Riverside Walking Track

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.7769604,151.137773)
Mode	Bus Car (Parking fees apply in the area.)
Directions	From Gore Hill Freeway, M1 Turn on to Lane Cove Tunnel, M2 then drive for 5.1 km Keep left onto Epping Road Offramp, M2 and drive for another 1.6 km Keep left onto Lane Cove Road Exit and drive for another 305 m Keep right onto Lane Cove Road Exit and drive for another 30 m Continue onto Lane Cove Road Exit and drive for another 45 m Turn right onto Lane Cove Road, A3 and drive for another 1.3 km Turn right onto Riverside Drive and drive for another 440 m
Finish	(-33.7928738,151.1564401)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' sign down the stairs. The track winds above the Lane Cove River for approximately 600m, passing some cliffs on the right. The track continues to wind above the river for another 400m, to then turn right, up Porters Creek. The track follows Porters Creek for approximately 100m to the intersection with Riverside Drive at Porters Creek bridge.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 20 m head down the 38 concrete steps (about 25 m long) Then pass the sign (on your left). After another 15 m head up the 6 steps (about 8 m long) After another 880 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) Then head down the 6 stone steps After another 520 m head up the 11 surface\|wood steps (about 4 m long)
	After another 2 m (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Riverside Walk) turn left, to head along Riverside Drive (a vehicle track). After another 9 m cross the Porters Creek Bridge (about 10 m long)
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Riverside Walk) turn left, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track). After another 6 m head down the 5 steps (about 5 m long) After another 305 m come to the viewpoint. After another 180 m head down the 11 earthen steps (about 8 m long) After another 135 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 9 m head down the 7 earthen steps (about 6 m long)
	After another 370 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 155 m come to the viewpoint. After another 20 m head up the 15 stone steps (about 6 m long) After another 55 m head down the 13 surface\|wood steps (about 5 m long) After another 340 m head through/around the gate.
	Continue straight. After another 30 m continue straight. After another 30 m pass the toilet (25 m on your right). Then head through/around the gate. After another 230 m pass the shelter (25 m on your right). After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 20 m find the "13 Cottonwood Glen" (5 m on your right). 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. After another 130 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk.
	After another 180 m continue straight. After another 70 m find the "9 Carters Creek" (9 m on your left). 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 45 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right). PH, Sa-Su
	Continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 35 m head through the bollard. After another 100 m pass the toilet (35 m on your right). After another 90 m head down the 12 metal steps (about 4 m long) After another 135 m cross the bridge (about 2 m long) After another 85 m pass the BBQ (10 m on your right). After another 85 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right). 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 15 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 35 m find the "Lane Cove Boatshed" (30 m on your right). 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 30 m find the "Picnic Table" (8 m on your right). 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 50 m find the "Pinch Point" (on your right). Pinch Point Track narrow to a maximum width of 80cm at this point. After another 45 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. Then find the "Illoura Picnic Shelter" (15 m on your right). 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 find the "Picnic Shelter" (15 m on your right). 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). After another 35 m find the "Illoura Picnic Area" (25 m on your right). 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 120 m find the "Potable Water" (20 m on your right). Potable Water A water tap on the grass, handle is 84cm high. After another 25 m find the "Picnic Table" (15 m on your right). Picnic Table A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 72cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 34cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). After another 8 m find the "BBQ" (20 m on your right). BBQ An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 90cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep. After another 15 m find the "Seat" (15 m on your right). Seat A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 74cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 38cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). Then find the "BBQ" (20 m on your right). BBQ An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 94cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep. Then find the "Seat" (20 m on your right). 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). After another 140 m find the "Lane Cove River Lookout" (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. Then find the "Seat" (on your right). Seat Two timber seats, 43cm high, 48cm deep and 1.8m wide with no arm or backrest.
	After another 20 m turn sharp left.
	After another 15 m turn right. After another 35 m find the "Lane Cove Weir" (30 m 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. Then find the "Trip Hazard" (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 15 m find the "Seat" (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 45 m veer right. After another 30 m find the "Koonjeree Picnic Area" (7 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.
	Continue straight.
	After another 25 m turn left, to head along Riverside Drive. Then pass the BBQ (5 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the car park (20 m on your right). Then find the "Parking Accessible" (15 m on your right). Parking Accessible There are 18 car parking bays. One is marked mobiilty parking near the toilets. The mobility parking area is ashphalt, 3.4m wide and 5.5m deep. Then find the "Toilet" (15 m on your right). 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. After another 20 m find the "Potable Water" (15 m on your right). Potable Water Drinking fountain, 87cm high. After another 30 m head through/around the gate. 09:00-19:00
	After another 25 m come to the end. About 50 m past the end is "Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill". 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.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Riverside Walking Track

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.3 km
Time	1 h 45 min to 2 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	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 3.4 km from the start.

Entity|toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1.1 km apart with the largest gap of 3.1 km.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1.1 km apart with the largest gap of 4.9 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	3.1 km	[toilet]
Shelter	3.4 km	[shelter]
Toilet	4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	4.1 km	[toilet]
Seat	4.9 km	Seat
Seat	4.9 km	Seat
Seat	5 km	Seat
Seat	5.1 km	Seat
Entity\|toilet	5.2 km	Toilet

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Parramatta Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Thursday 31 October
  
  28°C
  Showers developing. Possible storm.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:00am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 9 [Very High]
  
  Friday 1 November
  
  15°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light early in the morning then becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon.
  
  Saturday 2 November
  
  15°C → 21°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the morning and afternoon. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon.
  
  Sunday 3 November
  
  15°C → 33°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Monday 4 November
  
  19°C → 27°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Tuesday 5 November
  
  18°C → 25°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Wednesday 6 November
  
  17°C → 28°C
  Partly cloudy.
  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
  Hazard reduction burns: Whale Rock HR
  There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 23/10/2024. The fire is called Whale Rock HR. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  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 August 2024 and 31 January 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)
  
  Closed areas: Sugarloaf carpark closed
  Sugarloaf car park 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 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  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.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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