Last fact-check: 25 October 2026 | Bukit Timah, Singapore. Did you know that a quiet forest trail near Bukit Timah takes its name from one of the pioneers of evolutionary biology—and ends beside a former cow shed now used for nature learning? Dairy Farm Nature Park is already an established destination, but knowing its separate hours and paths will make a 2027 family visit much easier.
Imagine arriving at 6pm hoping to see the Wallace Education Centre, Singapore Quarry and the park in a single hour. The park may still be within its general opening hours, but the education centre closes earlier and the quarry has a different schedule. The smarter plan is to treat the three as related attractions with separate rules.
Quick answer: NParks lists Dairy Farm Nature Park at 100 Dairy Farm Road, with 75 hectares of parkland and general hours of 7am–7pm. The Wallace Education Centre opens 8.30am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday, and closes on Mondays; Singapore Quarry opens 8am–6.30pm daily. The Wallace Trail is an easy-to-moderate 2.2km one-way walk from Hillview MRT to the education centre, with NParks estimating around an hour. Wheelchair access is listed only from Carpark B to Wallace Education Centre, and pet restrictions differ by trail. No new 2027 opening for the entire park is announced: what matters is using currently open routes and checking future closures.
The 2027 outlook is described without inventing an opening date. Finished places, designated heritage sites and future design ideas are different things. For current access, rely on the agency responsible for the specific building or park.
Did you know? Five essentials
- Park hours: 7am–7pm daily; the other attractions inside have their own schedules.
- Wallace Education Centre: 8.30am–5pm on Tuesdays through Sundays; closed Mondays.
- Singapore Quarry: Scenic water-filled quarry open 8am–6.30pm daily, subject to current notices.
- Trail: Wallace Trail 2.2km one way from Hillview MRT to the education centre, easy to moderate.
- Accessibility and pets: Step-free listed route is Carpark B to the education centre; no pets on Wallace Trail, but leashed pets are permitted along the separate Carpark A–Singapore Quarry route.
The 2026–2027 timeline at a glance
| When | What it means |
|---|---|
| Historic era | The area once had dairy-farming and kampung activities; the former cow shed survives as an education venue. |
| 2025 | NParks published the Wallace Education Centre’s regular schedule and educational exhibits. |
| 27 January 2026 | NParks’ updated Dairy Farm Nature Park listing described the 75ha park, separate attraction hours and access rules. |
| 25 October 2026 | The park and Wallace Trail are existing destinations, not projects awaiting a 2027 launch. |
| During 2027 | Visitors can use open trails and the centre during published hours, subject to later NParks maintenance or closure notices. |
| Beyond 2027 | Nearby nature and ecological corridor plans may evolve separately; the park’s conservation and visitor rules remain subject to agency updates. |
Choose your reading route
- Where is Dairy Farm Nature Park?
- What makes the Wallace Trail suitable for a family walk?
- Who was Alfred Russel Wallace?
- What is inside the Wallace Education Centre?
- Why are there two very different quarry landscapes?
- What wildlife might visitors notice?
- Can wheelchair users reach the education centre?
- Are dogs allowed at Dairy Farm Nature Park?
- Can cyclists and hikers use the same paths?
- How do the opening hours affect a 2027 itinerary?
- What will happen from now until the end of 2027?
- Frequently asked questions
- Official sources and further reading
Where is Dairy Farm Nature Park?
Dairy Farm Nature Park lies in Singapore’s Upper Bukit Timah and Hillview nature belt. NParks’ visitor address is 100 Dairy Farm Road, and Hillview MRT on the Downtown Line is a useful public transport starting point.
Unlike a single paved garden, the park combines forest paths, an education centre and scenic former quarry sites. That variety is why a first visit is easier when you choose one or two objectives rather than trying to see every corner.
Two car parks serve different ends of the park. Carpark A is closer to Hillview MRT, while Carpark B is nearer the Wallace Education Centre. They have different capacities and can become busy at popular visiting times.
The nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has its own steep summit hikes. Dairy Farm Nature Park is a different managed green space, with a range of routes and biodiversity experiences.
The best starting reference is NParks’ Dairy Farm Nature Park page.
What makes the Wallace Trail suitable for a family walk?
NParks describes Wallace Trail as a 2.2km easy-to-moderate route beginning around Hillview MRT and continuing to the Wallace Education Centre. It estimates about one hour for the one-way walk.
The route passes trees, streams and areas linked to the former kampung landscape, making it a living classroom for observing plant growth, butterflies and birds. You do not need to reach a difficult hill summit to enjoy the park’s biodiversity.
One way is the important phrase. A two-way outing may require retracing part of the trail or choosing a suitable return route; do not assume that the published 2.2km includes walking back to the MRT.
Walking times vary with weather, children’s ages, rest breaks and ground conditions. In humid conditions, allow enough time for water and for stopping to observe nature from designated paths.
Choose suitable closed shoes and pay attention to signs, particularly after heavy rain. Rustic paths can be uneven even when NParks rates the walk easy to moderate.
See NParks’ Wallace Trail route guide for distance and difficulty.
Who was Alfred Russel Wallace?
Alfred Russel Wallace was a 19th-century naturalist whose work on species, geographic distribution and natural selection contributed to the development of evolutionary biology. He spent years studying the natural history of the Malay Archipelago.
The trail and education centre honour his contributions. This is a good chance for students to see that science is often based on careful observation over time, not simply memorising a textbook definition.
The visitor might ask why two nearby locations contain different plant or animal species, or why a stream changes the plants growing alongside it. These are questions about habitat and ecology that connect directly with the spirit of Wallace’s research.
Wallace’s historical life is more complex than a single plaque. Visiting the centre can introduce his ideas while encouraging students to look at nature with their own eyes.
Children do not need advanced biology to participate: a notebook recording leaves, butterflies, sound and light is a useful start.
What is inside the Wallace Education Centre?
The Wallace Education Centre occupies a former cow shed that has been reused as an educational gallery. Its exhibits introduce biodiversity, biogeography and the natural history of the region.
NParks describes a permanent exhibition about Wallace and interactive features such as a Citizen Science Lab, biodiversity models and hands-on observation activities. The venue also supports suitable school learning visits.
The building’s change of purpose is part of its appeal. A structure associated with farming now helps visitors learn about the broader natural landscape. It demonstrates how heritage and education can coexist without inventing a new building.
Check the opening schedule before travelling: 8.30am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays, with Mondays closed. The broader park’s 7am–7pm hours do not extend the education centre’s opening.
For groups involving more than 30 people, NParks requires a permit and directs school visitors to arrange educational bookings. Do not turn a walk-up family outing into an unannounced large event.
The official description is NParks’ Wallace Education Centre amenities page.
Why are there two very different quarry landscapes?
Dairy Farm Nature Park contains reminders of Singapore’s historic granite quarrying. NParks describes Dairy Farm Quarry as an exposed rock-cliff landscape that is now filled with earth, while Singapore Quarry has filled with water and become a lake.
This distinction is helpful because people sometimes search for ‘Dairy Farm quarry lake’ without identifying which location they want. The water-filled Singapore Quarry is known for birdwatching; the more exposed rock faces at Dairy Farm Quarry tell a different geological story.
Quarry viewpoints may have barriers and designated stopping points for safety. The cliffs and waters are not public swimming spots, and visitors should not leave authorised paths for photographs.
Singapore Quarry has its own hours of 8am to 6.30pm daily. That is not the same schedule as Wallace Education Centre and should be confirmed before a late afternoon visit.
Students can compare human land use and ecological recovery: a place once altered for construction materials can become valuable habitat when active quarrying ceases.
What wildlife might visitors notice?
NParks highlights plants from the former kampung landscape, including rambutan, jackfruit and mango trees, as well as butterflies, birds and other forest species.
At Singapore Quarry, the wetland and lake environment can attract dragonflies and birds including kingfishers. A wildlife encounter is never guaranteed; the experience depends on time, season, weather and whether visitors remain quiet.
Use binoculars if you have them, but avoid chasing animals, playing loud calls or feeding wildlife. Remaining on the path protects vegetation and makes encounters safer for people and animals.
An educational family activity is to compare three habitats: forest shade along Wallace Trail, the former quarry’s open rock and the lake edge. Notice how light, moisture and plant cover differ.
Nature learning becomes richer when children describe observations rather than racing to tick off a list of supposedly guaranteed animal sightings.
Can wheelchair users reach the education centre?
NParks’ park listing specifies wheelchair accessibility only from Carpark B to Wallace Education Centre. This is a precise boundary and should not be misread as a guarantee that every forest route, quarry lookout or entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Families using mobility aids should begin with the stated accessible approach and verify current maintenance conditions. Slopes, path width and rest opportunities matter to different users.
The Wallace Trail itself is a rustic route and has an easy-to-moderate hiking rating, not a park-wide wheelchair guarantee. Similarly, the nearby Singapore Quarry path may involve different surfaces and access points.
Accessibility is more helpful when reported for a specific path rather than a generic park icon. A visitor can then make a suitable plan without arriving at the wrong end of the park.
If the centre’s accessibility arrangements change during future works, NParks’ current on-site signage should supersede this dated description.
Are dogs allowed at Dairy Farm Nature Park?
The rules vary according to location. NParks says pets are not allowed on Wallace Trail to protect wildlife. Leashed pets are permitted only along the Carpark A to Singapore Quarry route under its published park guidance.
That means a family walking a dog should not decide that every route in the park is open to pets simply because another park nearby allows leashed animals.
A visitor with a pet needs to identify the specific permitted route and keep to it. Nearby protected nature areas also have their own rules, which may be stricter.
These restrictions help limit disturbance to wildlife and sensitive habitat. A dog exploring a forest undergrowth area can disturb ground-dwelling species even when its owner has no intention of causing harm.
Check the latest NParks guidance before arriving because temporary restrictions or site maintenance can affect a particular path.
Can cyclists and hikers use the same paths?
Dairy Farm Nature Park includes areas used for hiking and mountain biking, but this does not imply all paths are open to every user. NParks publishes separate hiking and mountain-biking etiquette for safety and environmental protection.
Mountain bikers should keep to designated cycling routes, control speed and yield according to official park signs. Hikers should avoid wandering into cycling-only trails or taking shortcuts through vegetation.
Shared green spaces work best when people respect the different physical demands of each activity. A cyclist travelling quickly downhill and a child inspecting a butterfly have different safety needs.
If you are unsure which route applies, consult the current park map at the entrance. An older online GPX route or social-media video can become inaccurate after changes in access.
Nature recreation should never depend on damaging a trail, frightening wildlife or blocking other visitors.
How do the opening hours affect a 2027 itinerary?
Start with the most time-sensitive venue. If you want the Wallace Education Centre, plan a Tuesday–Sunday visit before its 5pm closing. A Monday trip can still include parts of the park, but the centre is closed.
Next consider Singapore Quarry. Its 8am–6.30pm visiting hours provide a different window, while the park overall is listed as open 7am–7pm.
Build in enough time for the 2.2km Wallace Trail if that is part of the day. NParks’ one-hour estimate is one way only, and photography, children and rest breaks can add time.
Watch the weather. Thunderstorms, very heavy rain and wet trails can change the safety of the outing, regardless of the posted opening hours.
End the trip without hurrying along dark paths. A relaxed two-hour nature experience is better than trying to visit three separate destinations immediately before they close.
- Check separate park, centre and quarry hours before leaving.
- Pick one or two highlights rather than treating the 75ha park as a single short route.
- Use Hillview MRT or the correct car park according to your destination.
- Allow one hour or more for the 2.2km one-way Wallace Trail, plus an appropriate return.
- Follow trail-specific pet, cycling, accessibility and group-permit rules.
- Stay on open paths and postpone outdoor walks during thunderstorms.
What will happen from now until the end of 2027?
The park itself is already open in 2026. There is no need to describe Wallace Trail, the education centre or Singapore Quarry as attractions that will only begin operating in 2027.
The practical 2027 changes to monitor are NParks notices about trail maintenance, accessibility, visitor programming, exhibitions or temporary closures. These may change what is suitable on a particular visit even if the park’s general role remains the same.
The broader Bukit Timah area is also gaining future green links through projects such as the Bukit Timah–Rochor Green Corridor and Clementi Nature Corridor. Those have distinct locations and staged timelines; their targets should not be copied onto Dairy Farm Nature Park.
Families can use the open park now to build a habit of local nature learning. A few visits at different seasons may reveal more than one rushed excursion to a distant attraction.
The most important insight is timeless: a protected nature space is valuable because people can experience it without compromising the habitats that make it special.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dairy Farm Nature Park?
NParks lists the visitor address as 100 Dairy Farm Road, with Hillview MRT as a nearby station.
How big is the park?
Approximately 75 hectares according to NParks.
What are the main park hours?
7am to 7pm, subject to any subsequent park closure notices.
When does Wallace Education Centre open?
8.30am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays.
Is Wallace Trail 2.2km for a round trip?
No. NParks describes about 2.2km one way from Hillview MRT toward the education centre.
How difficult is Wallace Trail?
NParks rates it easy to moderate, estimating approximately one hour one way.
When can I visit Singapore Quarry?
NParks lists 8am to 6.30pm daily, with current notices taking precedence.
Can I bring a dog?
Not on Wallace Trail. Leashed pets are permitted along the separate Carpark A–Singapore Quarry route under current rules.
Is the whole park wheelchair accessible?
No. NParks identifies wheelchair access only from Carpark B to Wallace Education Centre.
Do large school groups need permission?
NParks requires an advance permit for groups larger than 30, with educational bookings arranged separately as directed.
Are there cows at Dairy Farm Nature Park?
No. The old cow shed now houses Wallace Education Centre, but the park is not a working dairy farm.
Is there a new 2027 park opening?
The park, Wallace Trail and centre already exist. Check NParks for any future upgrades or temporary access changes.
Official sources and further reading
The following public-agency resources support the present-day facts and announced plans. Check them again for new access conditions and project decisions after 25 October 2026.
- NParks: Dairy Farm Nature Park 2026 visiting hours, accessibility, parking and pet rules
- NParks: Wallace Trail and nature walks
- NParks: Wallace Education Centre opening times, learning exhibits and groups
- NParks: Nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for separate summit activities
- URA: Wider Bukit Timah and Central Region greenery network
Related local reading: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve hiking rules · Upper Bukit Timah rail and heritage access · The region’s future nature connections · Latest for Bukit Timah 2026–2027 collection.
Read the other latest Bukit Timah neighbourhood guides
- De Souza Avenue 2026 land sale and 2027 housing timeline
- Old Jurong Road environmental study and forest planning
- Turf City historic grandstands and conserved buildings
Explore the full Bukit Timah 2026–2027 series
Editorial note: This is an explanatory guide and dated report, not a guaranteed completion schedule. Conservation approvals, trail access and visitor arrangements may evolve independently.