This walk follows a large section of Lane Cove River. The walk follows the Riverside Walking track up the Lane Cove River to De Burghs Bridge. From the bridge the track winds back along the hillside on the other side of the river. The track then passes a few historic buildings, and the Visitor Centre, before crossing at the weir and returning to the Tourist Park. There are plenty of grassy picnic areas along the way and the Boat Shed sells snacks.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Lane Cove National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit
Cross sectional view of the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit 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
5 hrs
.
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
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
*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 2.8km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 2.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.5km is very steep.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.1km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 800m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
5km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 5km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.5km) has minimal directional signs.
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
6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 4.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.5km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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This is a well-established caravan park on the edge of Lane Cove National Park, offering a variety of camp sites from tent to powered sites for caravans and even en suite cabins. The campsite is a great point to access many wonderful walks in Lane Cove Valley. There are many facilities including a laundry, toilets, showers (including facilities for people with disabilities and with infants), recreation room, Internet kiosk (with free access to Wildwalks.com), wireless Internet, BBQ's and a pool. There is bike hire available and the reception has basic supplies for sale (bread, milk, snacks, newspapers).
(0 km)
Lane Cove Tourist Park
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Riverside Dr Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 538 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -43 m
From the office of the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park'[1], this walk heads down the internal road, past the boom gates[2] for about 50m to turn left just past the laundry[3]. The walk then continues along this road as it bends right after about 100m, then leads down to a T-intersection[4]. Just on the other side (and to the left) of this intersection, there is a set of steps beside the large 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[5].
From this concreted section between sites 152 and 151, this walk follows the sign[6] down the stone steps[7] for about 60m, where the track then leads gently down to a T-intersection marked with a timber signpost[8] (beside a large scribbly gum). Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows 'Lane Cove River Weir' sign[9] south down the hill. The track leads gently down the side of the hill for about 80m to pass a 'Native Flora' information sign[10][11], then about 90m later passes a 'Bush Regeneration' information sign[12] among the ferns. Just 30m past this sign, the track leads over a small metal bridge[13] beside the tall fern trees[14] and 'Native Fauna' information sign[15]. Here the track continues for a short distance to come to an intersection with Riverside Drive, where a 'Tourist Park' sign[16] points back up the hill.
(0.54 km)
Riverside Dr
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13 Cottonwood Glen Walk: Easy - road
Length = 131 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -11 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Riverside walk' arrow post down the steps[17] and then follows the road down past the '12 Blackbutt' picnic area[18]. Soon the road leads to a Y-intersection[19] and veers right down to the car park[20] beside '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area[21] and the Lane Cove River.
(0.67 km)
13 Cottonwood Glen
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Porters Creek bridge East Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.06 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = -26 m
Turn left: From the car park, this walk follows riverside walk arrow across '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area, over the small bridge, keeping the river on the rightOnce back into the bush the track continues for approximately 400m to come to the '18 Korong' picnic area. Continue straight: From '18 Korong' picnic area, this walk heads across the clearing and up the road to the sign marked '19 Halfway Point'. The walk passes this sign and the gate next to it, heading to the bottom of the grass clearing. The track then turns left and follows the Lane Cove River for approximately 1km, passing through some small clearings. The track then rounds to the left over a rocky section, then passes a creek fed by a drain high on the left. The track winds right, into the picnic area '20 Fern Valley' where there are picnic tables. Continue straight: From Fern Valley, this walk heads north along the river. The track winds and undulates for approximately 1km, following the Lane Cove River. The track then turns left to head up Porters Creek for approximately 100m, then heads up some stairs to Porters Creek bridge, on Riverside Drive.
(2.73 km)
Porters Creek bridge East
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Porters Creek bridge West Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 32 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: At the bridge, this walk crosses the creek using the road/bridge, to the signposted intersection with the bush track, on the right.
(2.76 km)
Porters Creek bridge West
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Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.51 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 53 m
Descent = -23 m
Turn right: From Porters Creek bridge, this walk heads down the stairs and along the creek bank, with the creek on the right, for approximately 100m. The track then turns left to follow the Lane Cove River, on the right of the track, for approximately 400m, passing some cliffs on the left. From the cliffs, the walk continues for approximately 600m to lead left up some stairs to the signposted intersection on the road.
(4.28 km)
Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance
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Int. Riverside Trk and Ryde Rd Access Trk SE Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 277 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -12 m
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the sign 'Great North Walk Access via Deburghs bridge' arrow. The track leads along a near straight fence footpath for approximately 150m to a sign posted intersection.
(4.55 km)
Int. Riverside Trk and Ryde Rd Access Trk SE
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DeBurghs Bridge South Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 30 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk access sign up the stairs to Ryde Rd.
(4.58 km)
DeBurghs Bridge South
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DeBurghs Bridge North Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 268 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -29 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this follows the NPWS arrow marker[22] along the footpath[23] across 'De Burghs Bridge'[24][25], keeping the traffic to your left. On the other side of the bridge, this walk continues along the concrete footpath for 70m (passing under the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[26]) to come to an intersection beside a locked gate[27] (on your right).
(4.85 km)
DeBurghs Bridge North
to
Sandstone caves Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 939 m
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -59 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the road and around the locked gate. The walk turns right and follows the track past the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[28] and around the scrubby clearing for about 130m. Here, the track leads down some timber steps and comes to a clear three-way intersection, where a 'Lane Cove River Weir via Riverside walk' sign[29] points back up the steps. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Lane Cove River Weir via Great North Walk'[30] down the hill and steps, keeping the valley to your right. The track soon leads down some stone steps[31], then a little further along, partway down some timber steps, this walk comes to a three-way intersection[32], marked with a GNW arrow post. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the flat track[33], keeping the valley to your right. The track soon bends left then follows a GNW arrow post down off a rock platform[34] to cross the rocky Blackbutt Creek[35][36]. Here, the walk heads up a series of timber steps[37], then the track flattens out and turns right at another GNW arrow post[38]. Here the track widens into a trail and leads up over a partially buried, green metal pipeline[39] (sometimes hissing[40]) then follows the power lines[41] for about 50m before turning left and coming to a signposted intersection partway up the hill[42]. There is a 'Great North Walk - Deburghs Bridge' sign pointing back downhill[43]. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post down the steps and along the narrower track[44], directly away from the face of the 'Great North Walk' sign. This track soon passes under some power lines[45] then continues through the open forest[46] for about 50m to head down some rocky steps[47]. From here, the walk follows the base of the rock wall[48] to head through a long tunnel-like sandstone overhang[49][50]. Here the track leads down to cross a mossy and rocky gully[51], then heads up around the left side of a large cube boulder[52] (know as 'The Block'[53]). The walk then follows along the base of long sandstone wall[54] (on your left) for about 130m and then enters a sandstone overhang[55].
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[56].
(5.79 km)
Sandstone caves
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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[57], keeping the valley to your right. Soon after the second cave, the track bends right and leads down to an unfenced rock platform[58]. Here the walk turns left and follows the rocky track down for 100m, then crosses a small flat timber bridge[59]. 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[60][61] to follow along the base of this cliff[62].
The track continues for just shy of 400m, passing a few more rock walls[63][64] (on your left), to then pass along the top of an unfenced cliff[65] (to your right). The track continues through the eucalypt and grass tree forest[66] 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[67] to cross the creek on a timber foot bridge[68]. 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[69] again for about 120m, coming to rock platform and small beach on the bank of the river[70]. Here the walk heads over the rock and follows the short section of timber boardwalk[71], where the track then leads past a small sandstone overhang[72]. About 60m later, the track crosses over a flat timber boardwalk bridge[73] and comes to a signposted three-way intersection and a 'Blue Hole' sign[74] pointing back along the track.
(7.35 km)
Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
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Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 798 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -23 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the 'Visitors Centre Loop' arrow[75][76] along the track, keeping the river to your right. After about 50m, this walk heads over a short timber boardwalk[77] and crosses the 'weedy'[78][79] 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[80]. The track leads gently up along the side of hill for about 70m, passing an unfenced cliff to your right[81], where the track bends left to lead across a rock gully[82]. The track then leads past the 'Sydney Peppermint'[83] and 'Sandstone Gully Community'[84] information signs and across a ferny gully to find a 'Sydney Red Gum' information sign[85]. From here, the walk heads up a series of timber steps[86] 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[87] to an intersection (with a narrower track on your left), just before the 'Sandstone Hillslope Community' information sign[88][89].
(8.14 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk
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Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk Alternate Route:
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road,bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail,bushtrack,road
( Show detail)
Length = 972 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -50 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[90] along the narrower track, across a small ditch then up the timber steps[91]. The track meanders through the bush[92], passing a few rocky outcrops before heading up a longer series of timber stairs[93]. Just beyond the top of this climb, the track leads down a short section of steps[94] and comes to a T-intersection[95] with a sealed road, marked with a NPWS arrow post[96]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow up along the road[97] for a short distance and comes to another signposted intersection with another track[98] (on your right), a short distance before the locked gate. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow posts[99] down a couple of timber steps then along the narrow track. The track gently meanders through the open forest[100] for a short time until heading up some timber steps and coming to a T-intersection with a wide management trail. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[101] downhill along the wide management trail (keeping the house up to your left). The trail soon follows the power line[102] down to an intersection where a 'Blue Hole - Fiddens Wharf' sign[103] points back up the hill. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Park Visitors Centre' sign[104] downhill, away from the houses. Just over 100m later, the wide trail bends left[105] and follows a cliff line to an intersection with a narrower track[106] (marked with a GNW arrow post) about 10m before a locked gate. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[107] downhill along the narrow track and soon comes to an intersection with Max Allen Dr[108], beside a large 'Great North Walk' sign[109]. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the road up the hill. The road passes over the hill, to an intersection with a track on the left, marked by wooden posts. Turn left to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 9.45km 'Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk'.
(8.14 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk
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Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 351 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -28 m
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.
(8.49 km)
Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area
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Int. Opposite Bakers Flat Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 623 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -13 m
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.
(9.12 km)
Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
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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.
(9.12 km)
Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
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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[110] (past a seat[fac=8374] on the right) to cross over the concrete ford[fac=8375] (top of the weir wall[111]) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[112]. 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[113]. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder'[114] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding[115]. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[116] and downstream[117].
(9.71 km)
Lane Cove Weir South
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Lane Cove River Lookout Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 50 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the southern side of the weir[118], this walk follows the sealed trail up (away from the weir) for about 10m to turn right and follow the 'Riverside walking track' sign[119] along the concrete footpath[120]. The path soon leads to and follows a timber boardwalk for 40m to come to a fenced lookout with a few seats[fac=8376] (and a stepped seating area[121]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[122].
(9.76 km)
Lane Cove River Lookout
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Illoura Picnic Area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 307 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -7 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads along the timber boardwalk for about 80m (enjoying more river views to the right) to then head down a timber ramp at the edge of a grassy clearing. The walk now follows the 'Riverside walking track' sign[123] along the wide dirt track between the river and 'Spoonbill'[124] picnic area[fac=8377][fac=8379][fac=8378] for about about 80m. The walk then leads past a grove of trees to the far side of the next picnic area, 'Illoura'[125] picnic area[fac=8380][fac=8381][fac=8382][fac=8383][fac=8384], to find an intersection at the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign (pointing back to 'Lane Cove River weir 0.35km'[126]).
(10.07 km)
Illoura Picnic Area
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Boat Shed Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 158 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Boatshed 0.15km' arrow[127] on the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign along the track keeping the river to the right. After 50m this walk leads below a large brick picnic area[128] then about 15m later leads through an acacia grove with a short rough steep[fac=8385] section then a narrow[fac=8386] section of track. After another 60m the track leads to a grassy clearing with a large picnic table[129][fac=8387] then continues to head along the concrete path[130] on the river side of the sandstone building[131] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[132].
Lane Cove Boatshed
Alt = 3 m
Lane Cove Boatshed, in Lane Cove National Park, is situated on the bank of the (you guessed it) Lane Cove River. You can hire rowboats, kayaks, pedal boats, bikes and canoes[133], for different ways to enjoy the river. The shop also sells ice-creams, chips and drinks. The shed is open on weekend from 10am - 5pm. During summer school holidays, the shop is also open from 12-5pm[134]. For more info, call Greg on 0418600695[135].
(10.22 km)
Boat Shed
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9 Carters Creek Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 689 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -14 m
Continue straight: From the shop-front side of the boatshed, this walk follows the riverside track upstream, keeping the river just to your right. The track soon narrows and after about 80m, comes to a large clearing, the '7 Moola' picnic area (with toilets[136] and water). The track leads over a small flat timber bridge[137] in the middle of the picnic area to then find a NPWS arrow post[138] on the far side. Here this walk follows the arrow along the track for about 70m to then climb up the metal staircase[139], where the track continues for another 180m, first up and over a rocky outcrop[140] then along a flat track to find another large clearing. On the far side of this picnic area, just past the '8 Ironbarks' sign[141], this walk comes to a three-way intersection[142] (with a concrete path on your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[143] along the narrow management trail, keeping the river to your right. After about 60m, this walk heads around a locked gate[144], then heads up over the grass to find a picnic area[145]. Here the walk heads over the timber bridge[146], past the '9 Carters Creek' sign[147] and into the picnic area. The walk veers left across the picnic area[148] to come back to the car park, just below the toilet block[149] on the far side of the picnic area.
9 Carters Creek
Alt = 4 m
Carters Creek Picnic Area is the ninth formal picnic space along this stretch of the Lane Cove River. This picnic area is home to a couple of sheltered picnic tables[150], a gas BBQ[151] a large open grassy area[152], garbage bins, toilets[153] and a car park[154]. There is some limited access to the river view[155]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
(10.91 km)
9 Carters Creek
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13 Cottonwood Glen Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 363 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[156] across a small creek and up the footpath, away from the picnic area. From the the top of the small hill, the track now leads (keeping the river on your right) for almost 300m, passing through a re-vegetating tall gum forest[157] then a pleasant she-oak stand[158], to come to a large gravel car park[159] just before Cottonwood Glen picnic area.
13 Cottonwood Glen
Alt = 2 m
Cottonwood Glen picnic area is a large open grassy spot on the bank of the Lane Cove River. There is a grove of trees along the edge of the river, but you can still get clear views across the water from the car park area. There are several picnic tables[160] and a small toilet block[161][162] just up the hill.
(11.28 km)
13 Cottonwood Glen
to
Riverside Dr Walk: Easy - road
Length = 131 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From car park beside '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area[163], this walk follows the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park' arrow post[164] up the road. This walk soon veers left[165] to head up beside the '12 Blackbutt' picnic area[166], then up some steps[167] to come to a signposted intersection with Riverside Drive[168].
(11.41 km)
Riverside Dr
to
Lane Cove Tourist Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 538 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 43 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Tourist Park' sign[169] gently up the track (away from the road) for about 30m to pass a 'Native Fauna' information sign[170] and cross a small metal bridge[171] beside the tall fern trees[172]. Here the walk continues gently up through the forest for another 30m to pass the 'Bush Regeneration' information sign[173], then the track continues to wind gently uphill for almost 180m, passing the 'Native Flora'[174] information sign and coming to a three-way intersection beside a large gum, where a sign points back down to 'Lane Cove River Weir' sign[175]. Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads uphill directly away from the face of the 'Scribbly Gums picnic area' sign[176] and past the large scribbly gum[177]. The track leads under a banksia tree[178] and after about 40m starts to climb a series of stone steps[179]. After climbing these steps for about 60m, this walk heads through a gap in a fence[180] to come to the edge of the Lane Cove Tourist Park[181].
From here, this walk head directly away from the face of the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[182] and straight up the internal road[183]. This road soon bends left then leads though the campsite for about 100m before bending right just past the laundry[184]. Here the walk heads up this road for about 50m, past the boom gates[185], to come to the front of the the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park' office[186].
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 7 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.
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:
This was my first bushwalk in Sydney and I was amazed how much wilderness you can experience in the middle of the city. You can often hear urban noises in the background but they are mostly not bothersome and often enough you can find a silent spot to enjoy the pristine nature. In these moments it is really hard to believe that this area is surrounded by streets and houses.
The track itself is flat and easy to follow, although I still managed to take a wrong turn on the lane cove road (but as I should discover on my later walks I have the talent to get lost on the track ;). The path leads through bushes along the lane cove river. Unfortunately you can see a lot of rubbish on the river shores – but I guess that’s a problem of every park that is completely embedded into a city. You can also spot some interesting wildlife on the way. I have seen many eastern water dragons, a red-browed finch, little black cormorants and other smaller birds and lizards.
If you have already made some walks in bigger national parks further away from the city, then you shouldn’t expect too much. But it is an easy accessible piece of wild bush surrounded by urban area with its own charm.
Tejas - Nice relaxing walk in Sydney
IP:110.20.186.xxx | 2014-05-21 09:39:30
Lane Cove NP is very nice. This was a really good walk. Plenty of flora and fauna, so many lizards on the Riverside walk - clearly the highlight.
The return via the GNW on the other side of the river is totally different - plenty of rocks and bush, only coming close to the water on occasions.
As expected there is plenty of signs your in the city area - graffiti and rubbish but not enough to deter.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)