closest station. Take Exit A and follow the signs to the park entrance.

Can I go trail running at Dairy Farm Nature Park?

Yes, the Wallace Trail and Dairy Farm Loop are suitable for trail running. Watch out for cyclists on the mountain biking trails.

Is there a visitor centre or information desk?

The Wallace Education Centre serves as the main information point, with maps and exhibits. It is open 8:30am–5pm, closed Mondays.

Are there any age restrictions for the trails?

No age restrictions. The Wallace Trail is family-friendly, but supervision is recommended for young children.

Dairy Farm Nature Park is a small but rich patch of green in Singapore’s Bukit Timah area. For the casual walker, it offers a quick dose of nature without leaving the city. For the dedicated birder, it’s a reliable spot for rare species. The trade-off is clear: you trade the freedom of a full dog-friendly park for a compact, history-steeped trail that few other Singapore parks can match. For the visitor relying on public transport, the Hillview MRT connection makes it one of the most accessible nature parks in the country.