Riverside Walk
Darug Country

1 h 45 min to 2 h

5.2 km
oneway

↑ 114 m
↓ -79 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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
Show all
BBQ beside Max Allen Drive. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Lane Cove Wier. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Platform above Lane Cove River. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Lane Cove River. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Riverside Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track to Boat Shed. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Boats outside the shed. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sign along track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Ironbark Picnic Area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Gate to Ironbark Flats. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Boardwalk along track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Riverside walk Lane Cove. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Picnic shelter above Riverside walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Water Dragon hiding in the water. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Korong picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Road north of Korong. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Halfway Point picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Picnic table along track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Lane Cove River from Riverside walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Porters Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Porters Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Bridge on Riverside Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track through ferns Riverside walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Entrance to Riverside Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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 (-33.7907245,151.1560663)
Mode Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom Lane Cove Road, A3
  • Turn on to Epping Road then drive for 1.1 km
  • Turn left onto Delhi Road, A38 and drive for another 2.5 km
  • Turn left onto Lady Game Drive and drive for another 235 m
  • Turn left onto Max Allen Road and drive for another 75 m
Finish (-33.7769578,151.1379609)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car parking area near the bridge on Max Allen Drive, this walk follows the 'Sydney Cove' sign along the concrete footpath past the garbage bins. The path leads past a sheltered BBQ as the path bends right along the water's edge it also leads past a few picnic tables and comes to another GNW marker and an intersection with a sealed management trail beside the weir (on your left).
From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post (past a seat on the right) to cross over the concrete ford (top of the weir wall) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post. After heavy or prolonged rain, this crossing may be closed. It is unsafe to cross if water is flowing over the top.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
The Great North Walk (about 15 m back from the start).
After 45 m find the "BBQ" (6 m on your right).
BBQ
BBQ

Two free electric BBQs hotplates in sheltered picnic area. The BBQ table is 92cm high, 2.05m wide and 75cm deep. Hot plates are 45/45cm.
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Two free electric BBQs hotplates in sheltered picnic area. The BBQ table is 92cm high, 2.05m wide and 75cm deep. Hot plates are 45/45cm.
After another 25 m turn left.
After another 10 m pass the car park (25 m on your right).
Then find the "Picnic Table" (15 m on your right).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic tables. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 3.3m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.7m wide (no backrest). Room for a few chairs at end. 4x2.7m slab.
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Two timber slat picnic tables. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 3.3m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.7m wide (no backrest). Room for a few chairs at end. 4x2.7m slab.

Then find the "Parking Accessible" (25 m on your right).
Parking Accessible
Parking Accessible

There are 8 car parking bays in the immediate area. Three are marked mobiilty parking bays at the southern edge. The mobility parking area is ashphalt, 2.4m wide and 6.3m deep.
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There are 8 car parking bays in the immediate area. Three are marked mobiilty parking bays at the southern edge. The mobility parking area is ashphalt, 2.4m wide and 6.3m deep.

After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
Then find the "Seat" (9 m on your right).
Seat
Seat

A stone seat, 42cm high, 60cm deep and 1.7m wide with a 22cm high arm and 22cm backrest.
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A stone seat, 42cm high, 60cm deep and 1.7m wide with a 22cm high arm and 22cm backrest.

After another 60 m find the "Lane Cove Weir" (on your right).
Lane Cove Weir
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' 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 and downstream.
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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' 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 and downstream.

Continue straight.
After another 10 m find the "Trip Hazard" (6 m on your left).
Trip Hazard
Trip Hazard

The edges of the weir are ungraded and there is a significant drop with water hazards. Keep clear of edges.
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The edges of the weir are ungraded and there is a significant drop with water hazards. Keep clear of edges.
After another 3 m turn sharp right, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 85 m find the "Seat" (on your left).
Seat
Seat

Two timber seats, 43cm high, 48cm deep and 1.8m wide with no arm or backrest.
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Two timber seats, 43cm high, 48cm deep and 1.8m wide with no arm or backrest.

Then find the "Lane Cove River Lookout" (on your right).
Lane Cove River Lookout
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. The boardwalk and platform are fenced (1.1m high), there are two main seats and a stepped area for extra seating. The views extend upstream for about 250m and is a great spot to watch water birds and the occasional paddle boat.
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Found along the timber boardwalk on the banks of the Lane Cove River, just up stream from the weir, is this lovely viewing platform. The boardwalk and platform are fenced (1.1m high), there are two main seats and a stepped area for extra seating. The views extend upstream for about 250m and is a great spot to watch water birds and the occasional paddle boat.

After another 135 m find the "BBQ" (20 m on your left).
BBQ
BBQ

An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 94cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep.
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An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 94cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep.

After another 60 m find the "Seat" (15 m on your left).
Seat
Seat

A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 74cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 38cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).
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A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 74cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 38cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).

After another 145 m find the "Illoura Picnic Shelter" (15 m on your left).
Illoura 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 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 and wood BBQ. 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
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The park brick picnic shelter is on the bank of the Lane Cove River, near the Boatshed. There are two picnic tables 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 and wood BBQ. 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

After another 75 m find the "Pinch Point" (on your left).
Pinch Point
Pinch Point

Track narrow to a maximum width of 80cm at this point.
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Track narrow to a maximum width of 80cm at this point.

Then find the "Picnic Table" (8 m on your left).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

The table is 73cm high, 74cm deep and 3m wide. The seats are 41cm high, 29cm deep and 3m wide (no backrest).
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The table is 73cm high, 74cm deep and 3m wide. The seats are 41cm high, 29cm deep and 3m wide (no backrest).
After another 20 m turn right, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 40 m find the "Lane Cove Boatshed" (30 m on your left).
Lane Cove Boatshed
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, 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.
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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, 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.

After another 25 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your left).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

2 tables are 73cm high, 90cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 36cm high, 31cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).
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2 tables are 73cm high, 90cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 36cm high, 31cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).

After another 195 m pass the BBQ (10 m on your left).
Then cross the bridge (about 2 m long)
After another 135 m head up the 12 metal steps (about 4 m long)
After another 180 m pass the toilet (35 m on your left).
After another 85 m head through the bollard.
Continue straight.
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 40 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).

PH, Sa-Su
After another 15 m to find the car park.
After another 30 m find the "9 Carters Creek" (9 m on your right).
9 Carters Creek Picnic Area
9 Carters Creek Picnic Area

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, a gas BBQ a large open grassy area, garbage bins, toilets and a car park. There is some limited access to the river view. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
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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, a gas BBQ a large open grassy area, garbage bins, toilets and a car park. There is some limited access to the river view. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
After another 95 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 75 m pass the car park (on your left).
After another 95 m find the "13 Cottonwood Glen" (5 m on your left).
13 Cottonwood Glen
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 and a small toilet block just up the hill.
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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 and a small toilet block just up the hill.

Then pass the toilet (40 m on your left).
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 295 m head through/around the gate.
After another 45 m turn right, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 8 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
Then head through/around the gate.
After another 320 m head up the 13 surface|wood steps (about 5 m long)
After another 55 m head down the 15 stone steps (about 6 m long)
After another 35 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Riverside Walk.
After another 370 m head up the 7 earthen steps (about 6 m long)
After another 9 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
After another 135 m head up the 11 earthen steps (about 8 m long)
After another 215 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 270 m head up the 5 steps (about 5 m long)
After another 6 m (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Riverside Walk) turn right, to head along Riverside Drive (a vehicle track).
After another 15 m cross the Porters Creek Bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 9 m (at the intersection of Riverside Drive & Riverside Walk) turn right, to head along Riverside Walk (a walking track).
Then head down the 11 surface|wood steps (about 4 m long)
After another 520 m head up the 6 stone steps
Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
After another 880 m head up the 6 steps (about 20 m long)
Then head up the 38 concrete steps (about 15 m long)
After another 10 m turn left.
After another 7 m come to a sign.
Continue straight, to head along Riverside Drive.
After another 20 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Riverside Walk


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 5.2 km
Time 1 h 45 min to 2 h
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1 km apart with the largest gap of 3.1 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 4.8 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
115 mSeat
Seat
225 mSeat
Seat
420 mSeat
Toilet
1.2 km[toilet]
Toilet
1.4 km[toilet]
Toilet
1.7 km[toilet]
Toilet
2.1 km[toilet]
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
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' 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 and downstream.
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, 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.
9 Carters Creek Picnic Area
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, a gas BBQ a large open grassy area, garbage bins, toilets and a car park. There is some limited access to the river view. A pleasant spot among the tall gums.
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 and a small toilet block just up the hill.
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