Great North Walk: Lane Cove

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Alternate exit to Macquarie Park station.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of The Great North Walk & River Avenue Start (a footpath). The Great North Walk (about 5 m back from the start). Find the Alfred Cook Park at the start. After 60 m pass the "Whitefire Grill and Bar" (20 m on your right). W:www.whitefiregrill.com.au T:+61 2 8097 0280 11:30-22:30 Then find the "Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill" (25 m on your right). Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill The Riverside Cafe is found at the end of service road on the south-west corner of Fullers Bridge. The nicely renovated building looks over the Lane Cove River and is open 7 days, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is cafe-style and meals are priced upwards from $13. Ph: (02) 9412 3773.
	After another 25 m continue straight.
	After another 10 m continue straight. After another 65 m continue straight. After another 15 m find the "Potable Water" (70 m on your left). Potable Water Drinking fountain, 87cm high. After another 8 m pass the BBQ (20 m on your left). Then pass the toilet (75 m on your left). After another 8 m find the "Koonjeree Picnic Area" (5 m on your left). Koonjeree Picnic Area Koonjeree Picnic Area is at the southern end of Lane Cove National Park, just near Fullers Bridge. The picnic area boasts free gas barbecues, flushing toilets, town tap water, picnic tables and shelters, a large open area and car parking. On the bank of the Lane Cove River, this is a pleasant spot to enjoy the park. Then find the "Toilet" (65 m on your left). Toilet Male and female toilet block. Entrance is 75cm wide with 2 9cm steps, hand basins 87cm high, cubical doors 65cm wide, toilet seat 42cm high. Male toilet has a urinal with 6cm step. No handrails. Continue straight. After another 65 m find the "Seat" (on your right). Seat Two timber seats, 40cm high, 38cm deep and 1.8m wide with a 35cm backrest and no arm rests. After another 20 m find the "Trip Hazard" (on your right). Trip Hazard The edges of the weir are ungraded and there is a significant drop with water hazards. Keep clear of edges.
	Turn right. After another 5 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) Then find the "Lane Cove River Lookout" (55 m on your left). 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 25 m find the "Lane Cove Weir" (on your left). 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. After another 60 m find the "Seat" (9 m on your left). Seat A stone seat, 42cm high, 60cm deep and 1.7m wide with a 22cm high arm and 22cm backrest. Continue straight. After another 55 m pass the toilet (80 m on your left).
	Turn right. After another 6 m pass the playground (55 m on your left). After another 40 m find the "Picnic Table" (25 m on your right). Picnic Table A timber slat picnic table. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.7m wide (no backrest). 4x2.7m slab. Then find the "BBQ" (55 m on your right). BBQ Two free electric BBQs hotplates in sheltered picnic area. The BBQ table is 92cm high, 2.05m wide and 75cm deep. Hot plates are 45/45cm. After another 10 m find the "Parking Accessible" (35 m on your right). Parking Accessible There are 8 car parking bays in the immediate area. Three are marked mobiilty parking bays at the southern edge. The mobility parking area is ashphalt, 2.4m wide and 6.3m deep. Then pass the car park (40 m on your right). After another 30 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (60 m on your right).
	Continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road. After another 120 m pass the toilet (65 m on your right). Continue straight, to head along Max Allen Road. After another 50 m pass the car park (60 m on your right).
	After another 4 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Max Allen Road) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 8 m pass the "Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 280 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 120 m (at the intersection of Lane Cove Depot Road & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Lane Cove Depot Road (a service road).
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Lane Cove Depot Road) veer right, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 325 m come to the viewpoint (105 m on your left).
	After another 85 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 315 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 160 m cross the ford. After another 170 m cross the bridge Then head down the 7 stone steps (about 3 m long) After another 55 m head down the 26 steps (about 20 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
	After another 40 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 6 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 85 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 75 m pass the toilet (140 m on your right). Then cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 10 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 8 m head up the 11 steps (about 8 m long) After another 690 m come to the viewpoint. After another 400 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 80 m come to the viewpoint. After another 140 m find the "Sandstone caves" (15 m on your left). 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. After another 50 m cross the ford. After another 175 m find the "Allen Park" (100 m on your right). Allen Park Allen Park is a very small grassed clearing at the end of Blaxland Rd. The park is not shaded and backs onto a house. The park is a thoroughfare to access the Great North Walk from Blaxland Rd. After another 55 m head up the 5 steps (about 2 m long)
	After another 1 m turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 15 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 80 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 110 m cross the ford. After another 80 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 40 m find the "Blue Hole" (45 m on your left). Blue Hole Blue Hole is found in the Lane Cove River, downstream of De Burghs Bridge. Within Lane Cove National Park this small pleasent waterhole has a flat rock and small sandy beach on the north side of the river. The water is polluted by run-off and rubbish, especially after rain, so it is not suitable for swimming. It is still a pleasent place to relax and enjoy the valley. After another 110 m pass the sign (9 m on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	The starting point of an alternate access track. Alternate exit to Macquarie Park station. Details below. After another 75 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 15 m head down the 5 earthen steps (about 4 m long) After another 70 m come to the viewpoint (7 m on your left). After another 390 m pass the sign (7 m on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
	After another 145 m turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 10 m pass the sign (6 m on your left). After another 560 m head down the 4 steps Then cross the ford. After another 5 m head up the 6 earthen steps (about 4 m long)
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Gloucester Avenue Trail & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Gloucester Avenue Trail (a vehicle track).
	After another 35 m (at the intersection of Gloucester Avenue Trail & The Great North Walk) turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 370 m head down the 11 earthen steps (about 5 m long) Then cross the ford. After another 85 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) Then cross the bridge
	After another 55 m veer right, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 35 m veer left, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 110 m turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 130 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 180 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 6 m come to the viewpoint (10 m on your left). After another 40 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. Then come to the viewpoint (10 m on your left).
	After another 250 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 80 m cross the ford. After another 155 m pass the "Walking and Service Trails in the Lane Cove Valley" (8 m on your right).
	Veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	After another 105 m veer right, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 35 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
	After another 220 m turn left, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 45 m veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 325 m cross the stepping stones. After another 470 m cross the ford.
	After another 10 m turn left.
	After another 270 m turn left. After another 8 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 15 m find the "Browns Waterhole" (30 m on your left). Browns Waterhole Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir. There is a concrete shared cycle/footpath crossing over the top of the weir, linking Kissing Point Road, South Turramurra to Vimiera Rd, Macquarie Park. On the western side of the waterhole, there is a picnic table and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.
	After another 15 m veer right, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 15 m pass the "Walking and Service Trails in the Lane Cove Valley" (8 m on your right).
	After another 500 m turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your right). Continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 70 m pass the sign (on your right). At the intersection of The Great North Walk & The Step - Main loop continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 620 m pass the sign (on your right).
	At the intersection of Lane Cove Valley Walk & The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Devlins Creek Trail) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 55 m pass the sign (5 m on your left). After another 470 m pass the "Dog paw cave" (95 m on your right). After another 65 m cross the ford. After another 420 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 65 m cross the ford. After another 30 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 470 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 370 m cross the ford. After another 40 m cross the ford.
	After another 170 m (at the intersection of Morona Avenue Firetrail & The Great North Walk) veer left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 10 m pass the "Walking and Service Trails in the Lane Cove Valley" (on your right). After another 15 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 25 m pass the "Depth Marker" (on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 185 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right). Then cross the stepping stones. After another 35 m pass the sign (9 m on your left). After another 10 m head up the 14 stone steps (about 7 m long) After another 6 m find the "Conscript Pass" (on your left). Conscript Pass Conscript Pass is a small sandstone pass between the Lane Cove River and Thornleigh, on the Great North Walk. During the 1930s, some stone steps were built through a cleft in the rock as part of a public works program, in response to the depression. The pass has two main engravings. Firstly 'Conscript Pass' is followed with a downwards pointing arrow and a series of initials and numbers. On another wall (that you face when walking up) is engraved 'B Stevens' followed a surprisingly good caricature of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge). After another 9 m head up the 14 stone steps (about 10 m long) After another 70 m head up the 27 stone steps (about 20 m long) After another 9 m head up the 16 stone steps (about 7 m long) After another 2 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Lorna Pass) turn left, to head along Lorna Pass. After another 30 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (7 m on your left). After another 40 m cross the ford. After another 75 m head up the 57 earthen steps (about 60 m long) After another 35 m pass the sign (on your left).
	Turn right. After another 15 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 195 m pass the "Walking and Service Trails in the Lane Cove Valley" (on your left). Then pass a seat (6 m on your right)., has a backrest. Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 140 m pass the toilet (30 m on your right). 24/7 Then pass the car park (35 m on your right).
	Turn left. After another 25 m continue straight. After another 50 m find the "Thornleigh Oval" (10 m on your right). Thornleigh Oval Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field, tap water, public toilets and some shelter in the awning of the club house. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk and other local tracks. Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (15 m on your right).
	After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Handley Avenue. After another 450 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (7 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Orchard Street & Handley Avenue turn right, to head along Orchard Street.
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Orchard Street & Station Street) turn left, to head along Station Street. After another 420 m find the "Subway" (30 m on your right). Subway This branch of the popular sandwich chain Subway, who make a variety of subs and sandwiches as you order them. For more details contact the store on (02) 9481 4200 or visit at Shop 2, 291 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh, NSW 2120. About 150 m past the end is a car park. Then cross the bridge After another 25 m pass the "Curl and Wisker Cafe" (95 m on your right). T:+61 2 9484 3869 Then find the "Zacs Great Food" (95 m on your left). Zacs Great Food This restaurant can be found on Pennont Hills road just a stones throw from the station. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a continental menu ranging from about $20. for a meal. The opening hours are from 6.oo am to 10.00 pm from Tuesdays to Saterdays, and closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information on bookings call (02) 9484 6799. Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (95 m on your right).
	Start.
	After another 45 m turn right. After another 9 m cross the bridge (about 185 m long)
	After another 100 m continue straight. After another 215 m pass the "Tuckwell Park" (on your right). After another 75 m pass the car park (60 m on your left). Then find the "Eden Gardens" (40 m on your left). Eden Gardens Eden Gardens is a popular plant nursery at the intersection of Fontenoy and Ryde Roads. It is a pleasant place to explore and is also home to 'Dragonfly Cafe'. The cafe is open 7 days, 8:30am to 4pm (5pm on weekends) and serves a variety of hot and cold meals. PH: 9491 9900. The centre is closed over Christmas and on News Year Day
	After another 400 m turn left.
	After another 4 m turn right. After another 55 m pass the "Ribs and Rumps" (65 m on your right). After another 90 m pass the pay phone (25 m on your left). After another 35 m pass the car park (15 m on your right).
	Continue straight. After another 20 m pass the "Go Hun" (40 m on your left). Then pass the "Sambal" (40 m on your left). After another 160 m pass the car park (5 m on your right).
	After another 40 m turn left.
	After another 8 m veer right.
	After another 5 m continue straight.
	After another 30 m turn right.
	After another 25 m veer left.
	After another 4 m come to the end.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Lane Cove - Thornleigh

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	14.1 km
Time	4 h to 6 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 6 on route, on average they are 2 km apart with the largest gap of 11 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 3.5 km apart with the largest gap of 12.8 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	190 m	[toilet]
Entity\|toilet	200 m	Toilet
Seat	255 m	Seat
Seat	370 m	Seat
Toilet	380 m	[toilet]
Toilet	520 m	[toilet]
Toilet	2.4 km	[toilet]
Seat	13.2 km	[seat]
Toilet	13.3 km	[toilet]

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

Start	At the intersection of The Great North Walk & River Avenue (-33.7929912,151.156169)
Mode	Bus Car
Directions	From Delhi Road, A38 Turn on to River Avenue then drive for 15 m
Finish	(-33.7320867,151.0795051)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car Train

Weather Forecast

Alerts