This walk is a lovely stroll along one side of the Lane Cove River. The walk passes through many picnic areas, providing plenty of options for rests and food breaks (some having BBQ's). This walk is also good for taking a Frisbee or a ball along for the kids.
(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 Riverside Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Riverside Walk 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
5km
Time
2 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
No experience required (1/6)
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
1.5km of this walk is very steep and another 1.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.2km is flat with no steps and the remaining 1.1km has short steep hills.
Quality of track
3.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.5km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 520m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 210m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
2.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.5km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 5km 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
2.7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 1.5km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (1.1km) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Max Allen Drive Bridge
to
Lane Cove Weir South Track: Moderate - footpath,servicetrail
Length = 125 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the car parking area[fac=8370] near the bridge on Max Allen Drive[1][2], this walk follows the 'Sydney Cove' sign[3] along the concrete footpath past the garbage bins[4]. The path leads past a sheltered BBQ[fac=8371] as the path bends right along the water's edge it also leads past a few picnic tables[fac=8372][fac=8373] and comes to another GNW marker[5] and an intersection with a sealed management trail beside the weir[6] (on your left). Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[7] (past a seat[fac=8374] on the right) to cross over the concrete ford[fac=8375] (top of the weir wall[8]) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[9]. 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[10]. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder'[11] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding[12]. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[13] and downstream[14].
(0.13 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[15], this walk follows the sealed trail up (away from the weir) for about 10m to turn right and follow the 'Riverside walking track' sign[16] along the concrete footpath[17]. 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[18]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[19].
(0.18 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[20] along the wide dirt track between the river and 'Spoonbill'[21] 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'[22] 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'[23]).
(0.48 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[24] 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[25] 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[26][fac=8387] then continues to head along the concrete path[27] on the river side of the sandstone building[28] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[29].
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[30], 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[31]. For more info, call Greg on 0418600695[32].
(0.64 km)
Boat Shed
to
8 Ironbarks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 473 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -8 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[33] and water). The track leads over a small flat timber bridge[34] in the middle of the picnic area to then find a NPWS arrow post[35] on the far side. Here this walk follows the arrow along the track for about 70m to then climb up the metal staircase[36], where the track continues for another 180m, first up and over a rocky outcrop[37] then along a flat track to find another large clearing. On the far side of this picnic area, just past the '8 Ironbarks' sign[38], this walk comes to a three-way intersection[39] (with a concrete path on your left).
(1.11 km)
8 Ironbarks
to
9 Carters Creek Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 216 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[40] along the narrow management trail, keeping the river to your right. After about 60m, this walk heads around a locked gate[41], then heads up over the grass to find a picnic area[42]. Here the walk heads over the timber bridge[43], past the '9 Carters Creek' sign[44] and into the picnic area. The walk veers left across the picnic area[45] to come back to the car park, just below the toilet block[46] 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[47], a gas BBQ[48] a large open grassy area[49], garbage bins, toilets[50] and a car park[51]. There is some limited access to the river view[52]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
(1.33 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[53] 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[54] then a pleasant she-oak stand[55], to come to a large gravel car park[56] 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[57] and a small toilet block[58][59] just up the hill.
(1.69 km)
13 Cottonwood Glen
to
Porters Creek bridge East Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.06 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = -26 m
Continue straight: 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.
(3.75 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.
(3.79 km)
Porters Creek bridge West
to
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.
Catch the bus from Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance
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
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)