Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

1.3 km Return

17 m

Moderate track

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 parklands. The walk is mostly flat and the alternate route leads around the only really rough section of the track.

(0km) Max Allen Drive Bridge → Lane Cove Weir North

70 m

1 mins

-1m Very easy

From the car parking area

[Parking Accessible]

near the bridge on Max Allen Drive[1][2], this walk follows the 'Sydney Cove' sign[3] along the concrete footpath past the garbage bins[4]. The path leads past a sheltered BBQ

[Bbq]

as the path bends right along the water's edge it also leads past a few picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

and comes to another GNW marker[5] and an intersection with a sealed management trail beside the weir[6] (on your left).

(0km) Lane Cove Weir North → Lane Cove Weir South

50 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[7] (past a seat

[Seat]

on the right) to cross over the concrete ford

[Trip Hazard]

(top of the weir wall[8]) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[9]. 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'[11] 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[13] and downstream[14].

(0km) Lane Cove Weir South → Lane Cove River Lookout

50 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the southern side of the weir[15], this walk follows the sealed trail up (away from the weir) for about 10m to turn right and follow the 'Riverside walking track' sign[16] along the concrete footpath[17]. The path soon leads to and follows a timber boardwalk for 40m to come to a fenced lookout with a few seats

[Seat]

(and a stepped seating area[18]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[19].

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[20]. The boardwalk and platform are fenced (1.1m high), there are two main seats

[Seat]

and a stepped area for extra seating[21]. The views extend upstream for about 250m and is a great spot to watch water birds and the occasional paddle boat.

(0km) Lane Cove River Lookout → Illoura Picnic Area

310 m

6 mins

-7m Easy track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads along the timber boardwalk for about 80m (enjoying more river views to the right) to then head down a timber ramp at the edge of a grassy clearing. The walk now follows the 'Riverside walking track' sign[22] along the wide dirt track between the river and 'Spoonbill'[23] picnic area

[Seat]

[Bbq]

[Seat]

for about about 80m. The walk then leads past a grove of trees to the far side of the next picnic area, 'Illoura'[24] picnic area

, to find an intersection at the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign (pointing back to 'Lane Cove River weir 0.35km'[25]).

Illoura Picnic Area

The Illoura Picnic Area in Lane Cove National Park, is an open grassy area beside the river and about 140m downstream of the Boatshed. The picnic area has a water tap

[Potable Water]

[26], picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

[27] and wood fired BBQ

[Bbq]

[28]. On the other side of the Riverside Drive is a small toilet block

[Toilet]

. The eastern edge of the picnic area is a large brick picnic shelter

[Picnic Shelter]

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

[Picnic Shelter]

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[29] and wood BBQ[30]. 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

[Toilet]

(0km) Illoura Picnic area → Boatshed

280 m

5 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill directly away from the river and face of the 'Riverside walking track'[31] sign towards the road. After 15m (about halfway across the picnic area) this walk turns right to follows the asphalt footpath[32] for about 20m (past a picnic table[33] and BBQ[34]) to the large brick picnic shelter[35].
Continue straight: From the front of the brick picnic shelter, this walk follows the asphalt footpath[36] (keeping the shelter to the right), towards the car park. The walk then heads through the car park[37] to the 5-way road intersection[38] at the far side. Here the walk keeps to the right and follows the asphalt road for about 90m downhill behind the sandstone building - boatshed[39] and through the car park to an intersection on the far side of the Boatshed. Here the walk follows the '7 moola'[40] downhill for about 40m to then turn right and to head towards the water on a gravelly trail. After another 10m this walk comes to a T-intersection and turns right to lead past the picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

then along the concrete path to the front of the boatshed and kiosk[41][42]. Now Turn sharp left to rejoin the main walk .

(0km) Illoura Picnic Area → Boat Shed

160 m

3 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Boatshed 0.15km' arrow[43] on the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign along the track keeping the river to the right. After 50m this walk leads below a large brick picnic area[44] then about 15m later leads through an acacia grove with a short rough steep

[Wheelchair Rough]

section then a narrow

[Pinch Point]

section of track. After another 60m the track leads to a grassy clearing with a large picnic table[45]

[Picnic Table]

then continues to head along the concrete path[46] on the river side of the sandstone building[47] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[48].

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[49], 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.

Maps for the Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed 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 Weir to Boat Shed bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

Altitude analysis for Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

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	1.3 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 480m of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 160m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

310m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 180m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (160m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 640m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 640m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 590m 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

This whole walk, 640m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed walk.

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

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

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

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

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 Weir to Boat Shed 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed walk starts and ends at the Max Allen Drive Bridge (gps: -33.790718, 151.15604)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<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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