Best trails in Lane Cove National Park
Lane Cove National Park, nestled within the Sydney metropolis in New South Wales, offers a captivating natural haven showcasing a diverse range of flora. The park boasts an array of ecosystems to explore, from lush wet and dry sclerophyll forests to heathlands, mangroves, and tidal flats. Whether you're planning a family day out or a school outing, Lane Cove National Park provides an ideal setting where you can delve into the region's rich history, indulge in a riverside picnic, or embark on a serene paddle downstream.
As its name suggests, the park encompasses a remarkable stretch of bushland on both sides of the picturesque Lane Cove River. Conveniently accessible for Sydneysiders, the park features tranquil riverside picnic areas complete with barbecues, picnic tables, children's play equipment, and easy access to various scenic walking tracks.
With its native bushland and abundant waterways, Lane Cove National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Remember to bring your binoculars and keep an ear out for the enchanting calls of Kookaburras and the vibrant hues of Lorikeets. You might even glimpse water dragons gracefully gliding along the water's edge.
It's important to acknowledge that the land now encompasses Lane Cove National Park was initially inhabited by the Cam-mer-ray-gal Group of the Ku-ring-gai Aboriginal mob. This group, one of the largest in the Sydney area, resided along the north shore of Port Jackson, adding deep cultural significance to the park's historical heritage.
Top trails
- (2404)·Moderate·6.6 miYou don’t need to leave Sydney to find genuine bushland serenity. This loop along the Lane Cove River offers a brilliant mix of gentle strolling and rugged adventure. The track varies significantly as you circle the river. At the same time, the southern banks are often smoother, but the northern section, following the Great North Walk, introduces some rocky scrambles and uneven ground that demand a bit of focus. The area is teeming with life. Keep your eyes peeled for Eastern Water Dragons...
- (895)·Moderate·3.3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrRiverside serenity and local history blend seamlessly along this charming circuit in Lane Cove National Park. Following a picturesque section of the Lane Cove River, the track guides you through a variety of landscapes, from lush salt marshes and mangroves to open forest. A true highlight is passing through the site of the historic Fairyland Pleasure Grounds; once a bustling 19th-century picnic destination, it now offers a peaceful space to imagine the area's colourful past via informative...
- (447)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrMeandering through the heart of Lane Cove National Park, this trail offers a refreshing escape into the bush right on Sydney’s doorstep. You will find yourself wandering under a canopy of eucalypts and past peaceful stretches of the Lane Cove River. Keep your eyes peeled for the locals as it is common to spot kookaburras, brush turkeys, and even the occasional lace monitor or echidna rustling in the undergrowth. The route passes several lovely spots like the Blue Hole and various grassy...
- (625)·Moderate·3.5 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrExploring the northwestern reaches of Lane Cove National Park, the Pennant Hills Circuit provides a refreshing escape into diverse Sydney bushland. This loop offers a dynamic mix of wide fire trails and narrow tracks that descend into lush valleys. It is an excellent choice for those wanting to combine a solid workout with the tranquillity of flowing streams, featuring local landmarks like Whale Rock and sections that overlap with the iconic Great North Walk.
- (208)·Moderate·5.6 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrTowering red gums and the gentle flow of the Lane Cove River define this scenic stretch of the Great North Walk through West Lindfield. Starting from Carramar Road, the path plunges into a lush pocket of the Lane Cove National Park where the suburban bustle quickly fades into a chorus of kookaburras and whipbirds. You might spot a swamp wallaby darting through the understorey or a sun-bleached eastern water dragon resting on a sandstone shelf by the water. The forest here is a beautiful mix...
- (205)·Hard·12.1 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrThis is a lovely walking through Lane Cove National Park stretching all the way from Lane Cove and the main hub of the park all the way out to Epping. This trail mostly utilises The Great North Walk trail and follows the Lane Cove River. This is a great walk with plenty of options to explore alternatives to the route outlined here as well as a route taking the opposite side of the river back to the beginning. This area is usually pretty good for bird watching but during the spring time is...
- (264)·Moderate·6.7 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis circuit explores the suburban-bushland interface of Lane Cove National Park. Situated on the traditional lands of the Wallumedegal people, the trail links several local conservation corridors, including the riparian zones of Devlins Creek and Terry's Creek. The track features natural earth paths, paved streets and gravel fire trails. There are multiple creek crossings along the way, which can flood following heavy rain. During these times, the water can rise above ankle height,...
- (171)·Moderate·7.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis point-to-point section of the iconic Great North Walk threads through the heart of Lane Cove National Park, following the winding course of the Lane Cove River. While much of the walk is a gentle riverside wander, you should be prepared for technical sections along the riverbank where the path becomes rocky. The final leg toward Thornleigh features a sustained ascent that moves out of the valley floor and onto the ridge. Because this is a point-to-point route connecting two train...
- (187)·Hard·21.4 mi·Est. 8.5–9 hrThe Great North Walk runs from Sydney to Newcastle. It connects New South Wales' two largest cities from the obelisk in Australia's first planned town square to the wharf, Queens Wharf, from which its oldest home-built steamship still sails in over 250 kilometres of history, mystery and fascination. It visits many sites and areas along the way, including Mooney Mooney Creek, Brisbane Water National Park, Heaton Gap, Lane Cove River, Berowra Waters, Glenrock Lagoon and Warners Bay, just to...
- (179)·Moderate·6.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail runs along the Lane Cove River, offering a nice easy short walk close to the city. The route features beautiful views of water and mangroves and an abundance of wildlife like ducks and bush turkeys. There are some great picnic spots along the route. Be mindful that there is a section that goes into Lane Cove National Park where dogs are not allowed, this section can be bypassed with some road footpath walking. There are lots of options to do shorter or longer walks in the area....
Visitor info
Lane Cove National Park charges a vehicle entry fee. There are pay and display machines around the park. Annual passes are available.
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- Easy trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Forest trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Lane Cove National Park
- Long trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Moderate trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Lane Cove National Park
- River trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Short trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Trails with views in Lane Cove National Park
- Waterfall trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Wildflower trails in Lane Cove National Park
- Wildlife trails in Lane Cove National Park
