Lane Cove National Park

This rock formation really does look like a Whale. The walk down from Boundary Rd is the shortest and easiest way to see Whale Rock. The walk follows a management trail the short distance to an intersection where you will find Whale Rock. This walk starts at the end of Boundary Rd in North Epping.

Total climbing: 26m

The Mambara Track is a short walk, accessible to everyone, and a great walk for gaining some knowledge about the local bush. The walk follows a concrete footpath and has many signs with information about the surrounding bush. A great loop walk for the whole family and great introduction to the walking experiences in the area.

Total climbing: 23m

This short walks follows a section the Great North Walk along the Lane Cove River to an old picnic ground know as Fairylands Pleasure Grounds or “the Rest”. The walk gives great views of the river and of some sandstone formations. Fairylands has mostly grown over now, but still has some bits of history to explore, or you can just relax and watch the river go by as you eat lunch.

Total climbing: 31m

This is a great way to explore the picnic areas and banks of the Lane Cove River. There are picnic areas and plenty of seats to enjoy along the way. On the weekend you can hire a boat and go for a paddle before heading back to the start. You could spend a whole day enjoying the river, bus and parklands. The walk is mostly flat and the alternate route leads around the only really rough section of the track.

Total climbing: 17m

This is a short walk down into the Lane Cove Valley, crossing the Lane Cove River, and out the other side. The entire track is concrete, making it a favourite trail for bike riders taking the short cut from Turramurra to Maquarie University. There are picnic tables at Browns Water Hole.

Total climbing: 49m

The Baker’s Cottage Heritage Track is a quick and interesting walk. The track itself is mainly drivable road, and turns to bush track before going up the hill to the cottage itself. At 140 years of age, Baker’s Cottage is the oldest unmodified structure, still standing, in the Ku-ring-gai area. All entrances to the cottage are blocked, so you can’t see inside. It is worth looking around the ground to see some other historic remains.

Total climbing: 56m

This walk, also know as the Black Cockatoo track, starts from Mowbray Park and explores the area where the Camaraigal Clan of the Guringai Tribe once lived. The walk leads across the top of a small escarpment and winds down and back along the Lane Cove river bank. The change in vegetation is quite defined and interesting. A boardwalk section through the mangroves gives a close view of river life that changes with the tides.

Total climbing: 66m

The Heritage Walk visits many of the historically significant buildings within the Lane Cove National Park. The walk follows the Lane Cove River from Fiddens Wharf and finishes at the Weir Precinct on Fullers Rd. The buildings are surprisingly intact, considering their age and history. A great walk for those wanting to see some culturally significant heritage buildings.

Total climbing: 89m

For the most part, this walk follows a section of the Great North Walk through “Fairylands” and past a few waterfalls, then across Lane Cove River (via Epping rd) to Mowbray Park. Starting and ending on two busy roads, it is a pleasant surprise to visitors how nice the bushland can be. Allow some time to enjoy Fairylands and the views of Lane Cove river along the way.

Total climbing: 105m

One of the most enjoyable walks in the Lane Cove valley, this relatively short trail ventures down into the valley and explores a variety of bushland. Spend a short while and go out to the scenic lookout and take your time around the waterfall. The track is pretty well signposted with a few information signs explaining some features. This walk was established by STEP a community based environmental organisation, based in South Turramurra.

Total climbing: 95m

This walk starts from Belinda Cres and provides a lovely walk to Whale Rock. The walk first passes some exotic plants and then into more native bushland with some interesting canopies and dense growth. Whale Rock, one of the features of this walk, is quite a sight and is well worth exploring. It is possible to walk up the service trail to Boundary Rd from Whale Rock to make a one way walk.

Total climbing: 41m

This walk goes to Whale Rock, from the sporting complex at the end of Canoon Rd, Turramurra. The walk follows Devlin’s Creek for the most part, winding through the valley. A great way to see the Lane Cove Valley, and explore the sandstone and fern filled scenery.

Total climbing: 121m

This is a short loop which escapes the city of Chatswood and drops down into the undeveloped valleys. The track is quiet and cool in the shade which the thick canopy provides. A great short walk or run during the lunch hour.

Total climbing: 88m

This walk, from the Lane Cove Tourist Park to the Lane Cove River Boat Shed, meanders along the placid Lane Cove River, passing many picnic areas along the way. The Boat Shed itself is surrounded by a large picnic area with plenty of space for the kids to run around and play. You can even hire a boat and go for a paddle.

Total climbing: 98m

This walk, via Terry’s Creek, is the most direct bush route between the two stations. Terry’s Creek waterfall features as a wonderful spot to unwind and enjoy the bush. The walk up to Eastwood Station visits the open grassy Forrester Park, another nice place to take a break along this walk.

Total climbing: 71m

This walk explores some of the hills and river banks of the Lane Cove National Park. Leaving the weir precinct on Max Allen Drive, the walk follows the Great North Walk over the hill and down to Fiddens Wharf (just near the oval). The return journey, past Schwartz Homestead, provides a great chance to see some local heritage. The track passes several picnic areas by the river providing a great chance to rest, eat and enjoy the view.

Total climbing: 159m

Following a section of the Great North Walk, this popular walk is well signposted and maintained. There are good views of the Lane Cove River as the track passes along the side of the ridge to the north. In several sections the track goes down to smaller creeks (some of which are polluted). Watch these creeks after rain as the boulders and small bridges can become quite slippery.

Total climbing: 155m

A well maintained and signposted track that follows the Lane Cove River, along a section of the Great North Walk. The section of bush track just west of De Burghs Bridge has great views of the river. Brown’s Waterhole is a good spot to break, although early in the walk. Watch out for cyclists in the Brown’s Waterhole area as this is a popular bike riding trail.

Total climbing: 178m
Note: There is no car transport option to the start of this walk.

This walk explores the bush between Epping and Pennant Hills stations. Sections of the walk pass through the Lane Cove National Park, although not down to the Lane Cove River. The walk explores a section of Devlins and Byles Creeks before passing near Pennant Hills park. The walk then takes the road for a short distance to finish at Pennant Hills Station.

Total climbing: 155m

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.

Total climbing: 114m

This walk loops around a section of the Lane Cove River. Starting at Fullers Bridge, the walk follows the Great North walk through the historic site of Fairylands to Epping road before crossing the Lane Cove river and heading up the other bank of the river, passing through a variety of environments including a Golf Course. The walk then returns to Fullers Bridge.

Total climbing: 175m

This walk leads down through the valleys beneath the houses, high on the ridge tops, to reaching the banks of the Lane Cove River at the Chatswood Golf Course. The walk then follows the scenic river, using boardwalks at times. The walk sees another side of Chatswood, with many natural treasures hidden along the way.

Total climbing: 137m

This is a scenic walk which takes in views of the Lane Cove River and some heritage buildings. Porters Creek bridge is a fantastic example of extravagant stone work, cut locally from the creek itself. The walk generally follows the Lane Cove River, passing many favourite sun baking spots for the local water dragons. Water Dragons and water birds seem to favour this lower bank, along with picnickers who enjoy the many grassed picnic areas along the way.

Total climbing: 85m

This walk is a popular track being close to roads, yet surrounded by nice tall trees. The walk heads down hill with tall eucalyptus surrounding the track and providing shade for most of the walk. Convenient access to the start of the walk from Gordon Railway station is another feature of this walk.

Total climbing: 121m

An enjoyable walk through lower sections of the Lane Cove National Park, this walk features plenty of mangroves next to the Lane Cove River, particularly in the section between Boronia Av and Buffalo Creek Reserve. Sugarloaf Point is well worth going the 200m for as its a good spot for a rest (or lunch) with views of the river. The walk has a number of contrasts where you think you are a long way from the city, with the occasional stark reminder.

Total climbing: 154m

Going through the streets of Hunters Hill, this walk is on the first segment of the Great North Walk. The majority of the walk is on roads and footpaths so you may not really consider it a bush walk. The track does pop into some pockets of nice bushland, but these are short, relative to the walking along the streets.

Total climbing: 175m

From the Tourist Park, this walk heads down to the other side of the Lane Cove River, to Baker’s Cottage. The walk passes the Lane Cove River Boat Shed and a play ground for the kids with plenty of open areas to run and play. Baker’s Cottage, perched up a slight hill, is worth the short distance with its unique history and age of the structure. Grab an ice-cream from the boat shed or hire a boat and go for a paddle. Spend some time and enjoy the park and bush lands.

Total climbing: 159m

Following the Lane Cove River, this walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk and is well maintained and signposted. Things to lookout for include Fiddens Wharf which is a very pleasant spot to sit and watch the ducks. The walk passes by Lane Cove National Park Headquarters, so pop by and check out the other experiences available in the park.

Total climbing: 200m

This walk takes you down into the v-shaped valleys that run between the houses of Roseville and Chatswood. The walk stays predominantly in the valleys, with many sections on road or footpath. This walk has a surprising amount of bushland which is very close to civilisation. The walk also passes the Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant which is a great spot for a lunch break.

Total climbing: 185m

Following the Great North Walk, and the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River South, this walk explores dense bushland surrounding the river. You will experience a variety of trails along this walk, from steep bush tracks to wide biketrails. The common feature, however, is how well managed these trails are. The section just south of Thornleigh is the highlight of the walk as the bushtrail winds its way around the hill.

Total climbing: 106m

Following the Great North Walk, and the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River South, this walk explores dense bushland surrounding the river. You will experience a variety of trails along this walk, from steep bush tracks to wide biketrails. The common feature, however, is how well managed these trails are. The section just south of Thornleigh is the highlight of the walk as the bushtrail winds its way around the hill.

Total climbing: 106m

This walk, to Cheltenham Station from Epping Station, visits Whale Rock and Lane Cove River. This is not the most direct route between the two stations, but it is a great way to explore Devlins Creek. With a train station at each end, this walk mostly follows well define management trails with a narrow section of track at the upper end of Devlins Creek.

Total climbing: 184m

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.

Total climbing: 191m

This walk gives you the chance to explore the bush and wetlands alongside the Lane Cove River, from Boronia Park to the new underground train station at North Ryde. You will visit several mangrove wetlands, some dry eucalypt forests and have the opportunity to rest and fill up your water bottle at a few well maintained parks. This walk follows the GNW most of the way, until soon after passing under Epping Road where you take a detour up through the Riverside Corporate Park to Delhi Rd and the train station.

Total climbing: 231m

This walk is a great one from Chatswood Station to the Lane Cove River National Park. The walk descends through the vegetated bushland which fills the valleys of the Lane Cove River. There are two places to buy a bite to eat, the Chatswood Golf Club and the Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant.

Total climbing: 222m

This walk, between Epping and Thornleigh Stations, follows Devlins Creek then Lane Cove River as they wind through the valley. There are a number of interesting rock features to enjoy along the walk. The walk starts and ends near shops, so you can fill up with a coffee or a bite to eat at each end. From Whale Rock, the track becomes wide and very easy to follow.

Total climbing: 209m

Setting out from Pennant Hills train station, this walk loops around Pennant Hills Park, exploring the surrounding bush and visiting Whale rock on the way. The walk turns back towards the park after passing the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails.

Total climbing: 233m

This walk, from Epping to Pennant Hills Station, is a great way to see the upper Lane Cove River Valley. The walk does pass near major roads, but there are times along the track, near Browns Water Hole and along the Lane Cove River, where you forget how close you are to the city. Allow time to enjoy some of the lovely spots along the way.

Total climbing: 249m

A great way to explore the Lane Cove Valley from Epping Station, this walk loops around North Epping, returning to the station. There are many sights to be seen along this walk, with Whale Rock and Brown’s Waterhole being a couple of highlights. The walk explores Devlins Creek, upper Lane Cove River and Terry’s Creek. A lovely way to spend a few hours.

Total climbing: 168m

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.

Total climbing: 290m

This walk follows a section of the Great North Walk, starting from De Burghs bridge. The walk winds north west, through the Lane Cove Valley, passing through Browns Waterhole and continuing alongside Lane Cove river as it zigzags along the valley floor. The walk then climbs up to the Thornleigh playing field and along the streets to Thornleigh train station

Total climbing: 363m

Epping to Eastwood, via Lane Cove River, is the longer route through the bush between the stations. This walk visits Big Ducky Waterhole, Whale Rock, Browns Waterhole and the Lane Cove River. The water is a great feature of this walk as you explore the valleys between Epping and Eastwood Stations.

Total climbing: 189m

This walk explores Terrys Creek and the Lane Cove National Park. From Eastwood station the track follows Terrys creek past a small waterfall, under the M2, past Browns Water hole and along the Lane Cove river before climbing up to Thornleigh Oval and the train station. There are picnic tables at Browns waterhole, not a bad place for lunch, otherwise there are a few nice creek banks to rest along the way

Total climbing: 285m

The track connecting Gordon to Roseville Railway Station is a surising scenic walk through remnant bushland. The walk escapes the urban centres to wind through the valleys and along the Lane Cove River with its abundance of water dragons, ducks and other birds. The walk is a great way to do a station to station walk, even if you have a car.

Total climbing: 345m

This walk begins in the busy city of Chatswood and soon enters the nearby bushland around the Lane Cove River. The walk uses the v-shaped valleys to escape from the houses. Due to pollution and rubbish in stormwater run-off there are some less then pleasant pockets, however, this walk does explore some wonderful views of the Lane Cove River and its surrounds. You can buy lunch at the Golf course, or there are plenty of nice spots along the river to stop and eat.

Total climbing: 302m

Starting from the Macquarie Park train station, you wander down Lane Cove Rd and over De Burghs Bridge to join the main spine of the Great North Walk in the Lane Cove Valley. Here the walk heads under De Burghs bridge then explores the dry grass tree and eucalypt forest along the side of the ridge. The track soon leads you down into the ferny and moist valley beside Lane Cove River. Near the top of the valley, you walk up some stone steps built during the depression to find some rock engravings with 1930’s style political satire, Conscript Pass. The side trip provides access to the scout campsite, where the main walk continues leads up through the streets to find Thornleigh train station.

Total climbing: 413m

This walk, from Epping Station to Gordon Station, passes below the homes which sit on the hills high above the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails which weave above and across the rivers and creeks which fill the valley. The walk then leaves Lane Cove River National Park and enters the Blackbutt Reserve before reaching Gordon, then Gordon Station.

Total climbing: 365m

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.

Total climbing: 381m

This walk is a great way to get into the bush without being far from civilisation. The walk wanders through untouched valleys and along the Lane Cove River, passing over many roads and footpaths to connect such unspoilt bush. The side trip to Baker’s cottage is definitely worth the short stroll, with the heritage building having a long history.

Total climbing: 381m

This walk goes from Gordon, to Roseville station, using the Riverside Walking Track. From DeBurghs Bridge, the walk follows the western bank of the Lane Cove River, passing many picnic areas and the Lane Cove River Boat Shed. The scenic walk along the Lane Cove River provides plenty of opportunities for a picnic or to kick the ball around before heading up to Roseville Station.

Total climbing: 344m

This walk, from Chatswood to Epping, is a long but enjoyable walk along the Lane Cove valley. The walk mostly follows the Lane Cove River to Terry’s Creek, then follows Terry’s creek, under some major roads, to Epping. A great walk exploring bushland so close to the suburbs.

Total climbing: 533m

This long day walk follows the Lane Cove River and Berowra Creek. The walk mostly follows the iconic Great North Walk, keeping mostly to bushland. With a train station at each end and a chance to fill the tummy at Thornleigh, this is an enjoyable day out.

Total climbing: 705m

Following the Lane Cove River and Terry’s Creek, this walk uses the valleys between the stations to explore some suburban bushland. From Chatswood Station, the walk soon leaves the suburban area and passes through the bush along the Lane Cove River. A great station-to-station walk with a few options for snacks along the way.

Total climbing: 554m

Initially following Terry’s Creek, and then the Lane Cove River, this walk goes through some of the prettier sections of the Lane Cove National Park before climbing up to Thornleigh and continuing into the Berowra Valley Regional Park. Following Berowra Creek and the side of the valley, the surrounds change from the wet environment of Lane Cove to the dry scrub and bushland of Berowra. The walk continues until climbing out, up to Hornsby Railway Station, through a remnant of the old Blue Gum High Forest.

Total climbing: 810m

This overnight walk starts from Gordon train station and winds through bush filled valleys to Hornsby station. From Gordon station, the walk winds down past the Gordon golf course to the Great North Walk, then continues north through the Lane Cove Valley before staying overnight at the Baden Powell scout camp. The next day, the walk continues along the Great North Walk, through Thornleigh and down into the Berowra Valley Regional Park, following Berowra creek to the beautiful Fishponds waterhole. From here, the walk passes up through a piece of the old Blue Gum High Forest to Hornsby Quarry, and on to Hornsby train station.

Total climbing: 1024m

This overnight walk starts from the Obelisk in Macquarie Park, Sydney, at the official start of the Great North Walk. The walk soon boards the ferry from Circular Quay to Woolwich, and follows the Great North Walk through the streets of Hunters Hill and into the Lane Cove National Park. After staying the night in a caravan park here, the walk backtracks a little, then heads north, winding through the Lane Cove Valley, up to Thornleigh train station.

Total climbing: 1110m

This fun walk covers a large section of the Great North Walk, starting from the official start in Circular Quay. After a short ferry trip the walk follows the Lane Cove River through the Lane Cove National Park, to Thornleigh. Here, the walk enters Berowra Valley National Park, continuing along the Great North Walk to before following the popular Blue Gum Walk up out of the valley, to Hornsby train station. Camp overnight at Lane Cove tourist park and at the Scout camp in Thornleigh.

Total climbing: 1690m