Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit
Download & Print Map and Notes
5 hrs
11.9 km Circuit
381 m
Hard track
Lane Cove River tourist park
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).
(0km) Lane Cove Tourist Park → Riverside Dr
540 m
11 mins
6m
-43m
Moderate track
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.
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.
(0.54km) Riverside Dr → 13 Cottonwood Glen
130 m
3 mins
0m
-11m
Easy track
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.
(0.67km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → Porters Creek bridge East
2.1 km
35 mins
34m
-26m
Moderate track
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.
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.
(2.73km) Porters Creek bridge East → Porters Creek bridge West
30 m
1 mins
0m
-1m
Very easy
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.
(2.76km) Porters Creek bridge West → Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance
1.5 km
28 mins
53m
-23m
Hard track
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.
(4.28km) Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance → Int. Riverside Trk and Ryde Rd Access Trk SE
280 m
6 mins
8m
-12m
Very easy
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.
(4.55km) Int. Riverside Trk and Ryde Rd Access Trk SE → DeBurghs Bridge South
30 m
1 mins
6m
0m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk access sign up the stairs to Ryde Rd.
(4.58km) DeBurghs Bridge South → DeBurghs Bridge North
270 m
8 mins
23m
-29m
Very easy
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).
(4.85km) DeBurghs Bridge North → Sandstone caves
940 m
23 mins
44m
-59m
Hard track
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’). 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].
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’). 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
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].
(5.79km) Sandstone caves → Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
1.6 km
32 mins
49m
-62m
Moderate track
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.
(7.35km) Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk → Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk
800 m
16 mins
44m
-23m
Moderate track
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].
(8.14km) Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk → Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk
970 m
21 mins
31m
-50m
Moderate track
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. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .
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. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .
(8.14km) Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk → Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area
350 m
7 mins
5m
-28m
Moderate track
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.
(8.49km) Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area → Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
620 m
12 mins
13m
-13m
Very easy
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.
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.
(9.12km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Baker’s Cottage
120 m
3 mins
10m
-1m
Moderate track
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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.
Baker’s Cottage
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.
(9.12km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Lane Cove Weir South
590 m
13 mins
15m
-19m
Moderate track
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 on the right) to cross over the concrete ford (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.
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 on the right) to cross over the concrete ford (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
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. In more recent years, a ‘fish ladder’[114] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[116] and downstream[117].
(9.71km) Lane Cove Weir South → Lane Cove River Lookout
50 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Very easy
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 (and a stepped seating area[121]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[122].
(9.76km) Lane Cove River Lookout → Illoura Picnic Area
310 m
6 mins
7m
-7m
Easy track
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 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, to find an intersection at the ‘Riverside Walking Track’ sign (pointing back to ‘Lane Cove River weir 0.35km’[126]).
(10.07km) Illoura Picnic Area → Boat Shed
160 m
3 mins
1m
-1m
Moderate track
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 section then a narrow section of track. After another 60m the track leads to a grassy clearing with a large picnic table[129] 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
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. For more info, call Greg on 0418600695.
(10.22km) Boat Shed → 9 Carters Creek
690 m
13 mins
17m
-14m
Moderate track
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.
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
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.
(10.91km) 9 Carters Creek → 13 Cottonwood Glen
360 m
6 mins
2m
-5m
Moderate track
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
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.
(11.28km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → Riverside Dr
130 m
3 mins
11m
0m
Easy track
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].
(11.41km) Riverside Dr → Lane Cove Tourist Park
540 m
11 mins
43m
-6m
Moderate track
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].
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].
Maps for the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Parramatta River | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER | NSW-91303N |
| Sydney | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9130 SYDNEY | 9130 |
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
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 11.9 km | ||
| Time | 5 hrs | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
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) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining 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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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit walk starts and ends at the Lane Cove Tourist Park (gps: -33.789442, 151.14332)Your transport options to Lane Cove Tourist Park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/lctprc
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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