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
- (2283)•Moderate•6.6 miThis is a great family-friendly track that makes for an easy weekend getaway without leaving town! The track meanders through natural bushland along the banks of the Lane Cove River where there is plenty of shade and light breezes accompanied by wildlife like ducks, wallabies, and bush turkeys. There are some picturesque picnic areas along the route, and even a cafe for a quick lunch stop.
- (834)•Moderate•3.3 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis loop track travels 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 river bank. Before returning to Fullers Bridge, the trail passes through various environments, including a Golf Course. Stop at the information board and read about the historic Fairyland Pleasure Grounds, a 19th-century recreation and picnic area.
- (414)•Moderate•6.4 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThe Riverside walking track in Lane Cove National Park, north of Sydney's CBD, winds through natural bushland and offers several picturesque picnic areas. You can enjoy riverside picnicking, birdwatching, and a city getaway all in one place. Watch for lorikeets, kookaburras, egrets, spoonbills, swamp wallabies, and brush turkeys while strolling along the trail. Consider returning via the northern riverbank along the Great North Walk for a challenge.
- (564)•Moderate•3.5 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis is an excellent trail through Lane Cove National Park in north-west Sydney, New South Wales. This looped route begins and ends from the information and parking area at the entrance to the park off Britannia Street in the suburb of Pennant Hills. Keep an eye on the app to be sure you get the turnoff with this one. There is parking available at the trailhead as well as toilets and BBQs.
- (195)•Moderate•5.6 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is a beautiful trail through the Lane Cove National Park, located not too far from the centre of Sydney, New South Wales. This out-and-back trail begins and ends on Carramar Road in the suburb of Linfield. The trail is relatively flat and features many nice views out over the Lane Cove River as you follow it along. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way water dragons, wallabies, and bush turkeys are often spotted in this area.
- (198)•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...
- (236)•Moderate•6.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis is a great, easy-to-follow loop starting in the Lane Cove National Park that takes you on a mixture of national park trails, suburban pavements, and a lovely gentle track along Terry's Creek. This is a fun day hike with plenty of spots along the way to relax and enjoy your surroundings and fantastic picnic spots.
- (159)•Moderate•7.2 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis route explores a section of the Great North Walk through a decent chunk of Lane Cove National Park alongside Lane Cove River. The trail conveniently connects Macquarie Park and Thornleigh stations, making it easily accessible by public transport. The trail itself features a good mix of paved paths and bushwalking tracks. There is one main ascent as you approach the end of the hike near Thornleigh.
- (173)•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....
- (183)•Hard•21.3 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...
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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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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Lane Cove National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lane Cove National Park is Lane Cove Riverside Walk, which has a 4.5 star rating from 2,283 reviews. This trail is 6.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 646 ft.
What is the longest trail in Lane Cove National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lane Cove National Park is Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh. This trail is estimated to be 21.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Lane Cove National Park?
There are 48 trails in Lane Cove National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 8,129 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Lane Cove National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Lane Cove National Park has you covered. North Ryde to Hornsby via Great North Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 2,237 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh, which will get you 2,194 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Lane Cove National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Lane Cove National Park and the most popular is Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh with an average 4.5 star rating from 183 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Lane Cove National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 31 running trails in Lane Cove National Park and the most popular is Lane Cove Riverside Walk with an average 4.5 star rating from 2,283 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Lane Cove National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Lane Cove National Park and the most popular is North Epping River Loop with an average 4.1 star rating from 236 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Lane Cove National Park, including Boronia Park to Magdala Park via Lane Cove River, Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh, Great North Walk: Lane Cove National Park, Lane Cove to Boronia Park via Great North Walk, and North Ryde to Hornsby via Great North Walk.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 16 trails with waterfalls in Lane Cove National Park, including Lane Cove to Epping via The Great North Walk, North Epping River Loop, Macquarie Park to Thornleigh via Great North Walk, Boronia Park to Magdala Park via Lane Cove River, and Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 21 trails with picnic areas in Lane Cove National Park, including Lane Cove Riverside Walk, Riverside Walking Track, Lane Cove to Epping via The Great North Walk, Boronia Park to Magdala Park via Lane Cove River, and Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with cliffs in Lane Cove National Park, including Lane Cove Riverside Walk, Lane Cove to Epping via The Great North Walk, Macquarie Park to Thornleigh via Great North Walk, Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh, and Great North Walk: Lane Cove National Park.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with historical ruins in Lane Cove National Park, including Fairyland Loop Track, Lane Cove National Park Heritage Walk, Fiddens Wharf Track, and Lane Cove River loop via De Burghs Bridge and Linley point.
Are there any trails with ponds in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with ponds in Lane Cove National Park, including Pennant Hills Circuit, North Epping River Loop, Mambara, Kurrajong and City View Walking Track Loop, Devlins Creek, Pennant Hills and Day Road Trail Loop, and South Turramurra and Pennant Hills Walk.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Lane Cove National Park?
Yes, there are 21 trails with scenic viewpoints in Lane Cove National Park, including Lane Cove Riverside Walk, Riverside Walking Track, Lane Cove to Epping via The Great North Walk, Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh, and Mambara, Kurrajong and City View Walking Track Loop.
