Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker’s Cottage
Download & Print Map and Notes
2 hrs 30 mins
5.9 km Return
159 m
Moderate 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 → 13 Cottonwood Glen
670 m
14 mins
6m
-54m
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.
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.
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.
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.
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[22] and a small toilet block[23][24] just up the hill.
(0.67km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → 9 Carters Creek
360 m
6 mins
5m
-2m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the car park on the south side of ‘Cottonwood Glen’, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[25] along the track into the bush, keeping the river to your left. The track leads along side the river for about 300m, first through a lovely she-oak stand[26], then through a re-vegetating tall gum forest[27] before heading down a sealed footpath[28] to come to a car park (beside the toilet block[29]) at Carters Creek 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[30], a gas BBQ[31] a large open grassy area[32], garbage bins, toilets[33] and a car park[34]. There is some limited access to the river view[35]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
(1.03km) 9 Carters Creek → Boat Shed
690 m
13 mins
14m
-17m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From in front of the toilets at Carters Creek picnic area, this walk heads across the grass clearing[36] and across the small timber bridge[37] to come to the car park[38]. After crossing the car park, this walk continues over the grass[39], beside the road, keeping the river to your left, and then veers left and follows the NPWS arrow post[40] down around the locked gate. Here the walk follows the narrow trail for about 60m to come to an intersection[41] with a footpath on your right, just before the ‘8 Ironbarks’ sign[42] and picnic area.
Continue straight: From the intersection[43] just west of ‘8 Ironbarks’[44], this walk follows the track through the picnic area, keeping the river on the left. On the far side of the picnic area, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[45] for about 180m up over a rocky outcrop[46] to then head down a metal staircase[47]. The track winds down alongside the river for another 70m to come to the edge of another large grassy clearing. Here, this walk heads across ‘7 Moola’ picnic area (with toilets[48] and water), crossing a small flat timber bridge[49] in the middle. The track soon leaves this clearing and continues for another 80m to come to the shop-front side of the sandstone boatshed building[50].
Continue straight: From the intersection[43] just west of ‘8 Ironbarks’[44], this walk follows the track through the picnic area, keeping the river on the left. On the far side of the picnic area, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[45] for about 180m up over a rocky outcrop[46] to then head down a metal staircase[47]. The track winds down alongside the river for another 70m to come to the edge of another large grassy clearing. Here, this walk heads across ‘7 Moola’ picnic area (with toilets[48] and water), crossing a small flat timber bridge[49] in the middle. The track soon leaves this clearing and continues for another 80m to come to the shop-front side of the sandstone boatshed building[50].
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[51], 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.
(1.72km) Boat Shed → Illoura Picnic Area
160 m
3 mins
1m
-1m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the shop front of the boatshed[54], this walk follows the concrete path keeping the river to the left to walk to the end of the building. Here, the walk follows the wide dirt track, past the large picnic table[55], keeping to the lower main (but narrowing) track for about 60m to pass through a notably narrow then short rough steep section of track in the acacia grove. About 15m later the walk leads below a large brick picnic shelter[56] and 50m later comes to a ‘Riverside Walking Track’ sign[57] at the edge of the ‘Illoura’[58] picnic area.
(1.88km) Illoura Picnic Area → Lane Cove River Lookout
310 m
6 mins
7m
-7m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the ‘Lane Cove River weir 0.35km’ arrow[59] on the ‘Riverside Walking Track’ sign along the track keeping the river to the left to head alongside the ‘Illoura’[60] picnic area. The walk then leads past a grove of trees to then head to the far end of the next picnic area, the ‘Spoonbill’[61] picnic area. Here the walk leads past the ‘Riverside walking track’ sign[62] up the concrete then timber ramp and along the boardwalk for about 80m (enjoying more river views) to come to a fenced lookout with a few seats (and a stepped seating area[63]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[64].
(2.19km) Lane Cove River Lookout → Lane Cove Weir South
50 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the timber boardwalk, keeping the river to the left. After about 40m the boardwalk ends and the walk follows a concrete footpath[65] to come to a t-intersection with an asphalt trail marked with a large ‘Riverside walking track’ sign[66] just above the weir[67] (to the left).
(2.24km) Lane Cove Weir South → Lane Cove Weir North
50 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[68] over the concrete ford (top of the weir wall[69]) to the other side of the river (past a seat on the left) to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[70] (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.
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’[72] 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[74] and downstream[75].
(2.29km) Lane Cove Weir North → Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk
210 m
5 mins
9m
0m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the weir, this walk follows the footpath straight up the hill for approximately 20m to the large concrete area of the intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the road following the signs to the toilets. This walk continues to the point where the track splits.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the clearing and past the toilet block on the right. The walk heads across and up the hill for approximately 50m to the intersection with the road.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the road following the signs to the toilets. This walk continues to the point where the track splits.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the clearing and past the toilet block on the right. The walk heads across and up the hill for approximately 50m to the intersection with the road.
(2.5km) Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk → Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
330 m
7 mins
10m
-15m
Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill with the river below, on the left. The walk meets a clearing on the left marked as ’28 Turramburra Flat’. This walk passes a parking area on the left, and toilets on the right. The road then comes to a signposted intersection, on the right.
(2.83km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Baker’s Cottage
120 m
3 mins
10m
-1m
Moderate track
Turn right: 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.
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.
Maps for the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker’s Cottage 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 to Baker’s Cottage bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker’s Cottage
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 | 5.9 km | ||
| Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
| Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
| Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
| Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
1.6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 900m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (410m) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
1.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 770m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (520m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 2.7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 290m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 2.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 2.9km 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 2.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 120m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
1.3 km Return
1 Hr
Moderate track
1.5 km Return
45 mins
Moderate track
2.6 km One way
1 Hr
Moderate track
3.4 km Return
1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
4.3 km Circuit
1 hr 27 mins
Moderate track
5.3 km One way
2 hrs
Hard track
5.5 km One way
2 hrs
Hard track
6 km One way
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
6.9 km Circuit
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
8.9 km One way
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
10.7 km One way
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
11.9 km Circuit
5 hrs
Hard track
12.2 km One way
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
13.3 km One way
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
16.3 km One way
6 hrs
Hard track
18.1 km One way
6 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
33 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
44.4 km One way
3 Days
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
2.6 km One way
1 Hr
Hard track
5.3 km Circuit
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
11.6 km One way
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
1.5 km Circuit
1 Hr
Moderate track
978 m Return
30 mins
Easy track
9.7 km One way
3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
6 km One way
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
5.4 km One way
2 hrs
Hard track
3.3 km Circuit
1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
11.2 km Circuit
4 hrs
Hard track
7.5 km Circuit
3 hrs
Hard track
10.3 km One way
3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker’s Cottage walk starts and ends at the Lane Cove Tourist Park (gps: -33.789442, 151.14332)Your main transport option to Lane Cove Tourist Park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/lctptbsxx
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 🙂
Comments