Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage

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2 hrs 30 mins

5.9 km Return

159 m

Moderate track

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 with its unique history and age of the structure. Grab an ice-cream from the boat shed or hire a boat and go for a paddle. Spend some time and enjoy the park and bush lands.

Lane Cove River tourist park

This is a well-established caravan park on the edge of Lane Cove National Park, offering a variety of camp sites from tent to powered sites for caravans and even en suite cabins. The campsite is a great point to access many wonderful walks in Lane Cove Valley. There are many facilities including a laundry, toilets, showers (including facilities for people with disabilities and with infants), recreation room, Internet kiosk (with free access to Wildwalks.com), wireless Internet, BBQ's and a pool. There is bike hire available and the reception has basic supplies for sale (bread, milk, snacks, newspapers).

(0km) Lane Cove Tourist Park → 13 Cottonwood Glen

670 m

14 mins

-54m Moderate track

From the office of the 'Lane Cove Tourist Park'[1], this walk heads down the internal road, past the boom gates[2] for about 50m to turn left just past the laundry[3]. The walk then continues along this road as it bends right after about 100m, then leads down to a T-intersection[4]. Just on the other side (and to the left) of this intersection, there is a set of steps beside the large 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[5]. From this concreted section between sites 152 and 151, this walk follows the sign[6] down the stone steps[7] for about 60m, where the track then leads gently down to a T-intersection marked with a timber signpost[8] (beside a large scribbly gum).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows 'Lane Cove River Weir' sign[9] south down the hill. The track leads gently down the side of the hill for about 80m to pass a 'Native Flora' information sign[10][11], then about 90m later passes a 'Bush Regeneration' information sign[12] among the ferns. Just 30m past this sign, the track leads over a small metal bridge[13] beside the tall fern trees[14] and 'Native Fauna' information sign[15]. Here the track continues for a short distance to come to an intersection with Riverside Drive, where a 'Tourist Park' sign[16] points back up the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Riverside walk' arrow post down the steps[17] and then follows the road down past the '12 Blackbutt' picnic area[18]. Soon the road leads to a Y-intersection[19] and veers right down to the car park[20] beside '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area[21] and the Lane Cove River.

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[22] and a small toilet block[23][24] just up the hill.

(1km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → 9 Carters Creek

360 m

6 mins

-2m Moderate track

Turn right: From the car park on the south side of 'Cottonwood Glen', this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[25] along the track into the bush, keeping the river to your left. The track leads along side the river for about 300m, first through a lovely she-oak stand[26], then through a re-vegetating tall gum forest[27] before heading down a sealed footpath[28] to come to a car park (beside the toilet block[29]) at Carters Creek picnic area.

9 Carters Creek

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[30], a gas BBQ[31] a large open grassy area[32], garbage bins, toilets[33] and a car park[34]. There is some limited access to the river view[35]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.

(1km) 9 Carters Creek → Boat Shed

690 m

13 mins

14m

-17m Moderate track

Continue straight: From in front of the toilets at Carters Creek picnic area, this walk heads across the grass clearing[36] and across the small timber bridge[37] to come to the car park[38]. After crossing the car park, this walk continues over the grass[39], beside the road, keeping the river to your left, and then veers left and follows the NPWS arrow post[40] down around the locked gate. Here the walk follows the narrow trail for about 60m to come to an intersection[41] with a footpath on your right, just before the '8 Ironbarks' sign[42] and picnic area.
Continue straight: From the intersection[43] just west of '8 Ironbarks'[44], this walk follows the track through the picnic area, keeping the river on the left. On the far side of the picnic area, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[45] for about 180m up over a rocky outcrop[46] to then head down a metal staircase[47]. The track winds down alongside the river for another 70m to come to the edge of another large grassy clearing. Here, this walk heads across '7 Moola' picnic area (with toilets[48] and water), crossing a small flat timber bridge[49] in the middle. The track soon leaves this clearing and continues for another 80m to come to the shop-front side of the sandstone boatshed building[50].

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[51], 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.

(2km) Boat Shed → Illoura Picnic Area

160 m

3 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the shop front of the boatshed[54], this walk follows the concrete path keeping the river to the left to walk to the end of the building. Here, the walk follows the wide dirt track, past the large picnic table[55]

[Picnic Table]

, keeping to the lower main (but narrowing) track for about 60m to pass through a notably narrow

[Pinch Point]

then short rough steep

[Wheelchair Rough]

section of track in the acacia grove. About 15m later the walk leads below a large brick picnic shelter[56] and 50m later comes to a 'Riverside Walking Track' sign[57] at the edge of the 'Illoura'[58] picnic area.

(2km) Illoura Picnic Area → Lane Cove River Lookout

310 m

6 mins

-7m Easy track

Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Lane Cove River weir 0.35km' arrow[59] on the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign along the track keeping the river to the left to head alongside the 'Illoura'[60] picnic area. The walk then leads past a grove of trees to then head to the far end of the next picnic area, the 'Spoonbill'[61] picnic area

[Seat]

[Bbq]

[Seat]

. Here the walk leads past the 'Riverside walking track' sign[62] up the concrete then timber ramp and along the boardwalk for about 80m (enjoying more river views) to come to a fenced lookout with a few seats

[Seat]

(and a stepped seating area[63]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[64].

(2km) Lane Cove River Lookout → Lane Cove Weir South

50 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the timber boardwalk, keeping the river to the left. After about 40m the boardwalk ends and the walk follows a concrete footpath[65] to come to a t-intersection with an asphalt trail marked with a large 'Riverside walking track' sign[66] just above the weir[67] (to the left).

(2km) Lane Cove Weir South → Lane Cove Weir North

50 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[68] over the concrete ford

[Trip Hazard]

(top of the weir wall[69]) to the other side of the river (past a seat

[Seat]

on the left) to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[70] (up the steps/ramp to the right). After heavy or prolonged rain, this crossing may be closed. It is unsafe to cross if water is flowing over the top.

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'[72] 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[74] and downstream[75].

(2km) Lane Cove Weir North → Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk

210 m

5 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the weir, this walk follows the footpath straight up the hill for approximately 20m to the large concrete area of the intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the road following the signs to the toilets. This walk continues to the point where the track splits.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the clearing and past the toilet block on the right. The walk heads across and up the hill for approximately 50m to the intersection with the road.

(2km) Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk → Int. Opposite Bakers Flat

330 m

7 mins

10m

-15m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill with the river below, on the left. The walk meets a clearing on the left marked as '28 Turramburra Flat'. This walk passes a parking area on the left, and toilets on the right. The road then comes to a signposted intersection, on the right.

(3km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Baker's Cottage

120 m

3 mins

10m

-1m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs tending right, up the hill. The walk passes a sign about native grasses before continuing right, to Baker's Cottage.

Baker's Cottage

Baker's Cottage was built in 1865 as the residence of William Baker and his family. The cottage once stood in the middle of a well-kept garden and orchard. The cottage itself was once larger, with more rooms and a verandah surrounding it. The residence changed hands only twice, and was then appropriated by the Minister of Lands in 1938.

Maps for the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage 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 Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage

Altitude analysis for Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage

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	5.9 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		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

1.6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 900m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (410m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

1.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 770m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (520m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 290m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2.9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 55m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 2.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 120m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage walk.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage walk.

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

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

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

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

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

De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows a section of the Great North Walk, starting from De Burghs bridge. The walk winds north west, through the Lane Cove Valley, passing through Browns Waterhole and continuing alongside Lane Cove river as it zigzags along the valley floor. The walk then climbs up to the Thornleigh play

Total climbing: 363m

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

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

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

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

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

Eastwood to Thornleigh

10.3 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk explores Terrys Creek and the Lane Cove National Park. From Eastwood station the track follows Terrys creek past a small waterfall, under the M2, past Browns Water hole and along the Lane Cove river before climbing up to Thornleigh Oval and the train station. There are picnic tables at B

Total climbing: 285m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage walk starts and ends at the Lane Cove Tourist Park (gps: -33.789442, 151.14332)

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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