Riverside Walk

Riverside Walk

Darug Country

1 h 45 min to 2 h

5.2 km
oneway

↑ 114 m
↓ -79 m

Hard track

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.

Current Alerts

Lane Cove National Park alerts

BBQ beside Max Allen Drive

Lane Cove Wier

Platform above Lane Cove River

Lane Cove River

Riverside Walking Track

Track to Boat Shed

Boats outside the shed

Sign along track

Ironbark Picnic Area

Gate to Ironbark Flats

Boardwalk along track

Riverside walk Lane Cove

Picnic shelter above Riverside walk

Water Dragon hiding in the water

Korong picnic area

Road north of Korong

Halfway Point picnic area

Picnic table along track

Lane Cove River from Riverside walk

Porters Creek Bridge

Bridge on Riverside Walk

Track through ferns Riverside walk

Entrance to Riverside Track

PDF | GPX

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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	(-33.7907245,151.1560663)
Mode	Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Lane Cove Road, A3 Turn on to Epping Road then drive for 1.1 km Turn left onto Delhi Road, A38 and drive for another 2.5 km Turn left onto Lady Game Drive and drive for another 235 m Turn left onto Max Allen Road and drive for another 75 m
Finish	(-33.7769578,151.1379609)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the car parking area near the bridge on Max Allen Drive, this walk follows the 'Sydney Cove' sign along the concrete footpath past the garbage bins. The path leads past a sheltered BBQ as the path bends right along the water's edge it also leads past a few picnic tables and comes to another GNW marker and an intersection with a sealed management trail beside the weir (on your left).
From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post (past a seat on the right) to cross over the concrete ford (top of the weir wall) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post. After heavy or prolonged rain, this crossing may be closed. It is unsafe to cross if water is flowing over the top.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. The Great North Walk (about 15 m back from the start). After 45 m find the "BBQ" (6 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 25 m turn left. After another 10 m pass the car park (25 m on your right). Then find the "Picnic Table" (15 m on your right). Picnic Table Two timber slat picnic tables. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 3.3m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.7m wide (no backrest). Room for a few chairs at end. 4x2.7m slab. Then find the "Parking Accessible" (25 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. After another 20 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 turn sharp right, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 85 m 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 135 m find the "BBQ" (20 m on your left). BBQ An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 94cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep. After another 60 m find the "Seat" (15 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 38cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). After another 145 m 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 75 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 20 m turn right, 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.
	Continue straight. After another 60 m continue straight.
	After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 40 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left). PH, Sa-Su After another 15 m to find the car park. After another 30 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 continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk.
	After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk. After another 75 m pass the car park (on your left). After another 95 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 pass the toilet (40 m on your left). After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 295 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 45 m turn right, to head along Riverside Walk. 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 surface\|wood 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 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 (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Riverside Walk) turn right, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track). Then head down the 11 surface\|wood steps (about 4 m long) After another 520 m head up the 6 stone steps Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 880 m head up the 6 steps (about 20 m long) Then head up the 38 concrete steps (about 15 m long)
	After another 10 m turn left. After another 7 m come to a sign.
	Continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive.
	After another 20 m come to the end.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Riverside Walk

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.2 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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1 km apart with the largest gap of 3.1 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 4.8 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	115 m	Seat
Seat	225 m	Seat
Seat	420 m	Seat
Toilet	1.2 km	[toilet]
Toilet	1.4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	1.7 km	[toilet]
Toilet	2.1 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Parramatta Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
  
  Sunday 29 September
  
  21°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the evening. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:30am to 2:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 7 [High]
  
  Monday 30 September
  
  14°C → 20°C
  Showers easing.
  80% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the early morning. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h early in the morning then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Tuesday 1 October
  
  10°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog in the outer west. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Wednesday 2 October
  
  12°C → 19°C
  Possible morning shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light during the evening.
  
  Thursday 3 October
  
  11°C → 20°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds.
  
  Friday 4 October
  
  9°C → 25°C
  Mostly sunny.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny day. Slight chance of a shower later in the day. Light winds.
  
  Saturday 5 October
  
  13°C → 25°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Lane Cove National Park alerts
  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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