Fairylands track

20 min to 30 min

980 m
return

↑ 22 m
↓ -22 m

Easy track
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 history to explore, or you can just relax and watch the river go by as you eat lunch. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Fairlylands track at Quebec St. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Small bridge near Quebec St. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Bornia in bloom. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Natives. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View of Lane Cove river. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Lane Cove river from view point east of Fairyland. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Walking track east of Fairylands. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Steps east of Fairylands. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Moss growing in Fairylands. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Walking into Fairylands. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Fairylands and Lane Cove River. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Plenty of information signs at fairylands. | Photo by admin, 2008.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Fairyland Track & Quebec Road (-33.7989809,151.154041)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Delhi Road, A38, Chatswood West.
  • Turn on to River Avenue then drive for 590 m
  • Turn right onto Fairyland Avenue and drive for another 35 m
  • Turn right onto Fairyland Avenue and drive for another 440 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the opposite number 101 Quebec Rd, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, under the power lines and down the track past the 'Dogs Strictly Prohibited' and 'Lane Cove National Park - Fairlyland Track' signs. The track soon leads over a short section of timber boardwalk and along the track for a bit over 100m to an unfenced rock platform, with river views (on your left).....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Fairyland Track & Quebec Road Start heading along Fairyland Track (a walking track).
Find the Lane Cove National Park at the start.
After another 8 m cross the bridge (about 2 m long)
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Fairyland Track.
Then find the "Lookout" (20 m on your left).
Lookout
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. The area is unfenced and there is a significant drop off the side.
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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. The area is unfenced and there is a significant drop off the side.

After another 40 m continue straight, to head along Fairyland Track.
Then come to the viewpoint (10 m on your left).
After another 215 m pass the "Fairyland Pleasure Grounds Map" (7 m on your left).
After another 50 m turn left.
After another 50 m come to a viewpoint.
"Fairyland".
Fairyland
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. 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. 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.
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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. 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. 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.

A seat., has no backrest.
About 50 m past the end is "Mowbray Park".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 490 m to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Fairylands track


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 980 m
Time 20 min to 30 min
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Seat: There is one 510 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
510 m[seat]
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
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. The area is unfenced and there is a significant drop off the side.
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. 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. 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.
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