Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the office of the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park', this walk heads down the internal road, past the boom gates for about 50m to turn left just past the laundry. The walk then continues along this road as it bends right after about 100m, then leads down to a T-intersection. 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. From this concreted section between sites 152 and 151, this walk follows the sign down the stone steps for about 60m, where the track then leads gently down to a T-intersection marked with a timber signpost (beside a large scribbly gum).
From the intersection, the walk follows 'Lane Cove River Weir' sign south down the hill. The track leads gently down the side of the hill for about 80m to pass a 'Native Flora' information sign, then about 90m later passes a 'Bush Regeneration' information sign among the ferns. Just 30m past this sign, the track leads over a small metal bridge beside the tall fern trees and 'Native Fauna' information sign. Here the track continues for a short distance to come to an intersection with Riverside Drive, where a 'Tourist Park' sign points back up the hill.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Lane Cove River tourist park (about 10 m back from the start). 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). After another 25 m (from the Plassey Road) turn right, to head along Plassey Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 130 m (from the Plassey Road) continue straight, to head along Plassey Road. After another 9 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 300 m turn right. After another 190 m pass the toilet (10 m on your right). Continue straight.
	After another 250 m (from the Riverside Drive) continue straight (a steps). Then head up the steps (about 9 m long)
	After another 115 m (from the Riverside Walk) turn left, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track). After another 170 m find the "13 Cottonwood Glen" (5 m on your left). 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 and a small toilet block just up the hill. Then cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 145 m pass the shelter (25 m on your left). After another 150 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 45 m (from the Riverside Walk) turn right, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track). After another 8 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left). Then head through/around the gate. After another 320 m head up the 13 wooden steps (about 5 m long) After another 55 m head down the 15 stone steps (about 6 m long) After another 35 m come to the viewpoint.
	After another 135 m (from the Riverside Walk) continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 370 m head up the 7 earthen steps (about 6 m long) After another 9 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 135 m head up the 11 earthen steps (about 8 m long) After another 215 m come to the viewpoint. After another 270 m head up the 5 steps (about 5 m long)
	After another 6 m (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Riverside Walk) turn right, to head along Riverside Drive (a vehicle track). After another 15 m cross the Porters Creek Bridge (about 10 m long) After another 9 m (from the Riverside Drive) continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive.
	After another 610 m (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Tunks Hill Road) continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive. After another 30 m pass the sign (6 m on your right).
	After another 90 m (from the Riverside Drive) continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive. After another 30 m (from the Riverside Drive) continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive.
	After another 25 m (from the Riverside Drive) continue straight (a highway\|cycleway). After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 185 m turn left. After another 9 m head up the earthen steps (about 25 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 190 m long)
	After another 7 m turn sharp right.
	After another 35 m continue straight. After another 50 m head down the 7 steps (about 3 m long)
	After another 4 m (from the The Great North Walk) veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 40 m pass the sign (9 m on your right). After another 75 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 70 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 25 m cross the ford. After another 95 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 95 m (from the The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 70 m pass the sign (on your left). Then head down the 5 steps (about 2 m long) After another 285 m cross the ford. After another 165 m find the "Sandstone caves" (15 m on your right). 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. Then come to the viewpoint. After another 65 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 450 m come to the viewpoint. After another 630 m head down the 11 steps (about 8 m long) After another 8 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	After another 90 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 140 m pass the sign (on your left). Then cross the bridge (about 8 m long) Then head up the 26 steps (about 20 m long) After another 55 m head up the 7 stone steps (about 3 m long) Then cross the bridge After another 200 m cross the ford. After another 130 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk to Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk. To take the alternate route turn around here. Details below. After another 315 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight. After another 225 m come to the viewpoint (9 m on your right).
	After another 135 m (from the Max Allen Road) continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road. After another 70 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left). After another 2 m (from the Max Allen Road) continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road. There is a shelter (about 5 m back from the start).
	After another 80 m (at the intersection of Max Allen Road & Lane Cove Depot Road) continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road. After another 40 m find the "Schwartz Homestead" (20 m on your left). Schwartz Homestead The Schwartz Homestead is a neat little white and green 1920's timber cottage with a balcony on three sides. It was probably built by orchardist George Warr, who leased the land from 1917.
	From the Max Allen Road veer left, to head along Max Allen Road. After another 55 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Baker's Cottage. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 255 m (from the Max Allen Road) continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road.
	After another 15 m (from the Max Allen Road) continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road. After another 30 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
	The alternate route finishes here. Turn sharp left to rejoin the main route at the 8.7 km waypoint. Details below. After another 280 m (from the Max Allen Road) veer right (a footpath). After another 180 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
	Continue straight.
	After another 45 m turn right.
	After another 35 m continue straight. After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) Then find the "Seat" (9 m on your right). Seat A stone seat, 42cm high, 60cm deep and 1.7m wide with a 22cm high arm and 22cm backrest. After another 60 m find the "Lane Cove Weir" (on your right). 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' 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 and downstream.
	Continue straight. After another 10 m find the "Trip Hazard" (6 m on your left). Trip Hazard The edges of the weir are ungraded and there is a significant drop with water hazards. Keep clear of edges.
	After another 3 m (from the Riverside Walk) turn sharp right, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track). After another 10 m find the "Seat" (25 m on your left). Seat Two timber seats, 40cm high, 38cm deep and 1.8m wide with a 35cm backrest and no arm rests. After another 70 m come to the viewpoint. Then find the "Seat" (on your left). Seat Two timber seats, 43cm high, 48cm deep and 1.8m wide with no arm or backrest. Then find the "Lane Cove River Lookout" (on your right). Lane Cove River Lookout Found along the timber boardwalk on the banks of the Lane Cove River, just up stream from the weir, is this lovely viewing platform. The boardwalk and platform are fenced (1.1m high), there are two main seats and a stepped area for extra seating. The views extend upstream for about 250m and is a great spot to watch water birds and the occasional paddle boat. After another 150 m find the "Seat" (20 m on your left). Seat A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 74cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 40cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). Then find the "BBQ" (20 m on your left). BBQ An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 94cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep. After another 115 m find the "Potable Water" (20 m on your left). Potable Water A water tap on the grass, handle is 84cm high. After another 20 m find the "Illoura Picnic Area" (25 m on your left). Illoura Picnic Area The Illoura Picnic Area in Lane Cove National Park, is an open grassy area beside the river and about 140m downstream of the Boatshed. The picnic area has a water tap, picnic tables and wood fired BBQ. On the other side of the Riverside Drive is a small toilet block. The eastern edge of the picnic area is a large brick picnic shelter. After another 65 m find the "Picnic Shelter" (15 m on your left). Picnic Shelter 2 picnic tables in a large shelter. tables are 78cm high, 93cm deep and 2.1m ( the second table is 4.3) wide. The seats are 44cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (second table seats are 3.7m). Then find the "Illoura Picnic Shelter" (15 m on your left). Illoura Picnic Shelter The park brick picnic shelter is on the bank of the Lane Cove River, near the Boatshed. There are two picnic tables in the shelter. The tables are 78cm high, 93cm deep and 2.1m wide. The second table is 4.3m wide. The seats are 44cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide. The second table has seats that are 3.7m. Outside the shelter is another picnic table and wood BBQ. The picnic shelter is nestled in a grove of trees between the carpark and the open grassy Illoura picnic area. There is a small toilet block across the road After another 10 m pass the shelter (8 m on your left). After another 20 m come to the "Wheelchair Rough". Wheelchair Rough Two sections (of about 15m each) of the track have exposed tree route, making the ground uneven and creating trip hazards. After another 45 m find the "Pinch Point" (on your left). Pinch Point Track narrow to a maximum width of 80cm at this point. Then find the "Picnic Table" (8 m on your left). Picnic Table The table is 73cm high, 74cm deep and 3m wide. The seats are 41cm high, 29cm deep and 3m wide (no backrest).
	After another 15 m (from the Riverside Walk) continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 40 m find the "Lane Cove Boatshed" (30 m on your left). 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, 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. After another 25 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your left). Picnic Table 2 tables are 73cm high, 90cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 36cm high, 31cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). After another 195 m pass the BBQ (10 m on your left). Then cross the bridge (about 2 m long) After another 135 m head up the 12 metal steps (about 4 m long) After another 180 m pass the toilet (35 m on your left). After another 85 m head through the bollard.
	From the Riverside Walk continue straight (a service road). After another 60 m continue straight.
	After another 45 m (from the Riverside Walk) continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track). After another 40 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left). PH, Sa-Su After another 45 m find the "9 Carters Creek" (9 m on your right). 9 Carters Creek Picnic Area 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, a gas BBQ a large open grassy area, garbage bins, toilets and a car park. There is some limited access to the river view. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
	After another 95 m (from the Riverside Walk) veer left. After another 225 m head through/around the gate. From the Riverside Drive continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive (a vehicle track).
	After another 15 m (from the Riverside Drive) continue straight (a service road).
	After another 55 m veer left. Then head down the steps (about 9 m long)
	From the Riverside Drive continue straight (a walking track). After another 250 m continue straight.
	After another 115 m turn left. After another 300 m continue straight. After another 20 m pass the "Macquarie Park Cemetery" (20 m on your right).
	After another 115 m (from the Plassey Road) turn left (a service road).
	After another 25 m come to the end.

An alternative route linking Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk to Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the The Great North Walk Start heading along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
	After another 10 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 410 m (at the intersection of Lane Cove Depot Road & The Great North Walk) veer left, to head along Lane Cove Depot Road (a service road).
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Lane Cove Depot Road & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 120 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 290 m (at the intersection of Max Allen Road & The Great North Walk) turn sharp right, to head along Max Allen Road (a vehicle track). After another 30 m pass the "Great North Walk" (on your left).
	After another 85 m come to the end. At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

An optional side trip to Baker's Cottage.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Max Allen Road Start (a walking track).
	Continue another 65 m to find Baker's Cottage at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 65 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	11.4 km
Time	4 h to 5 h

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one -1 m back from the start.

Shelter: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2.9 km apart with the largest gap of 6.7 km.

Toilet: There are 8 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 6.4 km.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 9 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	-1 m	Lane Cove River tourist park
Toilet	650 m	[toilet]
Shelter	1.2 km	[shelter]
Toilet	1.4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	7.8 km	[toilet]
Shelter	7.9 km	[shelter]
Toilet	8.1 km	[toilet]
Toilet	8.4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	8.9 km	[toilet]
Seat	9 km	Seat
Seat	9 km	Seat
Seat	9.1 km	Seat
Seat	9.2 km	Seat
Shelter	9.4 km	[shelter]
Toilet	10 km	[toilet]
Toilet	10.2 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on 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).

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.

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.

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' 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 and downstream.

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, 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.

9 Carters Creek Picnic Area
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, a gas BBQ a large open grassy area, garbage bins, toilets and a car park. There is some limited access to the river view. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.

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 and a small toilet block just up the hill.

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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Parramatta Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 12 March
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds.
  
  Thursday 13 March
  
  18°C → 31°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. The chance of fog in the west in the early morning. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 8 [Very High]
  
  Friday 14 March
  
  19°C → 33°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of fog in the west in the early morning. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Saturday 15 March
  
  21°C → 35°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Sunday 16 March
  
  22°C → 37°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 17 March
  
  22°C → 27°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning, reaching up to 45 km/h along the coastal fringe.
  
  Tuesday 18 March
  
  14°C → 22°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting easterly during the day.
  
  Wednesday 19 March
  
  15°C → 26°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Lane Cove National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Toilet closures in Lane Cove National Park
  Some toilets within this park will be closed during the week, opening only on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The closed toilets are at:
  
  Carters Creek (Area 9)
  
  Scribbly Gums (Area 17)
  
  Haynes Flat (Area 32)
  
  Please note: This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be opened.
  For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Sugarloaf carpark closed
  Sugarloaf carpark in Lane Cove National Park is no longer open to the public. We apologise for any inconvenience.
  For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood Area office on 02 8448 0400. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits and fresh baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2025 and 31 July 2025 in Lane Cove National Park. Don’t touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Weather Forecast

Alerts