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 time to enjoy Fairylands and the views of Lane Cove river along the way.
You can promote your organisation on the web and in the bush by sponsoring a set of Wildwalks tracknotes. Sponsorship starts from $10 per/month. This program is unique and will offer a great return on your investment.
Catch the bus to Corner of Delhi and River Rds
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(0 km)
Corner of Delhi and River Rds
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Int. of Quebec Rd and Fairylands Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 789 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -38 m
From the corner of River Rd and Delhi Rd, this walk follows the Great North Walk markers, steeply up the hill. This bush track is quite steep until it flattens out upon reaching the ridge. Once on the ridge, the track follows the Great North Walk signs until reaching a large gate (near the crematorium) at the end of Quebec Rd. From the end of Quebec Rd at the large gate near the crematorium, this walk heads along the signposted Quebec Rd until coming to the corner of Quebec Rd and Fairylands Rd. At this point, the walk continues down the hill to Quebec Rd until coming to the small intersection with Fairylands track, marked with a sign saying 'Fairylands'.
(0.79 km)
Int of Quebec Rd and Fairylands Track
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Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 124 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -4 m
From the road (south-west corner of Quebec Rd), this walk follows the track into the bush, past several signposts and over a little wooden bridge. The track continues winding through the bush and, before long, there are occasional glimpses of the Lane Cove River on the left. An unofficial, unfenced lookout is on the left side of the track on a large rock platform.
Lookout
Alt = 5 m
This small, unofficial lookout is atop a large natural rock platform. 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.
(0.91 km)
Lookout
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Fairylands Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 344 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -13 m
From the lookout, this walk heads along the flat track through the bush, with the river below on the left, for about 150 meters to a set of stairs heading down to Fairylands. From the bottom of the steps, the track passes a few information signs and heads towards to two large palm trees in the middle of the flats. Here, there is an intersection with a track heading out to the river, and also some more information signs near the palm trees.
Fairylands
Alt = 1 m
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, this market garden had closed and the area was became 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.
(1.26 km)
Fairylands
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Int. Epping Rd Access Trk and Fairyland Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 743 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -28 m
From the intersection, this walk meanders along the hillside with the river below on the left. The track winds through the flats of Fairylands, over a small bridge and up a series of rock steps. The walk continues up a hill until the track comes to an intersection near the back of some corporate buildings. The intersection is beneath a large power line tower. From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, with the power line tower on the left of the track and the river further below on the left. The track leads down some rocky sections and a few stretches of boardwalk, for approximately 300m along the river side. The track then comes to a signposted intersection just beneath a large bridge.
(2 km)
Int. Epping Rd Access Trk and Fairyland Track
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Mowbray car park (near oval) Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 511 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection, this walk heads under the bridge, keeping the river below to the left. The walk turns right, up the stairs on the other side of the bridge to lead up to Epping Rd above. From the intersection, this walk heads towards the factory on the other end of the bridge, passing over the Lane Cove River. The walk meets an intersection with another set of stairs off to the right of the bridge. From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs away from the main road, to turn right under the bridge. The track heads under the bridge to come out the other side, continuing along the river bank for approximately 50m to the car park.
Catch the bus from Mowbray car park (near oval)
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 16 seconds ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
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.