List of Bushwalks in Council of the City of Ryde

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fairylands track

980 m return

20 min to 30 min

Environment

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Bus

Car

Full details ...

Browns Waterhole Track

1.2 km oneway

30 min to 1 h

Browns Waterhole Track

Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)

Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)

4.2 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Riverside Walk

5.2 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h

Environment

Hunters Hill to Epping Road

Hunters Hill to Epping Road

5.2 km oneway

2 h to 2 h 30 min

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Camaraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

5.2 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Camaraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fairylands Loop Track

5.3 km circuit

2 h to 2 h 30 min

Fairylands Loop Track

Environment

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bus

Car

Full details ...

Riverside Walking Track

5.3 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h

Riverside Walking Track

Environment

De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge

De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge

5.7 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

5.7 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River

Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River

6 km oneway

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

6 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Camaraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

North Ryde Fairyland Circuit

North Ryde Fairyland Circuit

6.8 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

6.8 km

Circuit

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Boronia Park to North Ryde

Boronia Park to North Ryde

7.1 km oneway

2 h 30 min to 2 h 45 min

7.1 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 30 min to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Epping to Pennant Hills Station (via Lane Cove River)

Epping to Pennant Hills Station (via Lane Cove River)

8.2 km oneway

2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

8.2 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Environment

Epping Station Lane Cove River Loop

Epping Station Lane Cove River Loop

8.3 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 3 h

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Roseville to Macquarie Park

Roseville to Macquarie Park

8.6 km oneway

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

8.6 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Eastwood to Thornleigh

10.2 km oneway

3 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Eastwood to Thornleigh

10.2 km

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 Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Waterfall

Environment

Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

11.2 km oneway

4 h to 4 h 30 min

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Urban

Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

11.4 km circuit

4 h to 5 h

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Gordon to Roseville Station (Riverside Walk)

Bus

Car

Full details ...

Gordon to Roseville Station (Riverside Walk)

13.2 km oneway

4 h 30 min to 6 h 45 min

13.2 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 30 min to 6 h 45 min

Environment

Urban

Great North Walk: Sydney - Lane Cove

Great North Walk: Sydney - Lane Cove

13.7 km oneway

4 h to 7 h

1 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Wheelchair

3 h 30 min to 8 h 30 min

This walk is the southern most stretch of the Great North Walk and spends much of the time exploring the scenic and historic urban areas around Woolwich, Hunters Hill and bush and wetlands alongside the Lane Cove River. Starting at the birth place of modern Sydney you soon enjoy a ferry ride across the world renowned harbour, passing the Opera House and heading under the Harbour Bridge. Once on dry land again you will explore the streets and some lovely pockets of remnant bushland of this peninsula. There are a few chances to stop at a cafe along the way, walk through Fairylands before exploring a few streets in Chatswood West to come to the bus station on Delhi Road. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Great North Walk: Lane Cove - Thornleigh

Great North Walk: Lane Cove - Thornleigh

14.1 km oneway

4 h to 6 h 30 min

Starting from Delhi Road bus station in Chatswood West this walk explores 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 walk leads past Throneligh oval to through the streets to find Thornleigh train station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Macquarie Park to Hornsby

Macquarie Park to Hornsby

20.9 km oneway

6 h 30 min to 10 h

Starting from Macquarie Park Station this walk follows the green pockets of Sydney through Bradley Reserve, Thornleigh and Berowra Valley National Park to reach the station at Hornsby. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the Obelisk in Macquarie Place Park, this walk takes you via ferry to Woolwich and continues to meander on streets and through parks of Hunters Hill, along Lane Cover River to Macquarie Park Station. Enjoy the many opportunities for views from lookouts over this green part of the city. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Sydney to Macquarie Park

25.9 km oneway

7 h to 12 h

Sydney to Macquarie Park

Environment

Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park

Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park

34.3 km oneway

11 h 17 min to 2 days

34.3 km

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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

11 h 17 min to 2 days

Environment