Starting at North Ryde train station this walk explores a stretch of the Lane Cove River, visiting the historic Fairlylands Pleasure Grounds along the way. The walk starts by wandering through the Riverside Corporate Park and soon comes alongside the Lane Cove River to join the Great North Walk. Here we follows the GNW though Fairylands before exploring a few streets in Chatswood West. After the weir, this walk leaves the main spine of the Great North Walk to explore the lovely River Side Track, through many picnic areas and up to the Lane Cove Tourist Park. Here the you wander along the roads back to the train station.
(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 North Ryde Fairyland circuit
Cross sectional view of the North Ryde Fairyland circuit bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the North Ryde Fairyland 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
7km
Time
2 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
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*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
3.7km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 2.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 330m is very steep and the remaining 290m has short steep hills.
Quality of track
2.6km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 2.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 1.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 330m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 620m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 330m requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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(0 km)
North Ryde Train Station
to
The Village Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 867 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -18 m
From the top of 'North Ryde' train station[1], this walk follows the footpath downhill beside Delhi Rd, past the bus stop[2]. The footpath soon leads across a driveway with traffic lights[3] then, about 200m from the train station, passes 'Delhi Convenience Store'[4] (open 7am-7pm M-F & 10am-4pm weekends Ph: 02 9889 8822). Soon after this shop, the walk crosses Julius Ave[5] (at the traffic lights) to come to the intersection in front of the 'Riverside Corporate Park West Entrance'[6]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follow the footpath beside 'Julius Ave' heading into the signposted 'Riverside Corporate Park West Entrance'[7]. After about 150m, this walk veers left at the roundabout[8] to continue along Julius Ave for another 400m, passing a few CSIRO and commercial buildings to come to the entrance of 'The Village'[9][10] shopping complex (on your left).
The Village
Alt = 46 m
This pleasant shopping village is found at the intersection of Newbigin Cl and Julius Ave within the Riverside Corporate Park. The shopping complex is home to a couple of cafes, a chiropractor, copy centre and a few other shops. As this is in a corporate area, the shops are only open weekdays. Trebbiano Cafe[11] PH: (02) 9889 2405.
(0.87 km)
The Village
to
Wetland intersection Walk: Easy - footpath,servicetrail
Length = 465 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -35 m
Veer right: From the entrance of 'The Village'[12][13] shopping complex, this walk follows Julius Ave north, initially keeping the 'The Village' on your left to almost immediately cross Newbigin Cl[14]. About 65m further along the footpath beside Julius Ave, this walk come to an intersection, opposite 'Richardson Place'[15]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Julius Ave and follows the footpath beside Richardson Pl[16][17] downhill. After about 70m, this walk turns right down the sealed driveway following the 'The Binary Centre' sign[18] further downhill. After another 150m (just before the footpath ends[19]), this walk crosses the road to come to an intersection with a faint track [20](in the bush on your left), just past the back corner of the 'Honeywell' building (partway around the right-hand bend, marked with a driveway dip in the gutter[21]). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath downhill beside the road for about 35m to pass the steps in front of the 'Binary Centre'[22], where the walk continues a little further down the road (or steps[23]) to come to the main car park entrance of the Binary Centre[24], just near the end of the road[25]. Continue straight: From the intersection in at the start of the Binary/Goodman car park[26], this walk heads down through the middle of the turning circle[27] at the end of the main road to follow the gravel/dirt trail[28], keeping the building to your left. About 80m from the end of the road, along this trail, this walk passes one track then comes to an intersection[29] with a signposted track on (on your left) marked with a 'Scenic Trail' arrow post[30].
(1.33 km)
Wetland intersection
to
Int. Scenic Trail and Great North Walk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 277 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads along the narrower track[31], following the arrow post[32] while keeping the buildings to your left. The track passes the 'How Does This Detention Basin Work?' information sign[33]. The track then follows the black fence along the edge of the detention basin[34], passing the '0.6km Scenic trail' sign[35], then about 70m after this sign (after crossing flat timber bridge[36], this walk comes to an intersection behind the Binary Building where there are some concrete steps[37] (on your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track behind the Binary Building[38], keeping the building up to your left. After about 100m (just past the end of the building), this walk comes to an intersection at the bottom of some timber stairs[39] (on your left), marked with a 'What can you See?' information sign[40]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track gently downhill directly away from the Binary Building. The track soon leads under the high-tension power lines to merge with another track[41] and come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post and a NPWS 'No dogs permitted' sign[42].
(1.61 km)
Int. Corporate Park Scenic Trail and Great North Walk
to
Fairyland Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 419 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -30 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the buildings and the high tension power line tower, following the GNW arrow post downhill[43] and almost immediately crosses a small flat timber bridge[44]. The rocky track leads up a short hill then the track starts to leads down for about 70m, where the track bends sharply right. Then the walk leads down a series of timber steps[45] into the lusher forest[46] and a 'Site of Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' information sign[47].
Here the walk heads along the timber boardwalk[48], then follows the track past the 'Take Yourself Back to Fairyland' photo sign[49], and then onto an intersection beside a large palm tree[50]. There is a 'Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' sign[51] and short track on the right that leads to a seat[52] beside Lane Cove River.
Fairyland
Alt = 1 m
Once formally known as 'Fairyland Pleasure Grounds', and casually as 'The Rest', this site was similar to several others in Sydney. The land was purchased by Robert Swan in 1896 and encompassed about 17 acres in total[53]. Part of the land was cleared for a market garden, growing strawberries and melons. By the early 1900s, the market garden had closed and the area had become a popular picnic and play ground, for people arriving mostly by boat[54]. This was a very popular spot to visit for a special day out. Today, the buildings have (mostly) gone and the cleared area has grown back, but it still can offer a relaxing picnic and lunch spot by the river.
(2.03 km)
Fairyland
to
Int of Quebec Rd and Fairyland Track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 489 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection at the centre of Fairylands, this walk follows the clear track whilst keeping the Lane Cove River through the trees to your right, past the 'Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' sign[55]. The mostly flat track winds gently through the ferns to pass the 'Site of Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' information sign[56], then continues along the short timber boardwalk[57] and up a series of timber steps[58]. The now mostly-flat track[59] leads along the side of the hill for about 150m, coming to a short track which takes this walk to an unfenced rock platform[60][61] with river views (on your right). Continue straight: From the view point, this walk heads along the flat track[62] whilst keeping the river below to your right. After about 100m, the track crosses a short section of timber boardwalk[63] then leads past a series of National Park signs[64][65][66] to come to a T-intersection with Quebec Rd (opposite number 101).
(2.52 km)
Int. of Quebec Rd and Fairyland Track
to
End of Quebec Ave Walk: Easy - road
Length = 550 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill following the GNW arrow post along Quebec Rd[67]. At the top of the hill, the road bends right and comes to a signposted intersection[68], where this walk turn left to follow the GNW arrow post up what looks like a long sealed driveway[69]. The walk follows Quebec Ave for about 300m past a couple of driveways[70] (on your right) then below the fenced Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens[71][72] (on your left), coming to a turning circle[73] and a locked gate[74] at the end of the road.
(3.07 km)
End of Quebec Ave
to
Riverside Cafe Track: Hard - bushtrack,road
Length = 395 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -46 m
Continue straight: From the end of Quebec Ave, this walk follows the GNW arrow post around the locked gate and along the fairly flat, rocky track. After about 170m, this track leads to the edge of a large rock platform[75]. From here, the walk tends right, going down through a gap in the rock[76] then leading along the base of a short rock wall. The track then starts to lead more steeply downhill when, just after passing a small bench seat[77], the track leads down a steep stone staircase[78] and then comes to a signposted T-intersection with River Rd[79] (near Delhi Rd). Here, a 'Sydney Cove' sign[80] points back up the hill. Continue straight: From the intersection, follows the GNW arrow post across River Ave[81][82], down along the minor road (keeping the busy Delhi Rd to your left). At the end of this minor rd this walk finds a footpath[83] in front of 'Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill'[84].
Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill
Alt = 2 m
The Riverside Cafe[85] 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[86]. The food is cafe-style and meals are priced upwards from $13[87]. Ph: (02) 9412 3773.
(3.46 km)
Riverside Cafe
to
Koonjeree Middle Trk Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 116 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From in front of 'Riverside Cafe Bar AND Grill'[88], this walk follows the GNW arrow post and footpath[89] under Fullers Bridge[90] to an intersection with a set of steps[91] just on the other side. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the concrete footpath[92], away from the bridge, whilst keeping the river to your right. The path leads along the edge of 'Koonjeree picnic area'[93] until just past the 'Crossing the Lane Cove River' information sign[94], where this walk comes to an intersection with another footpath[95] (leading through the middle of the picnic area).
Koonjeree Picnic Area
Alt = 2 m
Koonjeree Picnic Area[96] is at the southern end of Lane Cove National Park, just near Fullers Bridge. The picnic area boasts free gas barbecues, flushing toilets[97][98][99], town tap water, picnic tables and shelters[100], a large open area[101] and car parking[102]. On the bank of the Lane Cove River[103], this is a pleasant spot to enjoy the park.
(3.58 km)
Koonjeree Middle Trk
to
Lane Cove Weir South Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 98 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[104] along the concrete footpath[105], keeping the river just to your right. The path leads around the edge of the clearing and comes to a T-intersection with a road[106], just beside the weir[107] (on your right).
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[108]. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder'[109] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding[110]. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[111] and downstream[112].
(3.68 km)
Lane Cove Weir South
to
Lane Cove River Lookout Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 50 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the southern side of the weir[113], this walk follows the sealed trail up (away from the weir) for about 10m to turn right and follow the 'Riverside walking track' sign[114] along the concrete footpath[115]. 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[116]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[117].
(3.73 km)
Lane Cove River Lookout
to
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[118] along the wide dirt track between the river and 'Spoonbill'[119] 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'[120] 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'[121]).
(4.03 km)
Illoura Picnic Area
to
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[122] 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[123] 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[124][fac=8387] then continues to head along the concrete path[125] on the river side of the sandstone building[126] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[127].
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[128], 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[129]. For more info, call Greg on 0418600695[130].
(4.19 km)
Boat Shed
to
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[131] and water). The track leads over a small flat timber bridge[132] in the middle of the picnic area to then find a NPWS arrow post[133] on the far side. Here this walk follows the arrow along the track for about 70m to then climb up the metal staircase[134], where the track continues for another 180m, first up and over a rocky outcrop[135] then along a flat track to find another large clearing. On the far side of this picnic area, just past the '8 Ironbarks' sign[136], this walk comes to a three-way intersection[137] (with a concrete path on your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[138] along the narrow management trail, keeping the river to your right. After about 60m, this walk heads around a locked gate[139], then heads up over the grass to find a picnic area[140]. Here the walk heads over the timber bridge[141], past the '9 Carters Creek' sign[142] and into the picnic area. The walk veers left across the picnic area[143] to come back to the car park, just below the toilet block[144] 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[145], a gas BBQ[146] a large open grassy area[147], garbage bins, toilets[148] and a car park[149]. There is some limited access to the river view[150]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
(4.88 km)
9 Carters Creek
to
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[151] 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[152] then a pleasant she-oak stand[153], to come to a large gravel car park[154] 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[155] and a small toilet block[156][157] just up the hill.
(5.24 km)
13 Cottonwood Glen
to
Int. Weir and Scribbly Gums picnic area trks Track: Moderate - road,bushtrack
Length = 376 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left: From car park beside '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area[158], this walk follows the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park' arrow post[159] up the road. This walk soon veers left[160] to head up beside the '12 Blackbutt' picnic area[161], then up some steps[162] to come to a signposted intersection with Riverside Drive[163]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Tourist Park' sign[164] gently up the track (away from the road) for about 30m to pass a 'Native Fauna' information sign[165] and cross a small metal bridge[166] beside the tall fern trees[167]. Here the walk continues gently up through the forest for another 30m to pass the 'Bush Regeneration' information sign[168], then the track continues to wind gently uphill for almost 180m, passing the 'Native Flora'[169] 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[170].
(5.62 km)
Int. Weir and Scribbly Gums picnic area trks
to
Lane Cove Tourist Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 293 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads uphill directly away from the face of the 'Scribbly Gums picnic area' sign[171] and past the large scribbly gum[172]. The track leads under a banksia tree[173] and after about 40m starts to climb a series of stone steps[174]. After climbing these steps for about 60m, this walk heads through a gap in a fence[175] to come to the edge of the Lane Cove Tourist Park[176].
From here, this walk head directly away from the face of the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[177] and straight up the internal road[178]. This road soon bends left then leads though the campsite for about 100m before bending right just past the laundry[179]. Here the walk heads up this road for about 50m, past the boom gates[180], to come to the front of the the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park' office[181].
Lane Cove River tourist park
Alt = 49 m
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).
(5.91 km)
Lane Cove Tourist Park Office
to
North Ryde Train Station Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath,road,footpath
Length = 1.01 km
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -12 m
Turn left: From in front of the the Tourist Park office, this walk crosses the driveway then follows the 'Telephones' sign[182] along the brick footpath (keeping the pool yard to your left). About 20m past the sign, this walk veers right at the Y-intersection[183] and continues for another 40m to come to the phone box on Plassey Rd, where a 'Reception 25m' sign[184] points back along the path. Veer left: From the phone box, this walk follows Plassey Rd south, heading directly away from the face of the 'Reception 25m' sign[185]. After about 250m, this walk passes a 'Welcome to Lane Cove River Tourist Park' sign[186] (on your left), then leads under the high-tension power lines[187]. From here, the walk continues for another 220m then passes the entrance of 'Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium'[188]. Soon after passing this entrance, this walk follows the footpath on the left-hand side of the road for about 130m to then cross 'Delhi Rd' at the traffic lights[189] and come to 'Riverside West Entrance'[190] on 'Julius Ave'. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Julius Ave[191] and follows the footpath alongside Delhi Rd (on the other side of the road from Macquarie Park Cemetery). After about 60m, this footpath leads past 'Delhi Convenience Store'[192] (open 7am-7pm M-F & 10am-4pm weekends Ph: 02 9889 8822) and continues (crossing a driveway with traffic lights[193]) for about 200m to come to the entrance of 'North Ryde' train station[194].
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:
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.
Parking fees apply in the area.
not too much longer now :)