Riverside Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

5.3 km One way

114 m

Hard track

This walk is a lovely stroll along one side of the Lane Cove River. The walk passes through many picnic areas, providing plenty of options for rests and food breaks (some having BBQ's). This walk is also good for taking a Frisbee or a ball along for the kids.

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

130 m

2 mins

-1m Moderate track

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).
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].

(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[20] along the wide dirt track between the river and 'Spoonbill'[21] 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'[22] picnic area

, to find an intersection at the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign (pointing back to 'Lane Cove River weir 0.35km'[23]).

(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[24] 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[25] 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[26]

[Picnic Table]

then continues to head along the concrete path[27] on the river side of the sandstone building[28] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[29].

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[30], 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.

(1km) Boat Shed → 8 Ironbarks

470 m

9 mins

12m

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the shop-front side of the boatshed, this walk follows the riverside track upstream, keeping the river just to your right. The track soon narrows and after about 80m, comes to a large clearing, the '7 Moola' picnic area (with toilets[33] and water). The track leads over a small flat timber bridge[34] in the middle of the picnic area to then find a NPWS arrow post[35] on the far side. Here this walk follows the arrow along the track for about 70m to then climb up the metal staircase[36], where the track continues for another 180m, first up and over a rocky outcrop[37] then along a flat track to find another large clearing. On the far side of this picnic area, just past the '8 Ironbarks' sign[38], this walk comes to a three-way intersection[39] (with a concrete path on your left).

(1km) 8 Ironbarks → 9 Carters Creek

220 m

4 mins

-6m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[40] along the narrow management trail, keeping the river to your right. After about 60m, this walk heads around a locked gate[41], then heads up over the grass to find a picnic area[42]. Here the walk heads over the timber bridge[43], past the '9 Carters Creek' sign[44] and into the picnic area. The walk veers left across the picnic area[45] to come back to the car park, just below the toilet block[46] on the far side of the 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[47], a gas BBQ[48] a large open grassy area[49], garbage bins, toilets[50] and a car park[51]. There is some limited access to the river view[52]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.

(1km) 9 Carters Creek → 13 Cottonwood Glen

360 m

6 mins

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[53] across a small creek and up the footpath, away from the picnic area. From the the top of the small hill, the track now leads (keeping the river on your right) for almost 300m, passing through a re-vegetating tall gum forest[54] then a pleasant she-oak stand[55], to come to a large gravel car park[56] just before Cottonwood Glen picnic area.

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[57] and a small toilet block[58][59] just up the hill.

(2km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → Porters Creek bridge East

2.1 km

35 mins

34m

-26m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the car park, this walk follows riverside walk arrow across '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area, over the small bridge, keeping the river on the rightOnce back into the bush the track continues for approximately 400m to come to the '18 Korong' picnic area.
Continue straight: From '18 Korong' picnic area, this walk heads across the clearing and up the road to the sign marked '19 Halfway Point'. The walk passes this sign and the gate next to it, heading to the bottom of the grass clearing. The track then turns left and follows the Lane Cove River for approximately 1km, passing through some small clearings. The track then rounds to the left over a rocky section, then passes a creek fed by a drain high on the left. The track winds right, into the picnic area '20 Fern Valley' where there are picnic tables.
Continue straight: From Fern Valley, this walk heads north along the river. The track winds and undulates for approximately 1km, following the Lane Cove River. The track then turns left to head up Porters Creek for approximately 100m, then heads up some stairs to Porters Creek bridge, on Riverside Drive.

(4km) Porters Creek bridge East → Porters Creek bridge West

30 m

1 mins

-1m Very easy

Turn right: At the bridge, this walk crosses the creek using the road/bridge, to the signposted intersection with the bush track, on the right.

(4km) Porters Creek bridge West → Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance

1.5 km

28 mins

53m

-23m Hard track

Turn right: From Porters Creek bridge, this walk heads down the stairs and along the creek bank, with the creek on the right, for approximately 100m. The track then turns left to follow the Lane Cove River, on the right of the track, for approximately 400m, passing some cliffs on the left. From the cliffs, the walk continues for approximately 600m to lead left up some stairs to the signposted intersection on the road.

Maps for the Riverside 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 Riverside Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Riverside 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	5.3 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
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	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

1.5km of this walk is very steep and another 1.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.2km is flat with no steps and the remaining 1.1km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

3.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.5km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 520m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 210m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

2.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.5km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 5km 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

2.7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 1.5km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (1.1km) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Riverside Walk 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

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

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 Riverside Walk 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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Riverside Walk walk starts 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)

The Riverside Walk ends at the Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance (gps: -33.777048, 151.13810)

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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