Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Gordon to Chatswood Station hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Gordon to Chatswood Station
Time:
4 Hrs 30 mins
5.2 km NNW of Chatswood
Length:
11.4 km
Lane Cove National Park
Climb:
353 m
Style:
One way
This track is a great way to get into the bush but stay close to civilisation. The track wonders 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 definitly worth the short stroll with the heritage of the building holding a long history.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info And use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the start of the walk.
(0 km) Gordon Station to Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 1 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -54 m
From the top of the station the track heads towards the shops, down the stairs and to the road next to Gordon Station bus depot. From Gordon Station bus depot the track heads up the hill of St Johns Ave to the Pacific Highway. The track crosses to the other side at the pedestrian crossing. From here the track follows the shop fronts up the Pacific Highway to turn left onto Moree St. This street is followed until the track turns right onto Vale St. The track continues along Vale St for a short time to the intersection with the bushtrack on the left of the street.
(0.98 km) Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St to Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -54 m
From the intersection next to house No. 31 the track heads pass a gate to follow a lone of houses on the right. The track continues down a slight gradient for approximately 300m turning left to come to the intersection approximately 10m above a concrete sewage inspection hole. From the intersection the track heads down the hill passing a concrete sewage inspection hole on the right. The track continues along the creek line for another 20m to the intersection, leading down to the creek on the right. From the intersection the track follows the creek down stream for approximately 200m to the sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track follows the 'Blackbutt Creek Track' signs left arrow down the hill. The track contours with the creek on the right, and the houses high on the left, for approximately 1km to steeply descend to the intersection above the concreted water crossing. From the intersection the track heads down the hill across the concrete watercourse to turn right along the creek. The track tends left away from the creek up to a white gate.
(2.75 km) Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk to Allen Park Track: Hard - road, bushtrack, road
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 40 m
Descent = -14 m
From the white gate the track crosses the road and continues along it for approximately 50m to house No. 52. From the road the track crosses house No. 52's lawn up and to the left. The track winds up some stairs next to a rocky outcrop to pass over a grassed area before climbing more stairs to another grassed area. From here the track leads up the stairs to be under the powerlines which it follows along the boundary of house No. 1 to Blaxland Rd. From the corner of the road the track heads down Blaxland Rd to Allen Park on the right.
Allen Park
Alt = 48
Allen Park is a very small grassed clearing at the end of Blaxland Rd. The park is not shaded and backs onto a house. The park is the thoroughfare to access the Great North Walk from Blaxland Rd.
(3.32 km) Allen Park to Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk Track: Hard - servicetrail, bushtrack, bushtrack
Distance = 2 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 57 m
Descent = -96 m
From the corner of Terrace Rd and Blaxland Rd the track passes the gate and heads straight across the grassed area of Allen Park. The track then tends left down the hill passing a Great North Walk sign on the right before coming to a sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track follows the sign to 'Visitor Centre Loop'. The track meanders along the hillside for approximately 100m to follow a cliff line to a boulder. From the boulder the track heads south to drop onto a small rock shelf. From the rockshelf the track heads left to wind around and down through a pass in some rock. The track then turns to walk infront of the rock as it continues to wind and undulate above the river, below on the right. A sign with directions to 'Visitor Centre' is passed and followed to turn up a creek. The track leads up stream to a bridge in front of a small waterfall where the track crosses and continues down stream on the other side of the creek. The creek then meets with the Lane Cove River again as the track continues winding along the river bank to the sign posted intersection.
(5.3 km) Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk to Int. Opposite Bakers Flat Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail, road, road
Distance = 1.7 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 57 m
Descent = -60 m
From the intersection the track follows the 'Visitors Centre Loop' arrow along the river bank, with the water to the right of the track. The track comes to a set of stairs which lead the track onto a rocky outcrop. From the top of the stairs the track winds around the hillside for a short while to pass into a gully before rising to a small service trail caldasac. The track then tends right, up the hill for approximately 40m to the sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track heads south west around the hill. The track tends left as it contours around the hill. It then descends over speed bumps for approximately 50m to the carpark of Thistlethwaites picnic area. From the picnic area the track heads down the road with the water, to the right. The track continues down the road for a short time to the intersection with the entrance of the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Depot on the left, and the Schartz Homestead a short distance up the hill. From the intersection the track heads along the road with the water, on the right. The track tends left to continue up the road to pass a brick building on the right before coming to the sign posted intersection, opposite Baker's Flat.
(7.03 km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat to Baker's Cottage Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection the track heads up the stairs tending right, up the hill. The track passes a sign about native grasses before continuing right, to Baker's Cottage.
Baker's Cottage
Alt = 13
Baker's Cottage, built in 1865, as the residence of William Baker and his family. The cottage once stood in the middle of a well kept garden and orchard. The cottage itself was once large with more rooms and a verandah surrounding it. The residence changed hands only twice to then be appropriated by the Minister of Lands in 1938.
(7.03 km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat to Lane Cove Weir South Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road, footpath, footpath, footpath, road
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -20 m
From the intersection the track heads down the road towards the car park at '29 Bakers Flat'. The track continues along the road to pass the clearing and tend right, up the hill, to an intersection with a bush track on the right. From the intersection the track heads down the path for approximately 50m to pass a toilet block on the left of the track. The track continues to an intersection with a railes footpath. From the intersection the track heads down the slight gradient, away from the toilet block to the large concreted area above the weir. From the intersection the track hedas directly down the hill to the weir at the water. From the Great North Walk marker on the northern end of the weir the track traverses the concrete road of the weir to the other side at the intersection.
Lane Cove Weir
Alt = 1
The Lane Cove River Weir, built in 1938, was originally constructed to create a lake to make the popular picnic spot in the Lane Cove valley even more so. The weir however, created environmental issues such as a decline in native fish populations. The south side of the weir now has a fish ladder to help rehabilitate these populations. The weir is part of the Great North Walk.
(7.61 km) Lane Cove Weir South to Fullers Bridge Bus Stop Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection the track follows the footpath around the waters edge to pass a stone memorial on the right. The track then comes to an intersection with a track through the middle of the Koonjeree picnic area. From the intersection the track heads towards the road and passes over it to the toilet blocks. From the toilets the track follows the car park on the left through the low bushes. The track winds through the bushes to pass a stone seat on the left before crossing the road to continue along the footpath . The track then continues a few metres to the road which it crosses to come to the bus stop.
Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant
Alt = 1
The Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant is open 7 days. The hours it serve lunch is 12-3pm except Saturdays and for dinner 6-10pm. The restaurant serves a diversity of seafood and poultry with prices ranging from $9- 30. Ph. 9412 3773 More info
(7.9 km) Fullers Bridge Bus Stop to Int. Fairway and Dehli Rd Walk: Easy - footpath, road, road
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -3 m
From the bus stop the track heads across Fullers Bridge to the pedestrian crossing on the other side. From the corner of the roads the track crosses to the other side of Lady Game Drive, away from the bridge. From the intersection the track crosses the Dehli Rd pedestrian crossing to then turn right and cross The Fairway. After The Fairway the track heads to the start of a bushtrack, directly opposite the original pedestrian crossing on the other side of the road.
(8.01 km) Int. Fairway and Dehli Rd to Int. Rail to River Trk and Reid Drive Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -3 m
From the intersection the track heads down to the Lane Cove River, on the right. The track continues under the river bank's shady vegetation for a short time to a large sign posted intersection behind the 8th Tee. From the intersection the track heads up the hill tending right, to a set of stairs which is climbs up to Reid Drive, opposite No. 17.
(8.27 km) Int. Rail to River Trk and Reid Drive to Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval Track: Moderate - road, openland
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -6 m
From the intersection the track heads up the road above Chatswood Golf Course below on the right. The track follows the O.H. Reid Memorial Oval sign, along the road for approximately 200m to the oval, car park and picnic area with play equipment. From the car park the track heads past the metal gate and across the oval to the far side of the oval where a track marker stands just off the oval.
(8.78 km) Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval to Int. Rail to River Trk and Hawthorne Ave Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track the track heads up the stairs winding around and through rocky outcrops to come to a fence line. The track follows the fenceline up to the road where a sign is bolted to the telegraph pole, 'Rail to River Walk'.
(8.85 km) Int. Rail to River Trk and Hawthorne Ave to Int. Fuller Rd and Bellevue Ave Walk: Easy - road, footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track heads up the road following the 'Rail to River Walk' sign to the corner of the road. From the intersection the track follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign up Bellevue Ave for approximately 500m to the sign posted intersection with Fullers Rd.
(9.39 km) Int. Fuller Rd and Bellevue Ave to Harnett Pl sign post Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -22 m
From the intersection the track heads up Fullers Rd to meet Mowbray Rd. The track follows Mowbray Rd for a short time to Lowanna Park on the right. From the gate on Mowbray Rd the track passes through the park diagonally through to the gate on the Greville St side of Lowanna Park. From the gate the track heads down the hill, away from Mowbray Rd. The track heads down the hill for approximately 200m to cross the road to the Harnett Pl sign opposite No. 86.
(9.93 km) Harnett Pl sign post to Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -24 m
From the intersection the track heads down the stairs coming to a house. From the house on the right the track zig zags down the hill through mossy rock outcrops to the sign posted intersection above a creek and pipe. From the intersection the track heads down the steps and along the creek, on the right, for approximately 60m to a sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track heads up the gully with the creek on the right. The track continues climbing up the gully for approximately 100m to an intersection in a clearer area. From the intersection the track follows the 'Rail to River Walk' arrow on the sign post to head up the gully. The track leads up the creek, on the right, for approximately 50m to some stepping stones over the creek. Approximately 50m on the track comes out onto a grassed clearing from which the track continues through to continue a service trail to Park Ave.
(10.43 km) Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk to Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign up the road for approximately 30m to the next sign post.
(10.46 km) Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk to Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection the track follows the 'Rail to River Walk' sign off the road and along the bushtrack. The track heads relatively straight along a stormwater drain and a line of houses to then pass a tennis courts cyclone fence above on the left. The track then comes to a memorial bench which marks the intersection. From the memorial bench the track heads up the hill with the storm water on the right and the house fences on both. The track heads up the hill for approximately 150m to a clearing with a playground. The track passes to the right of the playground to the gate and road.
(10.8 km) Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk to Chatswood Station Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 37 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection the track follows the "Rail to River" sign down Edgar St to turn left onto Western Way. The track along Western Way takes a dogs leg turn right onto Jenkins Rd then left back onto Western Way and to the Pacific Highway. At the Highway the track turns right, south, to the pedestrian crossing at Victoria Ave. From the intersection the track crosses the pedestrian, over Pacific Highway, or takes the foot bridge just near the intersection. The track then continues down Victoria Ave to the entrance to the train station on the right. If the road turns left, you have gone too far.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info And use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip home from the end of the walk.
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.
Hiking near Sydney 
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