This walk is a great way to get into the bush without being far from civilisation. The walk wanders through untouched valleys and along the Lane Cove River, passing over many roads and footpaths to connect such unspoilt bush. The side trip to Baker's cottage is definitely worth the short stroll, with the heritage building having a long history.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Lane Cove National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Gordon to Chatswood Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gordon to Chatswood Station bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
12km
Time
4 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.7km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 2.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 55m is very steep.
Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 5km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 340m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.7km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.9km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 12km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 55m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Gordon Station
to
Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 980 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -54 m
From the top of the station, this walk heads towards the shops, down the stairs and to the road next to Gordon Station bus depot. Continue straight: From Gordon Station bus depot, this walk heads up the hill of St Johns Ave to the Pacific Highway. The walk crosses to the other side at the pedestrian crossing. From here, this walk follows the shop fronts up the Pacific Highway, then turns left onto Moree St. This street is followed until the walk turns right onto Vale St. This walk continues along Vale St for a short time to the intersection with the bush track on the left of the street.
(0.98 km)
Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St
to
Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.76 km
Time = 33 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -54 m
Turn left : From the intersection next to house No. 31, this walk heads past a gate to follow a line of houses on the right. The track continues down a slight gradient for approximately 300m, turning left to come to the intersection, approximately 10m above a concrete sewerage inspection hole. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, passing a concrete sewerage inspection hole on the right. The trail continues along the creek line for another 20m, to the intersection which leads down to the creek on the right. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the creek downstream for approximately 200m to the signposted intersection. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the left-hand arrow on the 'Blackbutt Creek Track' sign, down the hill. The track contours with the creek on the right, and the houses high on the left, for approximately 1km to then steeply descend to the intersection above the concreted water-crossing. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, across the concrete ford (creek), to then turn right and follow along side the creek. The trail tends left away from the creek, up to a white gate.
(2.74 km)
Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk
to
Allen Park Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.21 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 49 m
Descent = -23 m
Turn left : From the white metal gate, this walk heads up the hill along Lady Game Dr, crossing to the right side where safe. This walk then turns right on De Burgh Rd, then right again onto Beaumont Rd. At the end of Beaumont Rd, this walk turns left onto Blaxland Rd, then comes to an intersection at 'Allen Park' at the end of Blaxland Rd.
Allen Park
Alt = 48 m
Allen Park is a very small grassed clearing at the end of Blaxland Rd. The park is not shaded and backs onto a house. The park is a thoroughfare to access the Great North Walk from Blaxland Rd.
(3.95 km)
Allen Park
to
Sandstone caves Track: Hard - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 469 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -54 m
Veer right: From the corner of Terrace and Blaxland Roads, this walk heads around the locked gate[1] and then straight across the grassy clearing of 'Allen Park'. The walk soon tends left at the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[2] and follows a wide trail down through the bush for about 60m, coming to an intersection where a 'Terrace Rd' sign[3] points back up the hill. Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post down the steps and along the narrower track[4], directly away from the face of the 'Great North Walk' sign. This track soon passes under some power lines[5] then continues through the open forest[6] for about 50m to head down some rocky steps[7]. From here, the walk follows the base of the rock wall[8] to head through a long tunnel-like sandstone overhang[9][10]. Here the track leads down to cross a mossy and rocky gully[11], then heads up around the left side of a large cube boulder[12] (know as 'The Block'[13]). The walk then follows along the base of long sandstone wall[14] (on your left) for about 130m and then enters a sandstone overhang[15].
Sandstone caves
Alt = 19 m
This fairly large sandstone overhang is found on the eastern side of the Lane Cove Valley. The walking track leads through the two caves that run in series, with the northern cave being larger. The lip of the overhang hangs down a bit, providing some extra protection from wind and rain. The cave also provide some shade and a cooler spot on hot days, and there are also a couple of well placed boulders forming nice seats[16].
(4.42 km)
Sandstone caves
to
Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.56 km
Time = 32 mins
Climb = 49 m
Descent = -62 m
Continue straight: From the cave, this walk follows the track through the second cave[17], keeping the valley to your right. Soon after the second cave, the track bends right and leads down to an unfenced rock platform[18]. Here the walk turns left and follows the rocky track down for 100m, then crosses a small flat timber bridge[19]. Just past the bridge, this walk turns right at the top of a smaller unfenced cliff and heads down the small gully, where the track then turns sharply left[20][21] to follow along the base of this cliff[22].
The track continues for just shy of 400m, passing a few more rock walls[23][24] (on your left), to then pass along the top of an unfenced cliff[25] (to your right). The track continues through the eucalypt and grass tree forest[26] and soon starts leading down the side of the hill, then follows the track along the bank of the Lane Cove River for about 250m. The track leaves the river and climbs a small rise to a signposted intersection.
The walk continues straight, following the 'Visitors Centre' sign downhill, then soon goes down some steps[27] to cross the creek on a timber foot bridge[28]. The track turns right on the other side of the bridge and leads out of the lush gully to follow the bank of the Lane Cover River[29] again for about 120m, coming to rock platform and small beach on the bank of the river[30]. Here the walk heads over the rock and follows the short section of timber boardwalk[31], where the track then leads past a small sandstone overhang[32]. About 60m later, the track crosses over a flat timber boardwalk bridge[33] and comes to a signposted three-way intersection and a 'Blue Hole' sign[34] pointing back along the track.
(5.98 km)
Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
to
Int. Opposite Bakers Flat Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,road,road
Length = 1.77 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 62 m
Descent = -64 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the 'Visitors Centre Loop' arrow[35][36] along the track, keeping the river to your right. After about 50m, this walk heads over a short timber boardwalk[37] and crosses the 'weedy'[38][39] creek. The walk then heads up some steps and a staircase to the top of a rock platform, where there is a 'Blackbutts' information sign[40]. The track leads gently up along the side of hill for about 70m, passing an unfenced cliff to your right[41], where the track bends left to lead across a rock gully[42]. The track then leads past the 'Sydney Peppermint'[43] and 'Sandstone Gully Community'[44] information signs and across a ferny gully to find a 'Sydney Red Gum' information sign[45]. From here, the walk heads up a series of timber steps[46] to where the track suddenly widens into a mostly flat trail. This trail soon bends right and leads through the casuarina forest, past the 'Scribbly Gum' information sign[47] to an intersection (with a narrower track on your left), just before the 'Sandstone Hillslope Community' information sign[48][49]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads around the hillside, with the river below on the right. The walk tends left as it contours around the hill. It then descends over speed bumps for approximately 50m to the car park of Thistlethwaytes picnic area. Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk heads down the road, with the water to the right. The walk continues down the road for a short time, to the intersection with the entrance of the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Depot on the left, and the Schwartz Homestead a short distance up the hill. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the road, with the water on the right. The walk tends left, continuing up the road to pass a brick building on the right, before coming to the signposted intersection, opposite Baker's Flat.
(7.75 km)
Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
to
Baker's Cottage Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 120 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs tending right, up the hill. The walk passes a sign about native grasses before continuing right, to Baker's Cottage. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Baker's Cottage
Alt = 13 m
Baker's Cottage was built in 1865 as the residence of William Baker and his family. The cottage once stood in the middle of a well-kept garden and orchard. The cottage itself was once larger, with more rooms and a verandah surrounding it. The residence changed hands only twice, and was then appropriated by the Minister of Lands in 1938.
(7.75 km)
Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
to
Lane Cove Weir South Track: Moderate - road,footpath,footpath,footpath,servicetrail
Length = 592 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -19 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the road towards the car park at '29 Bakers Flat'. The walk continues along the road to pass the clearing and tend right, up the hill, to an intersection with a bush track on the right. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the path for approximately 50m to pass a toilet block on the left of the track. The track continues to an intersection with a railed footpath. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the slight gradient, away from the toilet block to the large concreted area above the weir. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly down the hill to the weir at the water. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[50] (past a seat[fac=8374] on the right) to cross over the concrete ford[fac=8375] (top of the weir wall[51]) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[52]. After heavy or prolonged rain, this crossing may be closed. It is unsafe to cross if water is flowing over the top.
Lane Cove Weir
Alt = 1 m
The Lane Cove River Weir was built in 1938 during the depression. The motivation for building the lake was to make the area more appealing for visitors' picnics. The weir created environmental issues such as silting and a decline in native fish populations[53]. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder'[54] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding[55]. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[56] and downstream[57].
(8.34 km)
Lane Cove Weir South
to
Koonjeree Middle Trk Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 98 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[58] along the concrete footpath, keeping the river to the left. The path leads around the edge of the 'Koonjeree picnic area'[59] and comes to an intersection with another footpath[60] (leading through the middle of the picnic area).
Koonjeree Picnic Area
Alt = 2 m
Koonjeree Picnic Area[61] is at the southern end of Lane Cove National Park, just near Fullers Bridge. The picnic area boasts free gas barbecues, flushing toilets[62][63][64], town tap water, picnic tables and shelters[65], a large open area[66] and car parking[67]. On the bank of the Lane Cove River[68], this is a pleasant spot to enjoy the park.
(8.44 km)
Koonjeree Middle Trk
to
Fullers Bridge Bus Stop Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 193 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the road then passes over it, to the toilet blocks. Turn left: From the toilets, this walk heads through the low bushes, following the car park (which is on the left). The walk winds through the bushes to pass a stone seat on the left before crossing the entrance road to the Lane Cove National Park. This walk then continues along the footpath for a few metres to the road, which it crosses to come to the bus stop.
Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill
Alt = 2 m
The Riverside Cafe[69] is found at the end of service road on the south-west corner of Fullers Bridge. The nicely renovated building looks over the Lane Cove River and is open 7 days, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner[70]. The food is cafe-style and meals are priced upwards from $13[71]. Ph: (02) 9412 3773.
(8.63 km)
Fullers Bridge Bus Stop
to
Int. Fairway and Delhi Rd Walk: Easy - footpath,road
Length = 131 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the intersection near the bus stop, this walk follows the footpath beside Delhi Rd, across Fullers Bridge[72] to come to the traffic lights at the intersection[73] of 'Lady Game Dr' and 'Delhi Rd'. Continue straight: From the corner, this walk crosses Lady Game Drive[74] at the traffic lights, heading away from Fullers Bridge [75]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Delhi Rd at the pedestrian crossing, then heads right to cross The Fairway. The walk immediately comes to an intersection with a bush track.
(8.76 km)
Int. Fairway and Delhi Rd
to
Int. Rail to River Trk and Reid Drive Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 255 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -3 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down to the Lane Cove River, on the right. The walk continues under the river bank's shady vegetation for a short time to a large signposted intersection behind the 8th tee of the golf course. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill tending right, to a set of stairs which it climbs up to Reid Drive, opposite No. 17.
(9.02 km)
Int. Rail to River Trk and Reid Drive
to
Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval Track: Moderate - road,openland
Length = 515 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road above Chatswood Golf Course (below on the right). The walk follows the O.H. Reid Memorial Oval sign along the road for approximately 200m to the oval, car park and picnic area with play equipment. Continue straight: From the car park, this walk heads past the metal gate and across the oval to the far side of the oval, where a track marker stands just off the oval.
(9.53 km)
Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval
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Int. Rail to River Trk and Hawthorne Ave Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 71 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs, winding around and through rocky outcrops to a fence line. The track follows the fence line up to the road, where a sign is bolted to the telegraph pole, indicating 'Rail to River Walk'.
(9.6 km)
Int. Rail to River Trk and Hawthorne Ave
to
Int. Fullers Rd and Bellevue Ave Walk: Easy - road,footpath
Length = 535 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the road following the 'Rail to River Walk' sign to the corner of the road. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign up Bellevue Ave for approximately 500m to the signposted intersection with Fullers Rd.
(10.14 km)
Int. Fullers Rd and Bellevue Ave
to
Harnett Pl sign post Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 538 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -22 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up Fullers Rd, tending right where Fullers Rd meets Millwood Ave. The walk follows Fullers Rd for a short time to Lowanna Park on the right. Entry to the park is via a gate at the near-end of the park. Turn right: From the Fullers Rd gate entry of Lowanna Park, this walk passes through the park diagonally, past the BBQs and play equipment, to the gate opening to Greville St. There is a 'Rail to River Walk' signpost outside the gate. Turn right: From the gate, this walk heads down the hill, away from Fullers Rd. The track heads down the hill for approximately 200m to cross the road to the Harnett Pl sign, opposite No. 86.
(10.68 km)
Harnett Pl sign post
to
Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 500 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -22 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs, coming to a house. From the house on the right, the track zigzags down the hill through mossy rock outcrops to the signposted intersection above a creek and pipe. Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads down the steps and along the creek (which remains on your right) for approximately 60m to a signposted intersection. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads up the gully, with the creek on the right. The track continues climbing up the gully for approximately 100m to an intersection in a clearer area. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' arrow on the signpost, to head up the gully. The track leads up along the creek (on your right) for approximately 50m to some steppingstones across the creek. Approximately 50m later, the track comes out onto a grassed clearing, from which the walk continues along the management trail to Park Ave.
(11.18 km)
Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk
to
Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk Walk: Easy - road
Length = 32 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign up the road for approximately 30m to the next signpost.
(11.21 km)
Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk
to
Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 336 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign[76] off the road and along the bush track. The track heads relatively straight alongside a stormwater drain and a line of houses, to then pass a tennis courts' cyclone fence (above on the left). The walk then comes to a memorial bench which marks the intersection. Continue straight: From the memorial bench, this walk heads up the hill, with the stormwater on the right and the house fences on both sides. The track heads up the hill for approximately 150m to a clearing with a playground. This walk passes the playground (with the playground on the left), continuing to the gate and road.
(11.55 km)
Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk
to
Chatswood Station Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 623 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 37 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the "Rail to River" sign down Edgar St, to turn left onto Western Way. The walk along Western Way takes a dogleg turn right onto Jenkins Rd, then left onto Western Way again, and to the Pacific Highway. At the highway, this walk turns right (south) to the pedestrian crossing at Victoria Ave. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk crosses at pedestrian crossing on Pacific Highway, or takes the foot bridge just near the intersection. This walk then continues down Victoria Ave to the entrance of the train station on the right. If the road turns left, you have gone too far.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Blackbutt Reserve Blackbutt Reserve is a large area of natural bushland owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The park extends from Lady Game drive up to Vale St, west of Gordon Golf course. The park is supports a number of service trail and bush track allowing visitors to explore large areas of the park. The park is also home to vulnerable Large Forest Owls. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Lane Cove National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page This small but picturesque city park is a haven of peaceful bushland along the winding Lane Cove River. Home to the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter and 27 km of the Great North Walk, you can also hire a boat, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic by the weir. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Lane Cove National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Terrys Creek walking track maintenance Some areas of this park will experience temporary disruptions and delays due to walking track maintenance, unless the closure is otherwise extended or removed. Closed areas are:
Few things not correct in the description of this walk, and as result we walked several kms too many -backtracking, trying to find the way etc.
In track notes that describe between 1-2.75 km section:
"walk heads down the hill, across concrete watercourse, to turn right along the creek"
The last part should instead read: CROSS the creek!, and then immediately turn right! (as the above suggests staying on same side of creek & following creek line)
In the from 3.96 section:
"The track tends left down the hill, passing a Great North Walk sign on the right before coming to..."
Instead this should read: at the Great North Walk sign on right hand side TURN (sharp) left. Do NOT continue the track down the hill.
admin - re: Errors in walk description
Super Administrator | 2010-11-21 21:27:17
Hi Renilde
Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback. I am sorry that you had all that extra backtracking to do.
Renilde wrote:
"walk heads down the hill, across concrete watercourse, to turn right along the creek"
The last part should instead read: CROSS the creek!, and then immediately turn right! (as the above suggests staying on same side of creek & following creek line)
I have re-worded as "down the hill, across the concrete ford (creek), to then turn right and follow along side the creek"
(I assume the confusion here was over the use of the term 'concrete watercourse'. Here is a somewhat blury photo looking back at the crossing http://www.wildwalks.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=55098)
Renilde wrote:
"The track tends left down the hill, passing a Great North Walk sign on the right before coming to..."
Instead this should read: at the Great North Walk sign on right hand side TURN (sharp) left. Do NOT continue the track down the hill.
I like the updated notes - walked this in reverse a couple of times this month. This walk has a bit of everything, narrow+wide track, fire road, streets and parks. Be careful with the small Lady Game Drive section. A good walker can push this walk in just over two hours - but not much time for navel gazing. I can see myself doing this a few times this summer after work.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)