Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

11.2 km Circuit

302 m

Hard track

This walk begins in the busy city of Chatswood and soon enters the nearby bushland around the Lane Cove River. The walk uses the v-shaped valleys to escape from the houses. Due to pollution and rubbish in stormwater run-off there are some less then pleasant pockets, however, this walk does explore some wonderful views of the Lane Cove River and its surrounds. You can buy lunch at the Golf course, or there are plenty of nice spots along the river to stop and eat.

(0km) Chatswood Station → Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk

990 m

20 mins

10m

-50m Moderate track

From Chatswood Train Station, this walk exits the station onto Victoria Ave. The walk then continues up Victoria Ave, passing Chatswood RSL on the left. This walk continues to the Pacific Highway where it crosses over the at a pedestrian crossing or the foot bridge near by.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up the Pacific Highway, to turn left onto Western Way. The walk continues down Western Way through a dogleg, turning right onto Jenkins Rd then quickly left back onto Western Way. The walk heads down Western Way to turn right onto Edgar St and to the Edgar Reserve Park with green gate.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk passes the gate, then the playground on the right, and continues through the clearing. The track continues for approximately 150m to an intersection marked by a memorial bench.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads between the tennis court fence on your right and the houses on your left for approximately 150m. The track then comes to an intersection with Park Ave, and a 'Rail to River Walk' sign[1].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign down the road for approximately 30m to the next signpost.

(1km) Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk → Int. Ferndale Trk and Beresford Trk

320 m

8 mins

-24m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' signpost past the 'Ferndale Park' sign, down the management trail. The walk continues along the trail for approximately 60m to a large grassed clearing. The walk then continues away from the clearing along a bush track, which soon comes to some steppingstones across the creek. Approximately 50m later, the walk comes to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the creek (which remains on your left) down the gully for approximately 100m to the signposted intersection.

(1km) Int. Ferndale Trk and Beresford Trk → Int. Lowanna Park and Greville St

360 m

9 mins

41m

-6m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads along the creek (which remains on the left) for approximately 60m to turn up the steps to a signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign up the hill. The track zigzags up through mossy rock outcrops to a house on the left. This walk continues up the stairs to the intersection with the road.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses the road and heads right, up the hill. The walk continues up the hill to Lowanna Park gate on the left.

(2km) Int. Lowanna Park and Greville St → Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval

960 m

19 mins

-53m Moderate track

Turn left: From the gate on Greville St, this walk passes through the park diagonally, past the play equipment and BBQs, to the gate on the Fullers Rd side of Lowanna Park.
Turn left: From Lowanna Park, this walk heads along Fullers Rd towards the mechanics, initially keeping the park on the left. The walk continues along Fullers Rd, as Millwood Ave breaks off to the right. The first left is the signposted intersection with Bellevue Ave.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' signs down Bellevue Ave for approximately 500m, tending right to the signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign down the hill for approximately 30m to the telegraph pole with 'Rail to River Walk' sign.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign down the hill between the fences. The walk comes to the end of the laneway and descends the stairs, down through rocky outcrops to the O.H. Reid Memorial Oval.

(3km) Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval → Int. Behind the 8th Tee

570 m

11 mins

-22m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads across the oval to the car park to the left of the toilet block.
Continue straight: From the O.H. Reid Memorial Oval car park, this walk heads along the road with Chatswood Golf Course below on the left. The walk continues along the road for approximately 200m, passing a street on the left, to the intersection opposite house No. 17.
Turn left: From the intersection opposite No. 17 Reid Drive, the walk heads down the stairs tending left down the hill to the signposted intersection behind the 8th tee.

(3km) Int. Behind the 8th Tee → 8th Green

470 m

8 mins

-3m Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the track past the metal fence and along the right-hand side of the 8th fairway of Chatswood Golf Course, keeping the river on the right of the track. The walk continues up the fairway and over a bridge, passing two sand bunkers on the left. Approximately 20m after the second bunker, the walk comes to an intersection with a management trail, on the right.

Chatswood Golf Course

The newly renovated deck at Chatswood Golf Course makes it a great place to take a breather on your walk. The club offers snacks and meals with a $12 all day breakfast on offer. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $5-20, with a good variety on offer. Chatswood Golf Course is open seven days for meals. More info.

(4km) 8th Green → Int. Avro Rd Trk and River Access Trk

970 m

20 mins

35m

-34m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk leaves the golf course and heads along the mangroves and waterline, to the right of the track. The walk follows the mangroves for a short time to the signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow for the 'River Walk', keeping the Lane Cove River on the right. The track continues along some boardwalk sections which are raised above the mangroves in places. The track continues to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'River Track' sign, keeping the river below on the right. Large sections of track are suspended above the mangroves on a boardwalk. The track continues to wind along the Lane Cove River bank for approximately 400m to a signposted intersection.

(5km) Int. Avro Rd Trk and River Access Trk → Int. River Trk and Upper Access Trk

260 m

4 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along the Lane Cove River bank, with the water to the right of the track. The track quickly opens out onto a clearing next to the river bank. The walk continues over two sections of boardwalked track, leading to a signposted intersection.

(5km) Int. River Trk and Upper Access Trk → Mowbray car park (near oval)

520 m

11 mins

25m

-21m Moderate track

Turn right: From the signposted intersection, this walk heads towards the large rock next to the water (below on the right). The walk uses pins bolted into the rock as handholds, and climbs to the other side of the river bank. The track then continues along the gap between the mangroves and a rocky outcrop, to come to the Mowbray Park athletics field.
Turn sharp left: From the oval's far corner, closest to the river and furthest from the road, this walk heads up the steps to the signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the hillside towards the oval (below on the right). The track winds through the bush for approximately 60m to pass over a bridge and a 'Mowbray Park' sign in a grassed area. The walk crosses this grass area to come to the intersection with the footpath.
Continue straight: From the park bench, this walk heads down the footpath, keeping the oval below on the right. The walk continues down the hill for a short time to soon come to the intersection to the side of the oval.

(5km) Mowbray car park (near oval) → Int. Epping Rd and Sam Johnson Way

1.4 km

25 mins

39m

-20m Moderate track

Veer left: From the car park, this walk heads away from the oval and towards the bridge near the river. The walk crosses the car park to then follow the railed pathway under the bridge. Here the walk bends left and heads up the stairs to the intersection with Epping Rd.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the shared footpath[2], keeping the traffic to your left. After about 100m, the walk crosses the factory driveway[3] and comes to a set of traffic lights[4] (opposite the end of Mowbray Rd).
Continue straight: From the traffic lights, this walk heads uphill along the footpath beside Epping Rd to the first driveway entry to the large Shell petrol station.
Continue straight: From the driveway, this walk heads up the hill along side Epping Rd, passing under a footbridge tothe traffic lights. Here the walk crosses Sam Johnson Way to the other side of the intersection.

(7km) Int. Epping Rd and Sam Johnson Way → Int. Elizabeth Pde and Lower Stringybark Trk

1.1 km

21 mins

28m

-18m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection next to the pedestrian crossing, the walk heads down the stairs past the track marker. The track winds down the hill and tends left along the hillside for a short time before coming out under a bridge. The track heads under the bridge to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Murray St' sign along the creek bank, away from the bridge. The track passes through sections of rocks and ferns for approximately 700m before coming to an unmarked intersection on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads east along the creek (below on the right). The track winds through rocks and undulates for approximately 150m to an unmarked intersection on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Elizabeth Pde' arrow[5], undulating a little alongside the creek for approximately 150m, then turns right, up the hill, to the intersection with the road.

(8km) Int. Elizabeth Pde and Lower Stringybark Trk → Int. Stringybark Trk and Centennial Ave

280 m

5 mins

13m

-3m Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill along Elizabeth Pde, with the houses initially to the right. Soon, the walk passes the roundabout with Gordon Cr (on the left) and continues up to Centennial Ave. The walk turns left onto Centennial Ave, crossing the road as safe to the bush track, marked by an 'Upper Stringybark Creek Reserve' sign[6].

(8km) Int. Stringybark Trk and Centennial Ave → End of Murray St

550 m

9 mins

17m

-5m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads past the 'Upper Stringybark Creek Reserve' sign[7] and down past a sandstone quarry interpretive sign[8]. The track leads down and along the creek line for approximately 600m to then follow a boardwalked section of track for a short time. The walk comes to the end of the boardwalk after crossing the creek and meets the grassed park of Stringybark Reserve and some more interpretive signs.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up the grassed hill to the road, at the end of Murray St.

(9km) End of Murray St → Sharland Ave entrance to Campbell Park

700 m

13 mins

26m

-12m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads down Sharland Ave for approximately 150m to the park entrance on the left, marked by a signpost.

(9km) Sharland Ave entrance to Campbell Park → Int. Ferndale Trk and Beresford Lane Trk

330 m

8 mins

-20m Moderate track

Turn left : From the road, this walk passes through the top gate of Campbell Park and down along the footpath to the lower gate at Dalrymple Ave.
Continue straight: From the entrance to Campbell Park, this walk crosses Dalrymple Ave into another grassy area marked by a 'Ferndale Park' sign. The track winds around to an interpretation sign which it passes to drop into a creek. The track then winds left along the side of a grassy clearing to follow the creek bank for approximately 50m along the back of some houses to the signposted intersection[9].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill to the next arrow and sign at the corner of the house. The track winds down a slight gradient for approximately 100m to a signposted intersection[10].

(10km) Int. Ferndale Trk and Beresford Lane Trk → Chatswood Station

1.4 km

27 mins

54m

-11m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the laneway behind the houses. The path follows the blue markers for a short time to come to Beresford Ave, opposite Wallace Park Reserve.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk heads up Lone Pine Ave to turn right onto Eddy Rd. The walk continues up to the end of the road, then turns left onto Pacific Highway. The walk passes the primary school and overpass, coming to the pedestrian crossing opposite Victoria Ave.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses at pedestrian crossing on Pacific Highway, or takes the foot bridge just near the intersection. This walk then continues down Victoria Ave to the entrance of the train station on the right. If the road turns left, you have gone too far.

Maps for the Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk

Altitude analysis for Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	11.2 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.5km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 2.6km has short steep hills and the remaining 55m is very steep.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 4.3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (590m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 4.8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 11km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 140m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 140m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.7km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk walk.

Garadi Track

1.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk, also know as the Black Cockatoo track, starts from Mowbray Park and explores the area where the Camaraigal Clan of the Guringai Tribe once lived. The walk leads across the top of a small escarpment and winds down and back along the Lane Cove river bank. The change in vegetation is quite

Total climbing: 66m

Moderate track

Fullers Bridge to Epping Rd

2.6 km One way, 1 Hr

For the most part, this walk follows a section of the Great North Walk through "Fairylands" and past a few waterfalls, then across Lane Cove River (via Epping rd) to Mowbray Park. Starting and ending on two busy roads, it is a pleasant surprise to visitors how nice the bushland can be. Allow some

Total climbing: 105m

Hard track

Ferndale Park Loop

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This is a short loop which escapes the city of Chatswood and drops down into the undeveloped valleys. The track is quiet and cool in the shade which the thick canopy provides. A great short walk or run during the lunch hour.

Total climbing: 88m

Moderate track

Fairylands Loop Track

5.3 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 175m

Hard track

Chatswood Station to Mowbray Park

5.4 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk leads down through the valleys beneath the houses, high on the ridge tops, to reaching the banks of the Lane Cove River at the Chatswood Golf Course. The walk then follows the scenic river, using boardwalks at times. The walk sees another side of Chatswood, with many natural treasures hidd

Total climbing: 137m

Hard track

Hunters Hill to Epping Road

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

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 lu

Total climbing: 154m

Moderate track

Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 185m

Hard track

Boronia Park to North Ryde

7.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

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

Total climbing: 231m

Moderate track

Rail to River Walk

7.5 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a great one from Chatswood Station to the Lane Cove River National Park. The walk descends through the vegetated bushland which fills the valleys of the Lane Cove River. There are two places to buy a bite to eat, the Chatswood Golf Club and the Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaura

Total climbing: 222m

Hard track

Gordon to Chatswood Station

12.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a great way to get into the bush without being far from civilisation. The walk wanders through untouched valleys and along the Lane Cove River, passing over many roads and footpaths to connect such unspoilt bush. The side trip to Baker's cottage is definitely worth the short stroll, wit

Total climbing: 381m

Hard track

Chatswood to Epping Station

16.3 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk, from Chatswood to Epping, is a long but enjoyable walk along the Lane Cove valley. The walk mostly follows the Lane Cove River to Terry's Creek, then follows Terry's creek, under some major roads, to Epping. A great walk exploring bushland so close to the suburbs.

Total climbing: 533m

Hard track

Chatswood Station to Eastwood Station

18.1 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

Following the Lane Cove River and Terry's Creek, this walk uses the valleys between the stations to explore some suburban bushland. From Chatswood Station, the walk soon leaves the suburban area and passes through the bush along the Lane Cove River. A great station-to-station walk with a few options

Total climbing: 554m

Hard track

Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park

33 km One way, 2 Days

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 stayi

Total climbing: 1110m

Hard track

Circular Quay to Hornsby

44.4 km One way, 3 Days

This fun walk covers a large section of the Great North Walk, starting from the official start in Circular Quay. After a short ferry trip the walk follows the Lane Cove River through the Lane Cove National Park, to Thornleigh. Here, the walk enters Berowra Valley National Park, continuing along the

Total climbing: 1690m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk walk.

Roseville to Macquarie Park

8.9 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

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 a

Total climbing: 290m

Hard track

Fairylands track

978 m Return, 30 mins

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 hi

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

Fiddens Wharf walking track

4.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 27 mins

This walk explores some of the hills and river banks of the Lane Cove National Park. Leaving the weir precinct on Max Allen Drive, the walk follows the Great North Walk over the hill and down to Fiddens Wharf (just near the oval). The return journey, past Schwartz Homestead, provides a great chance

Total climbing: 159m

Moderate track

Baker's Cottage

1.5 km Return, 45 mins

The Baker's Cottage Heritage Track is a quick and interesting walk. The track itself is mainly drivable road, and turns to bush track before going up the hill to the cottage itself. At 140 years of age, Baker's Cottage is the oldest unmodified structure, still standing, in the Ku-ring-gai area. All

Total climbing: 56m

Moderate track

Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

1.3 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a great way to explore the picnic areas and banks of the Lane Cove River. There are picnic areas and plenty of seats to enjoy along the way. On the weekend you can hire a boat and go for a paddle before heading back to the start. You could spend a whole day enjoying the river, bus and parkla

Total climbing: 17m

Moderate track

Riverside Walk

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs

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.

Total climbing: 114m

Hard track

Little Digger Track

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

This walk follows Moores Creek through several reserves in east Roseville and East Lindfield. The track is named after Australia's 7th Prime Minster, who once lived in the area. The walk explores the ferns and sandstone overhangs of the area, and there are several small waterfalls on Moore creek, w

Total climbing: 93m

Moderate track

North Ryde Fairyland circuit

6.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

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. Her

Total climbing: 191m

Hard track

Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

11.9 km Circuit, 5 hrs

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 Centr

Total climbing: 381m

Hard track

Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed

3.4 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk, from the Lane Cove Tourist Park to the Lane Cove River Boat Shed, meanders along the placid Lane Cove River, passing many picnic areas along the way. The Boat Shed itself is surrounded by a large picnic area with plenty of space for the kids to run around and play. You can even hire a bo

Total climbing: 98m

Moderate track

Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage

5.9 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

From the Tourist Park, this walk heads down to the other side of the Lane Cove River, to Baker's Cottage. The walk passes the Lane Cove River Boat Shed and a play ground for the kids with plenty of open areas to run and play. Baker's Cottage, perched up a slight hill, is worth the short distance wit

Total climbing: 159m

Moderate track

Two Creeks Track

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

A popular walk that explores Gordon, Middle Harbour and Moores Creeks. This walk crosses a section of Garigal National park and a few reserves managed by Ku-ring-gai Council, you will see some great water views, sandstone caves and heritage sandstone works. The track is well signposted. The optiona

Total climbing: 237m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk walk starts and ends at the Chatswood Station (gps: -33.797073, 151.18037)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Lane Cove National Park

This small but picturesque city park is a haven of peaceful bushland along the winding Lane Cove River. Home to the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter and 27 km of the Great North Walk, you can also hire a boat, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic by the weir.

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