Fairylands Loop Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

5.3 km Circuit

175 m

Hard track

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 including a Golf Course. The walk then returns to Fullers Bridge.

Plenty of information signs at fairylands

Great North walk on ridge west of fairylands

Track on North eastern side of Epping Road Bridge

Track on South Eastern side of Epping Road Bridge

Footpath under Epping road Bridge and Lane Cove river

Point on Lane Cove river with nice access

(0km) Corner of Delhi Rd and River Ave → Int. of Quebec Rd and Fairyland Track

880 m

19 mins

43m

-39m Hard track

From the intersection on River Ave (near Delhi Rd), this walk follows the 'Great North Walk - Sydney Cove' sign[1] up along the rocky track. The track soon leads up a steep rock staircase[2] and past a small bench seat[3]. The track continues to wind quite steeply up, passing a few GNW arrow posts and winding among some large boulders to climb up onto a large, flat rock platform[4]. Here, the walk veers left and follows a mostly flat narrow track through the bush for about 170m, then heads around a locked gate[5] to find the end of Quebec Rd[6].
Continue straight: From the locked gate, this walk follows the sealed Quebec Rd[7], keeping the fenced Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens on your right. The narrow road continues for about 300m passing a couple of driveways[8] (to your left) to come to a T-intersection with Quebec Rd and Fairylands Ave[9][10]. Here the walk turns right and follows the now wider Quebec Rd as it bends left and leads downhill[11]. Just before the road bends left again (near the bottom of this hill) this walk comes to an intersection with a track[12] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post.

(1km) Int of Quebec Rd and Fairyland Track → River view

130 m

3 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn right: From the opposite number 101 Quebec Rd, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[13], under the power lines and down the track[14] past the 'Dogs Strictly Prohibited'[15] and 'Lane Cove National Park - Fairlyland Track'[16] signs. The track soon leads over a short section of timber boardwalk[17] and along the track for a bit over 100m to an unfenced rock platform[18][19], with river views (on your left).

Lookout

This small, informal and unfenced viewpoint is atop a large natural rock platform, between Fairyland and River Ave. There are a few in the area, but this is the most distinct. From here, there are nice views down the Lane Cove River[20]. The area is unfenced and there is a significant drop off the side.

(1km) River view → Fairyland

360 m

7 mins

-14m Easy track

Continue straight: From the view point, this walk heads along the flat track[21] whilst keeping the river below to your left. After about 150m, this walk starts to lead down a set of timber steps[22], winding down then along short timber boardwalk[23] to come to a 'Site of Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' information sign[24]. The walk continues along the track through the ferns to an intersection beside a large palm tree[25], just past the 'Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' sign[26] where a short track on the left leads to a seat[27] beside Lane Cove River.

Fairyland

Once formally known as 'Fairyland Pleasure Grounds', and casually as 'The Rest', this site was similar to several others in Sydney. The land was purchased by Robert Swan in 1896 and encompassed about 17 acres in total[28]. Part of the land was cleared for a market garden, growing strawberries and melons. By the early 1900s, the market garden had closed and the area had become a popular picnic and play ground, for people arriving mostly by boat[29]. This was a very popular spot to visit for a special day out. Today, the buildings have (mostly) gone and the cleared area has grown back, but it still can offer a relaxing picnic and lunch spot by the river.

(1km) Fairyland → Int. Corporate Park Scenic Trail and Great North Walk

420 m

10 mins

30m

-12m Easy track

Continue straight: From the centre of Fairylands, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[30], keeping the Lane Cove River through the trees to your left and soon passing the 'Take Yourself Back to Fairyland' photo sign[31]. The walk then follows the timber boardwalk through the moist forest to the 'Site of Fairyland Pleasure Grounds' information sign[32], where the track then leads up a series of timber and dirt steps out of the old pleasure grounds. At the top of the steps, the track bends sharply left then continues uphill for another 70m or so. Here, the track leads down and over a small flat timber bridge[33] then up to a signposted intersection in view of a concrete building[34] (up to your right) and a high tension transmission tower[35] (to your left).

(2km) Int. Corporate Park Scenic Trail and Great North Walk → Mowbray car park (near oval)

860 m

18 mins

20m

-33m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[36][37], this walk follows the GNW arrow downhill along the track, passing under the power lines[38] whilst keeping the transmission tower to your left. Soon after passing closer to this tower[39], the rocky track leads uphill[40] for about 100m and crosses a timber bridge with a hand rail[41]. From here, the walk crosses two short flat timber bridges[42][43] then leads past a short rock wall[44]. Soon after this, the track leads up a series of timber steps[45] and just after flattening out, this walk comes to a signposted intersection with a concrete footpath, beside Epping Road bridge[46].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[47] down a few steps and along the footpath under the bridge[48][49]. On the other side of the bridge[50], this walk turns right and heads up the stairs[51] to an intersection with a wide shared footpath beside Epping Rd[52].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[53] down across the main bridge span, keeping the traffic to your left. After almost 100m, this walk comes to the other side of the bridge, where there is an intersection[54] with another set of stairs[55] (on your right) and another GNW arrow[56].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs away from the main road, to turn right under the bridge. The track heads under the bridge to come out the other side, continuing along the river bank for approximately 50m to the car park.

(3km) Mowbray car park (near oval) → 8th Green

1.7 km

34 mins

58m

-63m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the oval on the left of the walk as it winds around the hill. The walk leads to a park bench and intersection, above the spectators' stand.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk leads across the grassed area to a 'Mowbray Park' sign before a bridge. The track passes the sign and bridge to continue to wind through the bush for approximately 60m, to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill away from the athletics oval, keeping the valley of the river on the left. The track winds through the bush, passing by a track (which leads to a rockshelf lookout on the left) and continuing on to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads down the stairs with a large boulder to the left of the track. The track passes under a large fig tree to continue down to a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the Lane Cove River, with the water to the left of the track. The track quickly opens out onto a clearing next to the river bank. The track continues left for a few more metres, before two sections of boardwalked track lead to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the direction of the 'River Track' arrow, keeping the river below on the left of the track. Large sections of track are suspended above the mangroves on a boardwalk. The track winds along the Lane Cove River bank for approximately 400m to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south-east, keeping the river below on the left. The track has boardwalks in sections which are raised above the mangroves. The track continues to a signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the line of mangroves and river (on the left of the track). The walk continues for a short time to come out onto the management trail, behind the green of the 8th fairway on Chatswood Golf Course.

(4km) 8th Green → Int. Fairway and Delhi Rd

670 m

11 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill and across the bridge. The walk hugs the treeline, continuing down the left of the 8th Fairway, with the Lane Cove River to the left. The walk passes the 8th Tee and heads past the metal fence to come to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the golf course, following the Lane Cove River (on the left of the track). The walk continues under the river bank's shady vegetation for a short time to the intersection of Delhi Rd and Lady Game Dr.

(5km) Int. Fairway and Delhi Rd → Corner of Delhi Rd and River Ave

320 m

5 mins

-4m Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk heads down (away from the road) and under Fullers Bridge, then comes up the other side to meet the footpath next to Lady Game Drive, opposite Fullers Park.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, the walk follows Lady Game Drive towards the set of traffic lights, and soon reaches the intersection with Delhi Rd.
Turn right: From the corner of Lady Game Drive and Delhi Rd, this walk follows the footpath beside Delhi Rd, across Fullers Bridge[57]. Just on the far side of the bridge, this walk comes to an intersection with a footpath[58] (and steps, on your right) about 15m before the bus stop shelter[59].
Turn right: From the intersection between the bus stop and bridge, this walk heads down the steps[60] (away from the road) to almost immediately come to an intersection with another footpath[61].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath under Fullers Bridge[62] and comes to the end of a minor road[63], in front of the 'Riverside Cafe Bar AND Grill'[64].
Turn right: From in front of 'Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill'[65], this walk heads up along the minor road[66]. At the T-intersection with River Ave, this walk crosses the road to find a 'Great North Walk' signposted intersection[67].

Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill

The Riverside Cafe[68] 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.

Maps for the Fairylands Loop Track 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 Fairylands Loop Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Fairylands Loop Track

Altitude analysis for Fairylands Loop Track

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	5.3 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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

3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 930m has short steep hills and the remaining 330m is very steep.

Quality of track

2.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 920m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 330m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 2.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 330m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Fairylands Loop Track walk.

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

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

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

De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Following the Lane Cove River, this walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk and is well maintained and signposted. Things to lookout for include Fiddens Wharf which is a very pleasant spot to sit and watch the ducks. The walk passes by Lane Cove National Park Headquarters, so pop by an

Total climbing: 200m

Hard 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

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

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

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

Gordon to Roseville Railway Station

10.7 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

The track connecting Gordon to Roseville Railway Station is a surising scenic walk through remnant bushland. The walk escapes the urban centres to wind through the valleys and along the Lane Cove River with its abundance of water dragons, ducks and other birds. The walk is a great way to do a statio

Total climbing: 345m

Hard track

Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk

11.2 km Circuit, 4 hrs

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 s

Total climbing: 302m

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

Gordon to Roseville Station (Riverside Walk)

13.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk goes from Gordon, to Roseville station, using the Riverside Walking Track. From DeBurghs Bridge, the walk follows the western bank of the Lane Cove River, passing many picnic areas and the Lane Cove River Boat Shed. The scenic walk along the Lane Cove River provides plenty of opportunities

Total climbing: 344m

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 Fairylands Loop Track walk.

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

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

Lane Cove National Park Heritage Walk

2.6 km One way, 1 Hr

The Heritage Walk visits many of the historically significant buildings within the Lane Cove National Park. The walk follows the Lane Cove River from Fiddens Wharf and finishes at the Weir Precinct on Fullers Rd. The buildings are surprisingly intact, considering their age and history. A great walk

Total climbing: 89m

Moderate 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

Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

11.6 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Starting from the Macquarie Park train station, you wander down Lane Cove Rd and over De Burghs Bridge to join the main spine of the Great North Walk in the Lane Cove Valley. Here the walk heads under De Burghs bridge then explores the dry grass tree and eucalypt forest along the side of the ridge.

Total climbing: 413m

Hard track

Riverside Walking Track

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs

This is a scenic walk which takes in views of the Lane Cove River and some heritage buildings. Porters Creek bridge is a fantastic example of extravagant stone work, cut locally from the creek itself. The walk generally follows the Lane Cove River, passing many favourite sun baking spots for the loc

Total climbing: 85m

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Fairylands Loop Track walk starts and ends at the Corner of Delhi Rd and River Ave (gps: -33.793026, 151.15614)

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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