Riverside Walking Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

5.5 km One way

85 m

Hard track

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 local water dragons. Water Dragons and water birds seem to favour this lower bank, along with picnickers who enjoy the many grassed picnic areas along the way.

(0km) Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance → Porters Creek bridge West

1.5 km

28 mins

23m

-53m Hard track

From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' sign down the stairs. The track winds above the Lane Cove River for approximately 600m, passing some cliffs on the right. The track continues to wind above the river for another 400m, to then turn right, up Porters Creek. The track follows Porters Creek for approximately 100m to the intersection with Riverside Drive at Porters Creek bridge.

(2km) Porters Creek bridge West → Porters Creek bridge East

30 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

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

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

2.1 km

35 mins

26m

-34m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs and follows Porters Creek, on the left of the track, for approximately 100m. The track then turns right to follow the Lane Cove River for approximately 1km, winding and undulating. The track comes to an opening at Fern Valley, with picnic tables.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk passes through to Fern Valley, winding left past a small creek from a drain high on the right, which drains into the Lane Cove River below on the left. The track continues along the river bank for approximately 1km, passing through some clearings before opening out onto picnic area '19 Halfway Point'. The track heads across this clearing up to the gate on the right, to continue down the road passing the toilet block (above on the right). The track passes through picnic area '18 Korong' to the other side of its grass clearing, where the bush track starts.
Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk follows the bush track around the Lane Cove River bank, keeping the river on the left, for approximately 400m to cross the '13 Cottonwood Glen' picnic area, over a small bridge to come to a car park beside the 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[1] and a small toilet block[2][3] just up the hill.

(4km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → 9 Carters Creek

360 m

6 mins

-2m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the car park on the south side of 'Cottonwood Glen', this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[4] 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[5], then through a re-vegetating tall gum forest[6] before heading down a sealed footpath[7] to come to a car park (beside the toilet block[8]) 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[9], a gas BBQ[10] a large open grassy area[11], garbage bins, toilets[12] and a car park[13]. There is some limited access to the river view[14]. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.

(4km) 9 Carters Creek → 8 Ironbarks

220 m

4 mins

-5m Easy track

Continue straight: From in front of the toilets at Carters Creek picnic area, this walk heads across the grass clearing[15] and across the small timber bridge[16] to come to the car park[17]. After crossing the car park, this walk continues over the grass[18], beside the road, keeping the river to your left, and then veers left and follows the NPWS arrow post[19] down around the locked gate. Here the walk follows the narrow trail for about 60m to come to an intersection[20] with a footpath on your right, just before the '8 Ironbarks' sign[21] and picnic area.

(4km) 8 Ironbarks → Boat Shed

470 m

9 mins

-12m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[22] just west of '8 Ironbarks'[23], 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[24] for about 180m up over a rocky outcrop[25] to then head down a metal staircase[26]. 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[27] and water), crossing a small flat timber bridge[28] 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[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.

(5km) Boat Shed → Illoura Picnic Area

160 m

3 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the shop front of the boatshed[33], 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[34]

[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[35] and 50m later comes to a 'Riverside Walking Track' sign[36] at the edge of the 'Illoura'[37] picnic area.

(5km) 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[38] on the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign along the track keeping the river to the left to head alongside the 'Illoura'[39] 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'[40] picnic area

[Seat]

[Bbq]

[Seat]

. Here the walk leads past the 'Riverside walking track' sign[41] 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[42]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[43].

(5km) 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[44] to come to a t-intersection with an asphalt trail marked with a large 'Riverside walking track' sign[45] just above the weir[46] (to the left).

(5km) Lane Cove Weir South → Koonjeree Middle Trk

100 m

2 mins

-1m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[47] along the concrete footpath, keeping the river to the left. The path leads around the edge of the 'Koonjeree picnic area'[48] and comes to an intersection with another footpath[49] (leading through the middle of the picnic area).

Koonjeree Picnic Area

Koonjeree Picnic Area[50] is at the southern end of Lane Cove National Park, just near Fullers Bridge. The picnic area boasts free gas barbecues, flushing toilets[51][52][53], town tap water, picnic tables and shelters[54], a large open area[55] and car parking[56]. On the bank of the Lane Cove River[57], this is a pleasant spot to enjoy the park.

(5km) Koonjeree Middle Trk → Fullers Bridge Bus Stop

190 m

4 mins

-6m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the road then passes over it, to the toilet blocks.
Turn left: From the toilets, this walk heads through the low bushes, following the car park (which is on the left). The walk winds through the bushes to pass a stone seat on the left before crossing the entrance road to the Lane Cove National Park. This walk then continues along the footpath for a few metres to the road, which it crosses to come to the bus stop.

Maps for the Riverside Walking 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 Riverside Walking Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Riverside Walking Track

Altitude analysis for Riverside Walking 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	5.5 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	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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 1.4km 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 370m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

2.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.9km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.5km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

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

weather

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

Infrastructure

2.9km 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 Walking Track 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 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 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

A well maintained and signposted track that follows the Lane Cove River, along a section of the Great North Walk. The section of bush track just west of De Burghs Bridge has great views of the river. Brown's Waterhole is a good spot to break, although early in the walk. Watch out for cyclists in th

Total climbing: 178m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Riverside Walking Track walk starts at the Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance (gps: -33.777048, 151.13810)

Bus. (get details)

Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<br /> (get details)

The Riverside Walking Track ends at the Fullers Bridge Bus Stop (gps: -33.792742, 151.15678)

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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