This walk starts at Roseville station and explores the streets and alleyways of Roseville before joining the main spine of the Great North Walk at Fullers Bridge. Here you head deeper into the bush to explore the eastern bank on the Lane Cove River. There is a great diversity of mostly dry forest and some great sandstone rock formation, as well as a side trip to Blue Hole to enjoy. Soon after Blue hole you leave the river (and GNW) to cross over De Burghs Bridge, past a few cafes and restaurants to find Macquarie Park railway station.
(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 Roseville to Macquarie Park bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Roseville to Macquarie Park 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
9km
Time
3 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
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
3.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.7km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 2.2km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 340m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 3.3km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.9km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 9km 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 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Roseville Train Station
to
Int. Shirley Rd and The Rifleway Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 407 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -24 m
From the small shop[1] on the bridge over Roseville Station, this walk heads towards the garden shop[2] and the Pacific Highway, keeping the main station to your right. This walk then crosses the highway at the traffic lights[3] and turns right. After about 40 metres (just past 'James Cafe'[4]), this walk turns left into an alleyway[5]. The walk continues down the lane for approximately 50m to then cross Larkin Lane, coming to the top of some steps[6] (on the left of a green power box). Continue straight: From near the end of Larkin Lane, this walk heads past the green power box and down the pedestrian laneway steps[7]. After approximately 60m, the lane leads down some more steps[8] to find an intersection with another concrete footpath on the other side of Larkin St. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps, beside number 4 Larkin St[9]. From the bottom of the steps, the walk heads along the pedestrian alley[10] for about 40m, and then crosses a 60m long bridge[11]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk continues up the alley[12] for about 80m, coming to an intersection with Shirley Rd[13][14].
(0.41 km)
Int. Shirley Rd and The Rifleway
to
Longford St Steps Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 968 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -46 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk crosses Shirley Rd[15] then follows the footpath downhill for about 150m to then cross 'Alston Way'[16]. The walk continues down beside Shirley Rd for about 700m (veering left at 'Abingdon Rd'[17]) to come to the signposted intersection with 'Longford St'[18] (on the right). Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down along 'Longford St'[19] for about 100m to come to the top of the 'Valley View Cl' steps[20] (on the left), just past No.31.
(1.38 km)
Longford St steps
to
Int. Blue Gum Ck and Greville St Trks Track: Moderate - footpath,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 523 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -45 m
Turn left: From Longford St, this walk follows the 'Valley View Cl' sign[21] down the steps beside No.31. At the bottom of these steps[22], the footpath[23] continues downhill for another 50m to come to Valley View Close[24] (to find another path on the other side of the road). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the steps[25] (with a handrail) down between houses No.12 and 14[26]. At the back of the houses[27], this walk turns left and follows the track[28] for about 50m to pass a 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[29]. Then about 130m past this sign, this walk comes to an intersection with a faint track[30] (on your left) marked with a National Park arrow post[31]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the National Park arrow post[32] south along the clear track, keeping the valley to your right. After about 50m, the track leads down some stone steps[33] then continues down for about 80m through the denser vegetation[34] to cross the bouldery and sandy[35] Blue Gum Creek. A short distance after crossing the creek, this walk heads up to a T-intersection marked with a 'Blue Gum Creek Track' sign[36] (pointing back down to 'Valley View Close'[37]).
(1.9 km)
Int. Blue Gum Ck and Greville St Trks
to
Koonjeree Middle Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,footpath,footpath,footpath,footpath
Length = 810 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the 'Blue Gum Creek Track' sign[38] (following neither of the arrows). The track meanders through the trees, winding past some rocky ruins[39] for approximately 120m to come to a grassy clearing, just before a concrete (sewerage) bridge[40]. Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk follows the grassy trail under the sewerage bridge[41] and continues for about 300m to come to a larger clearing and picnic shelter[42] in Fullers Park. This walk continues along the grassy trail[43] on the edge of the park, then heads up the short sealed driveway[44] past the 'Lane Cove National Park - Fullers Park' sign[45], and around the locked gate[46] to come to Lady Game Drive. Here the walk turns left and follows the grassy verge[47] for about 40m to come to the intersection of Delhi Rd and Lady Game Dr. Turn right: From the corner, this walk crosses Lady Game Drive[48] at the traffic lights, heading towards Fullers Bridge[49]. Continue straight: From the corner of Lady Game Drive and Delhi Rd, this walk follows the footpath beside Delhi Rd, across Fullers Bridge[50]. Just on the far side of the bridge, this walk comes to an intersection with a footpath[51] (and steps, on your right) about 15m before the bus stop shelter[52]. Turn right: From the intersection between the bus stop and bridge, this walk heads down the steps[53] (away from the road) to almost immediately come to an intersection with another footpath[54]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the concrete footpath[55], away from the bridge, whilst keeping the river to your right. The path leads along the edge of 'Koonjeree picnic area'[56] until just past the 'Crossing the Lane Cove River' information sign[57], where this walk comes to an intersection with another footpath[58] (leading through the middle of the picnic area).
Koonjeree Picnic Area
Alt = 2 m
Koonjeree Picnic Area[59] is at the southern end of Lane Cove National Park, just near Fullers Bridge. The picnic area boasts free gas barbecues, flushing toilets[60][61][62], town tap water, picnic tables and shelters[63], a large open area[64] and car parking[65]. On the bank of the Lane Cove River[66], this is a pleasant spot to enjoy the park.
(2.71 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[67] along the concrete footpath[68], 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[69], just beside the weir[70] (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[71]. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder'[72] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding[73]. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[74] and downstream[75].
(2.81 km)
Lane Cove Weir South
to
Int. Great North Walk near Naamaroo Track: Moderate - servicetrail,footpath,road,road
Length = 345 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[76] over the concrete ford[fac=8375] (top of the weir wall[77]) to the other side of the river (past a seat[fac=8374] on the left) to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[78] (up the steps/ramp to the right). After heavy or prolonged rain, this crossing may be closed. It is unsafe to cross if water is flowing over the top. Turn right: From the north side of the weir, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[79] along the concrete footpath on the edge of the open grass picnic area, keeping the water to your right. The footpath leads past the picnic tables[fac=8372][fac=8373] and as the path bends left, past a sheltered BBQ[fac=8371] area to a row of rubbish bins[80]. Here the walk comes to an intersection with Max Allen Drive[81], just beside a bridge (on your right), a parking area[fac=8370] and a 'Great North Walk' track head sign[82][83]. Turn left: From the bridge, this walk heads gently uphill along the road[84] to the intersection with the visible concrete stairs just below the National Parks Office[85]. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the road uphill, keeping the short sandstone wall and National Parks office on your left[86]. The road soon bends left and leads up past the staff parking[87], to an intersection (with a track on your right) marked with a large 'Great North Walk' sign[88].
(3.15 km)
Int. Great North Walk near Naamaroo
to
Southern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail,bushtrack,road
Length = 452 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = -3 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[89] up the timber steps away from the road. The track passes a 'Caution - Swimming in Lane Cover River is not advisable...' sign[90] and then comes to an intersection with a wider management trail[91]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide trail uphill[92], initially keeping the cliff line to your right[93]. The trail bends right then leads uphill for about 130m, coming to an intersection (just below the power lines) where a 'Park Visitors Centre' sign[94] points back down the hill. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follow the 'Blue Hole - Fiddens Wharf' sign[95] and power line[96] up along the wide management trail. Just as the trail flattens out, this walk comes to an signposted intersection with a narrower track[97] (on your left). Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow posts[98] down the timber steps. The track gently meanders through the open forest[99] for a short time then heads up a few steps to come to a T-intersection[100] with a sealed road. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow[101] down along the road for a short distance and comes to another signposted intersection[102] with a track (on your right).
(3.6 km)
Southern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk
to
Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.23 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -72 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow[103] up the timber steps, away from the road. The track soon leads down[104] a longer set of timber steps where the track meanders[105] through the bush, passing a few rocky outcrops[106][107] before heading down the another series of timber stairs. Just beyond these steps, the track leads to a T-intersection[108] with a wide management trail, marked with a 'Sandstone Hillslope Community' information sign[109][110]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper arrow on the historic walk sign post[111], gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail leads through the casuarina forest[112] for about 30m then passes the 'Scribbly Gum' information sign[113]. The trail then bends left and leads downhill, narrowing significantly[114]. Here the track heads down a series of timber steps[115] to pass a 'Sydney Red Gum' information sign[116]. The track then crosses the ferny gully and passes the 'Sandstone Gully Community'[117] and then the 'Sydney Peppermint'[118] information signs. From here, the track leads across another gully[119] then up and along the side of a steep hill (with an unfenced cliff to your left[120]) for about 70m, coming to a rock platform with a 'Blackbutts' information sign[121]. Here the walk leads down the staircase[122] and stone path for a short time and crosses the 'weedy'[123][124] creek on a short timber boardwalk[125]. The now flat track leads for another 50m to a signposted intersection (with some steps on your right), where a 'Visitor Centre Loop' sign[126] points back along the track.
(4.83 km)
Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
to
Sandstone caves Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.56 km
Time = 32 mins
Climb = 62 m
Descent = -49 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Blue Hole' sign[127] across the flat timber boardwalk bridge[128], keeping the river to your left. After about 60m, the track passes a small sandstone overhang[129] then crosses a section of timber boardwalk[130], heading over the rock[131] to a small beach beside the Lane Cove River[132].
The track then continues along the river bank[133] for about 120m to then turn right up a side gully, crossing the creek on a timber footbridge[134]. The track then leads up a short but steep set of timber steps[135], where the track flattens out to come to a signposted intersection. Here the walk continues straight, following the 'Blue Hole' sign[136] over the small rise then back down to the bank of the river[137]. The rocky track follows the bank for about 250m, where the track climbs the hill[138] for a short time to follow the side of the hill around through the eucalypt and grass tree forest[139]. After about 230m, the track passes along the top of an unfenced cliff[140] (to your left). The track continues for just shy of 400m, passing a series of rock walls[141][142]. At the end of the clearest (and longest) rock wall[143], the track turns sharply right[144][145] and comes to the top of this rock wall.
From here, the walk turns left to lead over a rise, then crosses a small flat timber bridge[146]. The rocky track then continues to climb for 100m to come to an unfenced rock platform[147]. Turning right here, this walk climbs up[148] a little further to pass through a sandstone overhang[149], coming immediately to a second overhang which provides a bit more shelter[150].
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[151].
(6.38 km)
Sandstone caves
to
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 658 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = -44 m
Continue straight: From the cave[152], this walk follows the track along the side of the hill, keeping the valley down to your left. The track soon follows along the base of long sandstone wall[153] (on your right) for about 130m and passes around the right-hand side of a large cube boulder[154] (know as 'The Block'[155]). The track leads across a mossy and rocky gully[156] then uphill to pass through a long tunnel-like sandstone overhang[157][158], and along the base of another long sandstone wall[159]. At the end of this wall, the track leads up some rocky steps[160] and then leads gently through the open forest[161] for about 50m before passing under some power lines[162]. The track soon leads up some steps[163], coming to a signposted T-intersection with a management trail[164], where a GNW arrow points back along the track[165]. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Great North Walk - Deburghs Bridge' sign[166] downhill along the wide management trail. The trail soon bends right and follows the power lines[167] down, stepping over a partially buried, green metal pipeline[168] (sometimes hissing[169]). After this, the trail follows a GNW arrow[170] left as the trail significantly narrows and leads down a series of timbers steps[171] then across the rocky Blackbutt Creek[172][173]. Here, the walk follows the GNW arrow up onto the rock platform[174], where the track turns left then leads along the flat to a T-intersection with a GNW arrow post[175], and a set of steps[176] (up to your right AND down to your left).
(7.04 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
to
Blue Hole Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 28 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads straight down the timber steps[177]. Partway down the hill, metal steps[178] lead between a couple of rocks, where the track then comes to a sandy beach[179] and water hole, 'Blue Hole' on the Lane Cover River, in view of Deburghs Bridge[180]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Blue Hole
Alt = 9 m
Blue Hole[181] is found in the Lane Cove River, downstream of De Burghs Bridge[182]. Within Lane Cove National Park this small pleasent waterhole has a flat rock and small sandy beach[183] on the north side of the river. The water is polluted by run-off and rubbish, especially after rain, so it is not suitable for swimming. It is still a pleasent place to relax and enjoy the valley.
(7.04 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
to
Int. Great North Walk and Ryde Rd Access Trk NE Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 122 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post up the timber steps[184]. The track then leads up some stone steps[185] and comes to a three-way intersection, where a sign points back to 'Lane Cove River Weir via Great North Walk'[186].
(7.16 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Ryde Rd Access Trk NE
to
Eden Gardens Walk: Easy - bushtrack,footpath,bushtrack
Length = 845 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 67 m
Descent = -25 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Lane Cove River Weir via Riverside walk' sign[187] up the steps with 'GNW' painted on them[188]. The walk then gently winds up for about 130m to pass a 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[189]. The walk turns left here, heading around the locked gate[190] to the edge of Lane Cove Rd[191], on the north side of DeBurghs Bridge[192]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete footpath downhill alongside Lane Cove Rd, passing under the large 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[193]. The walk then follows the footpath across 'De Burghs Bridge'[194][195] to an intersection on the far side, marked with a NPWS arrow marker[196][197]. Continue straight: From the south side of the bridge, this walk follows the grassy verge[198] beside Lane Cove Rd gently uphill along a worn track. The track leads up past some signs[199] for just over 250m to cross Riverside Drive[200] (a signposted entrance to 'Lane Cove National Park'[201][202]) and find a concrete footpath on the other side[203]. Here, the walk follows the footpath beside the Lane Cove Rd for about 130m past a bus stop[204] then across the driveway[205] (at the traffic lights) to come to the intersection in front of 'Eden Gardens' nursery[206].
Eden Gardens
Alt = 54 m
Eden Gardens is a popular plant nursery at the intersection of Fontenoy and Ryde Roads. It is a pleasant place to explore and is also home to 'Dragonfly Cafe'[207]. The cafe is open 7 days, 8:30am to 4pm (5pm on weekends) and serves a variety of hot and cold meals. PH: 9491 9900.
The centre is closed over Christmas and on News Year Day More info
(8.01 km)
Eden Gardens
to
Macquarie Park Station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 860 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn right: From in front of 'Eden Gardens' nursery[208], this walk crosses 'Lane Cove Road' at the traffic lights[209]. On the other side of the road, this walk turns left and follows the footpath beside Lane Cove road for 130m to then cross the freeway-off ramp at two sets of traffic lights. The walk then continues along the footpath on the road bridge that leads over the freeway. The walk then crosses the freeway on-ramp using the pedestrian crossing, turns left and continues along the footpath for 110m to cross 'Talavera Road' at the traffic lights. On the other side this walk turns left and cross 'Lane Cove Road', at the traffic lights again then turn right to follow the footpath for 130m further along beside Lane Cove Road, to shopping complex with a 'McDonalds'[210], 'KFC'[211], some other restaurants and sandwich shops[212]. Here, the walk continues along the footpath[213] for another 250m to cross 'Waterloo Rd' (just after the Shell service station, Coles Express[214]) and come to the entrance of Macquarie Park train station[215].
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.
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:
While this walk has a bit of street slog, the remainder of the walk makes it all worthwhile - especially given the location of this NP in the inner suburbs. Once in the bush the city disappears. I guess the only reminder is the noise of aircraft coming into Sydney.
The rain of this summer has made the walk wet, but also gives a different view of the park.
I rather enjoyed this walk despite the rain.
The WW track notes are very detailed and makes navigation of this walk easy (especially as there are a lot of intersections!).
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 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 :)