Ferndale Park Loop
And Walk
Ferndale Park Loop

1 hr 30 mins


88 m

Moderate track
(0km) Chatswood Station → Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk
620 m
13 mins
9m
-37m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up the Pacific Highway, to turn left onto Western Way. The walk continues down Western Way through a dogleg, turning right onto Jenkins Rd then quickly left back onto Western Way. The walk heads down Western Way to turn right onto Edgar St and to the Edgar Reserve Park with green gate.
(0.62km) Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk → Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk
340 m
6 mins
1m
-12m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads between the tennis court fence on your right and the houses on your left for approximately 150m. The track then comes to an intersection with Park Ave, and a ‘Rail to River Walk’ sign[1].
(0.96km) Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk → Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk
30 m
1 mins
0m
-1m
Easy track
(0.99km) Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk → Int. Ferndale Trk and Beresford Lane Trk
900 m
19 mins
24m
-27m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the creek (which remains on your left) down the gully for approximately 100m to the signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track across the creek. The track then turns left, up the hill, and reaches a sign posted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the Darymple Ave arrow along the bush track. The track soon turns left, at a junction, to head to a sign posted creek crossing. Very soon after crossing the creek, the track comes to a sign posted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill to follow the creek (below on the right). The track meanders along the creek bank for a little while, coming to a large stand of bamboo on the left. The track then heads down to follow the creek more closely, soon crossing the creek and climbing up the bank to a signposted intersection in front of a house.
(1.89km) Int. Ferndale Trk and Beresford Lane Trk → Chatswood Station
1.4 km
27 mins
54m
-11m
Moderate track
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk heads up Lone Pine Ave to turn right onto Eddy Rd. The walk continues up to the end of the road, then turns left onto Pacific Highway. The walk passes the primary school and overpass, coming to the pedestrian crossing opposite Victoria Ave.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses at pedestrian crossing on Pacific Highway, or takes the foot bridge just near the intersection. This walk then continues down Victoria Ave to the entrance of the train station on the right. If the road turns left, you have gone too far.
Maps for the Ferndale Park Loop 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 Ferndale Park Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Ferndale Park Loop

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 | 3.3 km | ||
Time | 1 hr 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
2.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 720m has short steep hills. The remaining (220m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
1.9km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (310m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 2.9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 400m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 3.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 3.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 330m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Ferndale Park Loop walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Ferndale Park Loop walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Ferndale Park Loop walk starts and ends at the Chatswood Station (gps: -33.797073, 151.18037)
Your transport options to Chatswood Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Short URL = http://wild.tl/fl
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River

2 hrs 30 mins


185 m

Hard track




This walk takes you down into the v-shaped valleys that run between the houses of Roseville and Chatswood. The walk stays predominantly in the valleys, with many sections on road or footpath. This walk has a surprising amount of bushland which is very close to civilisation. The walk also passes the Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant which is a great spot for a lunch break.
(0km) Roseville Train Station → Int. Shirley Rd and The Rifleway
410 m
9 mins
15m
-24m
Easy track
Continue straight: From near the end of Larkin Lane, this walk heads past the green power box and down the pedestrian laneway steps[7]. After approximately 60m, the lane leads down some more steps[8] to find an intersection with another concrete footpath on the other side of Larkin St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps, beside number 4 Larkin St[9]. From the bottom of the steps, the walk heads along the pedestrian alley[10] for about 40m, and then crosses a 60m long bridge[11]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk continues up the alley[12] for about 80m, coming to an intersection with Shirley Rd[13][14].
(0.41km) Int. Shirley Rd and The Rifleway → Longford St Steps
970 m
19 mins
3m
-46m
Very easy
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down along ‘Longford St’[19] for about 100m to come to the top of the ‘Valley View Cl’ steps[20] (on the left), just past No.31.
(1.38km) Longford St steps → Valley View Close
80 m
3 mins
0m
-20m
Easy track
(1.46km) Valley View Close → End of Fullers Park
590 m
11 mins
3m
-27m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the National Park arrow post[32] south along the clear track, keeping the valley to your right. After about 50m, the track leads down some stone steps[33] then continues down for about 80m through the denser vegetation[34] to cross the bouldery and sandy[35] Blue Gum Creek. A short distance after crossing the creek, this walk heads up to a T-intersection marked with a ‘Blue Gum Creek Track’ sign[36] (pointing back down to ‘Valley View Close’[37]).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the ‘Blue Gum Creek Track’ sign[38] (following neither of the arrows). The track meanders through the trees, winding past some rocky ruins[39] for approximately 120m to come to a grassy clearing, just before a concrete (sewerage) bridge[40].
(2.05km) End of Fullers Park → Int. Lady Game Dr and Delhi Rd
470 m
9 mins
6m
-11m
Easy track
(2.52km) Int. Lady Game Dr and Delhi Rd → Riverside Cafe
130 m
1 mins
1m
-3m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the corner of Lady Game Drive and Delhi Rd, this walk follows the footpath beside Delhi Rd, across Fullers Bridge[50]. Just on the far side of the bridge, this walk comes to an intersection with a footpath[51] (and steps, on your right) about 15m before the bus stop shelter[52].
Turn right: From the intersection between the bus stop and bridge, this walk heads down the steps[53] (away from the road) to almost immediately come to an intersection with another footpath[54].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath under Fullers Bridge[55] and comes to the end of a minor road[56], in front of the ‘Riverside Cafe Bar AND Grill’[57]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill

(2.52km) Int. Lady Game Dr and Delhi Rd → Int. Fairway and Delhi Rd
40 m
1 mins
2m
-3m
Easy track
(2.56km) Int. Fairway and Delhi Rd → Int. Behind the 8th Tee
200 m
3 mins
1m
-3m
Moderate track
(2.76km) Int. Behind the 8th Tee → Int. Rail to River Trk and Reid Drive
60 m
2 mins
9m
0m
Hard track
(2.82km) Int. Rail to River Trk and Reid Drive → Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval
520 m
9 mins
13m
-6m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the car park, this walk 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.
(3.33km) Eastern side of O.H. Reid Memorial Oval → Int. Rail to River Trk and Hawthorne Ave
70 m
2 mins
13m
0m
Moderate track
(3.4km) Int. Rail to River Trk and Hawthorne Ave → Harnett Pl sign post
1.1 km
21 mins
40m
-22m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Rail to River Walk’ sign up Bellevue Ave for approximately 500m to the signposted intersection with Fullers Rd.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up Fullers Rd, tending right where Fullers Rd meets Millwood Ave. The walk follows Fullers Rd for a short time to Lowanna Park on the right. Entry to the park is via a gate at the near-end of the park.
Turn right: From the Fullers Rd gate entry of Lowanna Park, this walk passes through the park diagonally, past the BBQs and play equipment, to the gate opening to Greville St. There is a ‘Rail to River Walk’ signpost outside the gate.
Turn right: From the gate, this walk heads down the hill, away from Fullers Rd. The track heads down the hill for approximately 200m to cross the road to the Harnett Pl sign, opposite No. 86.
(4.48km) Harnett Pl sign post → Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk
500 m
13 mins
30m
-22m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads down the steps and along the creek (which remains on your right) for approximately 60m to a signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk 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.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Rail to River Walk’ arrow on the signpost, to head up the gully. The track leads up along the creek (on your right) for approximately 50m to some steppingstones across the creek. Approximately 50m later, the track comes out onto a grassed clearing, from which the walk continues along the management trail to Park Ave.
(4.98km) Int. Park Ave and Rail to River Trk → Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk
30 m
1 mins
1m
0m
Easy track
(5.01km) Int. Park Ave and Edgar St Reserve Trk → Bob Peirson Memorial Seat
190 m
3 mins
4m
-1m
Easy track
(5.2km) Bob Peirson Memorial Seat → Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk
150 m
3 mins
8m
0m
Moderate track
(5.34km) Int. Edgar St and Edgar St Reserve Trk → Chatswood Station
620 m
13 mins
37m
-9m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk crosses at pedestrian crossing on Pacific Highway, or takes the foot bridge just near the intersection. This walk then continues down Victoria Ave to the entrance of the train station on the right. If the road turns left, you have gone too far.
Maps for the Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River 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 Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River

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 | 6 km | ||
Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
3.5km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 2.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 310m has short steep hills and the remaining 55m is very steep.
Quality of track
3.9km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (470m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 4.1km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.9km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 700m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River walk starts at the Roseville Train Station (gps: -33.784534, 151.17783)
Your transport options to Roseville Train Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
The Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River ends at the Chatswood Station (gps: -33.797073, 151.18037)
Your transport options to Chatswood Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/rtcsvlcr
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Macquarie Park to Thornleigh
And Walk
Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

4 hrs 30 mins


413 m

Hard track




Starting from the Macquarie Park train station, you wander down Lane Cove Rd and over De Burghs Bridge to join the main spine of the Great North Walk in the Lane Cove Valley. Here the walk heads under De Burghs bridge then explores the dry grass tree and eucalypt forest along the side of the ridge. The track soon leads you down into the ferny and moist valley beside Lane Cove River. Near the top of the valley, you walk up some stone steps built during the depression to find some rock engravings with 1930’s style political satire, Conscript Pass. The side trip provides access to the scout campsite, where the main walk continues leads up through the streets to find Thornleigh train station.
(0km) Macquarie Park Station → Eden Gardens
860 m
15 mins
9m
-13m
Easy track
Eden Gardens

The centre is closed over Christmas and on News Year Day More info.
(0.86km) Eden Gardens → Int. Great North Walk and Ryde Rd Access Trk NE
850 m
21 mins
25m
-67m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this follows the NPWS arrow marker[16] along the footpath[17] across ‘De Burghs Bridge’[18][19], keeping the traffic to your left. On the other side of the bridge, this walk continues along the concrete footpath for 70m (passing under the ‘Lane Cove National Park’ sign[20]) to come to an intersection beside a locked gate[21] (on your right).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the road and around the locked gate. The walk turns right and follows the track past the ‘Lane Cove National Park’ sign[22] and around the scrubby clearing for about 130m. Here, the track leads down some timber steps and comes to a clear three-way intersection, where a ‘Lane Cove River Weir via Riverside walk’ sign[23] points back up the steps.
(1.71km) Int GNW and Ryde Rd Access Trk NE → Int of GNW and Ryde Road trail (west)
540 m
11 mins
19m
-15m
Moderate track
(2.25km) Int of GNW and Ryde Road trail (west) → Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave fire trail
870 m
18 mins
35m
-29m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thornleigh Oval’ sign[37] west, gently down the track, away from the management trail. The track almost immediately passes the large metal pipe (crossing the Lane Cove River[38]) then winds down the rocky track[39] for about 200m, through open eucalypt forest[40] with some limited views left over the valley, to come to a weedy section of track marked with a concrete sewerage access point[41]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads along the side of the hill for about 400m to head down a few steps and cross Quarry Creek[42]. The walk then heads up some steps and follows the track for another 30m to come to a T-intersection[43] with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a GNW and NPWS arrow post[44].
(3.11km) Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave fire trail (east) → Int of GNW and Christie Park track
580 m
12 mins
9m
-12m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[48] south, downhill along the track and under the high tension power lines[49]. The track winds gently downhill for almost 150m until, just after passing close to the the high tension power line tower[50], this walk comes to a locked green shed[51] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[52] (down in the valley to your left).
Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track[53] along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your right). After about 150m, this walk comes to an intersection with a faint track on your right (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[54].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the mostly flat track, through the dense forest, and almost immediately passes a concrete sewerage access point[55]. After about 70m, this walk heads down a few timbers steps to cross a small gully[56], where the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[57]), then crosses two flat timber bridges[58] over Congham Creek. Here the walk veers left up onto the rock platform[59] and follows the track gently uphill for another 80m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[60] (and a sign pointing left to ‘Marsfield’[61]).
(3.7km) Int of GNW and Christie Park track → Int of the GNW and mid Gloucester Ave fire trail access track
150 m
4 mins
13m
0m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[64] gently uphill along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your left) for about 100m to come to a small clearing and three way intersection, marked with yet another GNW arrow post[65] and a pile of rocks[66] (on your left).
(3.84km) Int of the GNW and mid Gloucester Ave fire trail access track → Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail
820 m
18 mins
34m
-43m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[73] downhill along the management trail. The trail leads down for about 70m to cross a small gully[74] then runs closely beside the Lane Cove River[75] (on your left) for another 120m to come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post and a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ aluminum sign and map[76].
(4.67km) Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail → Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail
490 m
13 mins
46m
-12m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill following the main track, whilst keeping the valley to your left for about 30m to come to a clear Y-intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[81].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[82] along the track, keeping the Lane Cove River a short distance to your left[83]. After about 80m, the track steps up to and crosses a short section to timber boardwalk/bridge[84]. Here the walk climbs up the rocky hill following a series of concrete access points[85] and timber steps[86] for about 230m to come to a T-intersection with a management trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[87].
(5.15km) Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail → Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road path
870 m
18 mins
24m
-35m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection just below the Koombalah Ave gate, this walk follows the management trail gently downhill, whilst keeping the valley to your left. The trail initially leads over a rock platform, then about 50m later, leads down a steep hill[90]. The trail then heads gently down for about 400m before a short steep hill[91] leads down to a metal high tension power line tower[92]. Here the trail bends right and leads down and along the side of the hill for another 200m to pass another high tension power line tower[93] and head behind a few houses. Just behind the second house, this walk comes to ephemeral creek on a rock platform[94].
Continue straight: From here, this walk crosses the ephemeral creek[95] (keeping the houses up to your right) and continues along the trail for about 30m to come to a T-intersection with a wide, shared, concrete path, marked with several signposts[96].
(6.03km) Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road trail → Browns Waterhole int
260 m
5 mins
1m
-17m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads fairly steeply downhill along the concrete path. The path passes a few signs[102] over about 100m, then comes to an intersection with a track (on your left), marked with a timber barricade and a GNW arrow post[103].
Veer right: From the intersection, this follows the concrete path downhill for just shy of 50m to come to a intersection with a dirt management trail[104]. This intersection is beside the Lane Cove River crossing[105] (on your left) and is marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign here[106].
Browns Waterhole

(6.29km) Browns Waterhole int → Int of GNW and Cove St trail
520 m
11 mins
24m
-9m
Easy track
(6.81km) Int of GNW and Cove St trail → Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail
710 m
12 mins
8m
-14m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[118] and STEP Track markers[119] along the management trail, whilst keeping the river to your left. The trail undulates through the valley (weedy in places[120]) and tall forest[121] for just shy of 600m, to come to a clear intersection at the bottom of a sealed management trail[122] (on your right). This intersection is marked with another ‘STEP Track’ map/sign[123] and a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[124].
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign gently downhill along the management trail, directly away from the face of the ‘STEP Track’ map/sign[125]. Keeping the river to your left, the trail leads downhill for about 80m to come to a Y-intersection[126], where there is a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map/sign[127] and a ‘Lane Cove River Park’ sign[128] pointing back along the trail.
(7.52km) Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail → Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail
2.1 km
38 mins
54m
-23m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail, keeping the river just to your right. After about 60m, the trail bends right and crosses the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[133], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[134]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[135]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[136] (with the river now on your left) for just over 150m to come to an intersection at the bottom of the sealed Morona Ave trail[137] (on your right), marked with a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map/sign[138] and a GNW arrow post[139].
(9.64km) Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail → Conscript Pass
330 m
8 mins
24m
-8m
Moderate track
Conscript Pass

(9.97km) Conscript Pass → Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks
330 m
10 mins
53m
0m
Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Thornleigh’ sign[156] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[157] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[158], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[159], and a stone ‘Lorna Pass’ arrow[160] pointing back down the track.
(10.31km) Int of GNW and BP camp track → BP camping area
620 m
13 mins
21m
-34m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Baden-Powell Scout Centre’ sign[163] and the GNW arrow post[164] west along the narrow track. The track leads through the dense heath[165] for about 120m to come to an intersection and clearing at a rocky outcrop[166], marked with a GNW arrow post[167].
Turn right: From the clearing, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north, downhill along the narrow track. After about 120m the rocky track leads to a small flat clearing[168] where this walk turn left (following the GNW arrow post) passing through about 20m of heath to come to another clearing (with a campfire scar[169]). Following the GNW arrow post, this walk soon bends right to step down to the edge of a creek[170]. Here the walk turns left and follows the creek downstream for about 20m to then bend right and cross Scout Creek[171]. The walk then heads uphill along the widening track for about 130m (passing a few scout constructions[172], and a track on the left[173]) then walks up under the high ropes course[174]. About 20m after the ropes course, this walk comes to an intersection with a dirt driveway[175], beside the green Pioneer Hut[176] (shed on the left). There is also a tap and drinking fountain here[177].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel driveway[178] east, away from the Pioneer Hut[179] and towards the picnic shelters. After about 30m (just after the left bend), this walk comes to some of these picnic shelters[180] and several tiered platforms (on your right) – this is the camping area (there is a stone building up to your right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Baden Powell Scout Centre

For walkers, there is dorm/hostel style accommodation and several bush camping areas[183].
Bush camping – is found near the lower (south-eastern) end of the grounds for $9 per person per night. Facilities include tap water[184], picnic shelters[185], toilets[186] and even a shower block[187]. They also provide an indoor area in case the weather turns during the night and you need to retreat.
There are kitchen facilities available for an extra $5.
Dorm-style accommodation – at $29 per person per night, you can share a room with other campers in a bunk room, you will need to bring a sleeping bag and towel.
Hostel-style accommodation – at $35 per person per night, you will be provided a smaller room (still shared) with bedding (sheets and blankets) as well as access to a kitchen.
The friendly staff here are also happy to put together a food hamper for your meals, or organise a delivery meal, just chat with them when booking.
Pre-booking is essential, phone Michael New (02) 9484 2278 (weekdays).
(10.31km) Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
350 m
7 mins
16m
0m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval to your left. After about 100m, this walk passes in front of the clubhouse[193] (there are toilets[194] and a water tap[195] on your right) to pass a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[196] and come to the corner of ‘Handley’ and ‘Ferguson’ Avenues[197] in front of the ‘Thornleigh Oval’ sign[198].
Thornleigh Oval

(10.66km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Thornleigh Train Station
920 m
16 mins
19m
-5m
Easy track
Veer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across ‘Railway Pde’[212], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[213] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[214], coming to the ‘Thornleigh’ Train Station[215].
Maps for the Macquarie Park to Thornleigh 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.
Hornsby | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91304S HORNSBY | NSW-91304S |
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 Macquarie Park to Thornleigh bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

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 | 11.6 km | ||
Time | 4 hrs 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() 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 | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.5km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 230m is very steep.
Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.5km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 620m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.2km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.6km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Macquarie Park to Thornleigh walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Macquarie Park to Thornleigh walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Macquarie Park to Thornleigh walk starts at the Macquarie Park Station (gps: -33.785394, 151.12843)
Your transport options to Macquarie Park Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)
Train. (get details)
The Macquarie Park to Thornleigh ends at the Thornleigh Train Station (gps: -33.731948, 151.07815)
Your transport options to Thornleigh Train Station are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/mptt
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed
And Walk
Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed

1 hr 30 mins


98 m

Moderate track


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 boat and go for a paddle.
Lane Cove River tourist park

(0km) Lane Cove Tourist Park → 13 Cottonwood Glen
670 m
14 mins
6m
-54m
Moderate track
From this concreted section between sites 152 and 151, this walk follows the sign[6] down the stone steps[7] for about 60m, where the track then leads gently down to a T-intersection marked with a timber signpost[8] (beside a large scribbly gum).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows ‘Lane Cove River Weir’ sign[9] south down the hill. The track leads gently down the side of the hill for about 80m to pass a ‘Native Flora’ information sign[10][11], then about 90m later passes a ‘Bush Regeneration’ information sign[12] among the ferns. Just 30m past this sign, the track leads over a small metal bridge[13] beside the tall fern trees[14] and ‘Native Fauna’ information sign[15]. Here the track continues for a short distance to come to an intersection with Riverside Drive, where a ‘Tourist Park’ sign[16] points back up the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Riverside walk’ arrow post down the steps[17] and then follows the road down past the ’12 Blackbutt’ picnic area[18]. Soon the road leads to a Y-intersection[19] and veers right down to the car park[20] beside ’13 Cottonwood Glen’ picnic area[21] and the Lane Cove River.
13 Cottonwood Glen

(0.67km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → 9 Carters Creek
360 m
6 mins
5m
-2m
Moderate track
9 Carters Creek

(1.03km) 9 Carters Creek → Boat Shed
690 m
13 mins
14m
-17m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[43] just west of ‘8 Ironbarks’[44], 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[45] for about 180m up over a rocky outcrop[46] to then head down a metal staircase[47]. 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[48] and water), crossing a small flat timber bridge[49] 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[50].
Lane Cove Boatshed

Maps for the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed 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 Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed

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 | 3.4 km | ||
Time | 1 hr 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
740m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 690m is flat with no steps. The remaining (290m) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
1.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 220m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (130m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 1.4km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 290m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 1.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 1.7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 1.7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed walk starts and ends at the Lane Cove Tourist Park (gps: -33.789442, 151.14332)
Your main transport option to Lane Cove Tourist Park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/lctptbs
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Thornleigh to Marsfield
And Walk
Thornleigh to Marsfield

2 hrs 30 mins


106 m

Hard track




Following the Great North Walk, and the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River South, this walk explores dense bushland surrounding the river. You will experience a variety of trails along this walk, from steep bush tracks to wide biketrails. The common feature, however, is how well managed these trails are. The section just south of Thornleigh is the highlight of the walk as the bushtrail winds its way around the hill.
(0km) Thornleigh Train Station → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
920 m
16 mins
5m
-19m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up the concrete steps (or ramp) to cross Pennant Hills Rd using the overpass. On the other side of the road, this walk follows ‘Station St’ down away from the main road. Just over 200m along this footpath, this walk continues straight across ‘Wood St’[7] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn left here) and, just under 200m further along ‘Station St’, crosses ‘Orchard St’ to continue (almost) straight ahead beside ‘Handley Avenue’. After about 250m, the walk cross Clifford Ave[8] then about 130m later, crosses the intersection of ‘Handley’ and ‘Ferguson’ Avenues to find the signposted gate at the front of ‘Thornleigh Oval’[9].
Thornleigh Oval

(0.92km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks
350 m
7 mins
0m
-16m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[21], downhill past the ‘Lane Cove National Park’ signpost[22] and heading into the bush. The rocky track leads downhill for about 40m before bending right (ignoring a faint track on your left[23]) and heading down the side of the hill for another 150m to three-way intersection, where a ‘Thornleigh Station’ sign[24] points back up along the track.
(1.28km) Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks → Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks
230 m
7 mins
0m
-34m
Hard track
(1.5km) Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks → Conscript Pass
100 m
3 mins
0m
-19m
Moderate track
Conscript Pass

(1.61km) Conscript Pass → Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail
330 m
8 mins
8m
-24m
Moderate track
(1.94km) Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail → Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track
1.2 km
21 mins
15m
-29m
Moderate track
(3.11km) Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track → Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail
960 m
17 mins
8m
-25m
Moderate track
(4.06km) Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail → Int of GNW and the STEP track (east)
660 m
11 mins
9m
-8m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[63] along the mostly flat management trail, initially keeping the sealed ‘Canoon Rd’ trail up to your left. The trail undulates through the tall forest[64] and valley (weedy in places[65]), keeping the river to your right, for just shy of 600m to come to an intersection marked with a ‘STEP track’ sign[66][67] (on your left).
(4.72km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (east) → Browns Waterhole int
570 m
12 mins
14m
-24m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[71] south-east, gently up along the wide trail, keeping the main valley to your right. The trail leads gently up through the valley for about 400m, then under some high tension power lines[72], where there is a mostly clear view over the river[73] (to your right). Here the trail continues for another 80m to come to an intersection with a wide concrete path (just past the ‘Caution’ sign[74]), beside the Lane Cove River crossing[75] (on your right), marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[76].
(5.29km) Browns Waterhole int → Browns Waterhole
90 m
2 mins
5m
-1m
Moderate track
Browns Waterhole

(5.38km) Browns Waterhole → Int of Terry’s Creek Walking Track and Brown’s Waterhole Servicetrail
40 m
1 mins
3m
0m
Very easy
(5.42km) Int of Terry’s Creek Walking Track and Brown’s Waterhole Servicetrail → End of Vimiera Rd
630 m
14 mins
39m
-6m
Moderate track
Maps for the Thornleigh to Marsfield 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.
Hornsby | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91304S HORNSBY | NSW-91304S |
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 Thornleigh to Marsfield bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thornleigh to Marsfield

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 | 6.1 km | ||
Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
3.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.3km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 230m is very steep.
Quality of track
3.5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (860m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
Around 5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 660m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 3.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.5km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 3.5km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 2.5km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 3.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.7km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Thornleigh to Marsfield walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Thornleigh to Marsfield walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Thornleigh to Marsfield walk starts at the Thornleigh Train Station (gps: -33.731948, 151.07815)
Your transport options to Thornleigh Train Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
The Thornleigh to Marsfield ends at the End of Vimiera Rd (gps: -33.764966, 151.10605)
Your transport options to End of Vimiera Rd are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/ttm
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Epping to Gordon Station
And Walk
Epping to Gordon Station

4 hrs 15 mins


365 m

Hard track




This walk, from Epping Station to Gordon Station, passes below the homes which sit on the hills high above the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails which weave above and across the rivers and creeks which fill the valley. The walk then leaves Lane Cove River National Park and enters the Blackbutt Reserve before reaching Gordon, then Gordon Station.
(0km) Epping Station → End of Pembroke street
1 km
18 mins
1m
-46m
Very easy
(1.02km) End of Pembroke St → Int on Epping Rd east of Terrys Creek
110 m
2 mins
1m
-2m
Very easy
(1.14km) Int on Epping Rd east of Terrys Creek → Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks
40 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Easy track
(1.17km) Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks → Int of Terry’s Creek Walking Track and Brown’s Waterhole Servicetrail
2 km
36 mins
37m
-46m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection the track heads under the Epping road bridge on the right side of the creek and onto the bushtrack which winds up the gentle hill to the intersection of the Epping Road bushtrack.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow down the short hill passing a sewage access point and signpost 15, continuing along side the creek to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bush track north east along the bushtrack winding along the creek and down across a wooden bridge continuing up and along through the bush to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack.
Veer right: From the intersection the track heads north down the short hill and past a sewage access point, winding along the creek to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack north passing a sewage access point and continuing through the bush as the track winds along the right hand side of the creek, passing 2 more sewage access points along the track before coming to the signposted intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
Turn right: From the intersection the track heads east down the gentle hill and around a sewage access point, continuing up the other side for a short while to the signposted intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow through the bush, winding all the way through the bush as it winds around to a rock platform with views of the M2 motorway bridge and continues through the bush for a short while to the signposted intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading down and across the creek and up the other side coming to the signposted intersection of the Crimea road and Browns Waterhole tracks
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow north along the bushtrack crossing underneath the M2 moter way and continuing along, down some steps and through to the intersection of a bushtrack winding down across the creek.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads north east away from the M2 overpass, following the bushtrack through the valley as it winds down some wooden steps and joins onto a metal walkway which continues through dense bushland until joining back onto a dirt track and continues all the way along to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
(3.14km) Int of Terry’s Creek Walking Track and Brown’s Waterhole Servicetrail → Browns Waterhole
40 m
1 mins
0m
-3m
Very easy
Browns Waterhole

(3.18km) Browns Waterhole → Browns Waterhole int
90 m
2 mins
1m
-5m
Moderate track
(3.27km) Browns Waterhole int → Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail
1.1 km
23 mins
52m
-25m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete path uphill. The path winds up for about 100m, passing a few signs before coming to an intersection with a track[15] (on your right, that leads to an informal, unfenced lookout), just after a GNW arrow post[16], where the path mostly flattens out.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the wide concrete path as it bends left. After about 50m, the path leads under some high tension power lines[17], then about 50m later, comes to an intersection with a track[18] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post and an aluminium ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map[19].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post away from the face of the aluminium ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map sign[20] along the dirt trail. After about 30m, this walk crosses an ephemeral creek on a rock platform[21], coming to a spot behind some houses[22].
Continue straight: From the creek, this walk follows the management trail along the side of the hill, initially keeping the houses up to your left. The trail soon leads past a high tension power line tower[23] and along the side of the hill and gently up for about 200m to another metal high tension power line tower[24]. Here the trail bends left and leads up a fairly steep but short hill[25], where the trail then leads more gently uphill for another 400m before another short, steep climb[26]. From the top of this climb, the trail continues for about 70m before crossing over a rock platform[27] and coming to an intersection (about 25m below the Koombalah Ave gate[28], on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main trail gently along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right. After about 40m, this trail leads to an intersection with a track[29] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post (just as this trail bends left).
(4.41km) Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail → Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail
490 m
13 mins
12m
-46m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[37] gently downhill, keeping the valley to your right for about 30m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your right – this faint track leads down to an old weir).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main track east, keeping the valley to your right. After about 120m, this track leads down (becoming steeper as it goes) to the cross the weir and bridge[38] over Avondale Creek to find a pleasant sandy beach on the Lane Cove River[39]. This last crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. Here the track bends left and climbs up the timber steps[40] a short distance to come to a T-intersection with a wide trail marked with a GNW arrow post and a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ aluminum sign and map[41].
(4.9km) Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail → Int of the GNW and the West Pymble service trail link track
210 m
4 mins
7m
-5m
Moderate track
(5.11km) Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track → Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth)
1.3 km
29 mins
47m
-51m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post south, gently downhill for about 100m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your left) marked with a GNW arrow post[52].
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[53] south, downhill for about 30m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[54] (and a sign pointing right to ‘Marsfield’[55]).
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post east, gently down along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your right). After about 80m, this walk steps off a small rock platform[56] then crosses two flat timber bridges[57] over Congham Creek. Here the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[58]) to cross a small gully then climb up a few timber steps. About 70m further along the track, this walk passes a concrete sewerage access point[59] to come to an intersection with a faint track on your left (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[60].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[61] along the mostly flat track, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your left). After about 150m, this track leads close to a high tension power line tower[62], then comes to a locked green shed[63] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[64] (down in the valley to your right).
Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track as it winds along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right and initially keeping the high tension power line tower[65] on your left. After about 150m, this track winds up to a clear intersection with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a set of NPWS AND GNW arrow posts[66] (just under the high tension power lines[67]).
(6.42km) Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth) → Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave fire trail (east)
30 m
1 mins
1m
0m
Moderate track
(6.45km) Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave fire trail → Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
1.5 km
31 mins
44m
-57m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Lane Cove Weir’ sign[76] south and gently downhill along the management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 200m to cross a concrete bridge[77] over Rudder Creek (beside a concrete sewerage pipe[78]). Here the trail leads uphill for another 80m to come to an intersection with the GNW track (on your left), marked with ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[79].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[80] south, gently downhill past the NPWS no bikes or pets post[81] and along the track which soon bends left. The track leads gently down through a weedy section[82], then among the rocks and grass trees[83] for about 400m to come to a metal handrail[84]. The walk follows the two sections of handrail down this steeper stretch of rocky track, then the track mostly flattens out and leads under the large concrete Deburghs Bridge[85], with some graffiti[86]. Once on the other side of the bridge, this track leads along the side of the valley for another 50m to climb up a couple of steps[87] and come to three-way intersection, where a ‘Thornleigh via Great North Walk’ sign[88] points back along the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to ‘Lane Cove River Weir via Great North Walk’[89] down the hill and steps, keeping the valley to your right. The track soon leads down some stone steps[90], then a little further along, partway down some timber steps, this walk comes to a three-way intersection[91], marked with a GNW arrow post.
(7.98km) Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk → Blue Hole
30 m
0m
0m
Moderate track
Blue Hole

(7.98km) Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk → Int. Great North Walk and Blaxland Rd Service Trail
320 m
6 mins
20m
0m
Moderate track
(8.3km) Int. Great North Walk and Blaxland Rd Service Trail → Allen Park
130 m
4 mins
20m
0m
Moderate track
Allen Park

(8.43km) Allen Park → House No.1 Blaxland Rd
360 m
7 mins
14m
-2m
Easy track
(8.79km) House No.1 Blaxland Rd → House No.52 Lady Game Drive
100 m
3 mins
0m
-23m
Hard track
(8.89km) House No.52 Lady Game Drive → Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk
110 m
2 mins
0m
-15m
Moderate track
(9km) Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk → Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St
1.8 km
33 mins
54m
-7m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, tending right, while keeping the valley of the creek below on the left. The walk then comes to a section of concrete track, winding up the hill for a short time, to then contour along the hillside for approximately 1km. This walk continues, with the creek below on the right and the houses high on the right, to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill on the service trail, tending left for approximately 200m. The trail comes to an intersection, which is approximately 20m before a large, concrete drain head.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill towards the concrete sewerage inspection hole and then continues approximately 10m up to the rocky intersection on the left.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill away from the creek, to tend right. The track then continues on a slight upward gradient for approximately 300m, then follows a line of a house on the left, and passes a gate to the road, next to house No. 31.
(10.76km) Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St → Gordon Station
980 m
20 mins
54m
-6m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the Gordon Station bus depot, this walk heads up the railed stairs to the ticket office for Gordon Station.
Maps for the Epping to Gordon Station 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 Epping to Gordon Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Gordon Station

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 | 11.7 km | ||
Time | 4 hrs 15 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() 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 | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 4.8km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 100m is very steep.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.9km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.8km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 620m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.2km is clearly signposted. The remaining (100m) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.5km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 700m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Epping to Gordon Station walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Epping to Gordon Station walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Epping to Gordon Station walk starts at the Epping Station (gps: -33.772518, 151.08242)
Your transport options to Epping Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Train. (get details)
The Epping to Gordon Station ends at the Gordon Station (gps: -33.756038, 151.15425)
Your transport options to Gordon Station are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/etgs
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)

1 hr 30 mins


71 m

Moderate track
(0km) Epping Station → End of Pembroke street
1 km
18 mins
1m
-46m
Very easy
(1.02km) End of Pembroke St → Int on Epping Rd east of Terrys Creek
110 m
2 mins
1m
-2m
Very easy
(1.14km) Int on Epping Rd east of Terrys Creek → Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks
40 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Easy track
(1.17km) Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks → Int of Eastwood station and waterfall loop tracks
980 m
19 mins
24m
-14m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads south along the bushtrack climbing up a small hill and down across a thin wooden creek bridge, passing a sewage access point as the track continues along the creek for a short while until it turns up and away from the creek, winding up a rocky hill and along the side of the valley for a short while, coming back down towards the creek, passing the number 11 signpost and crossing the creek again. From the creek crossing the track continues up and along the gentle hill winding through the bush until it comes to the signposted intersection of Eastwood station and Pembroke park tracks.
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the Dence Park sign down across the creek (for safety reasons you should avoid the crossing after recent rainfall) and up the other side to the intersection of the Eastwood station and Dence Park tracks.
Turn left : From the intersection the track follows the Eastwood station arrow south through the bush winding along side the creek and through a thick patch of bamboo. Staying close to the creek, the track continues upstream until it comes to the unsignposted intersection of the Eastwood station and waterfall tracks.
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading up the hill through dense ferns and along the side of the valley for a short distance to the intersection of the waterfall loop track.
(2.15km) Int of Eastwood station and waterfall loop tracks → Terrys Creek Waterfall
30 m
1 mins
0m
-3m
Moderate track
Terrys Creek Waterfall

(2.15km) Int of Eastwood station and waterfall loop tracks → Forrester Park
690 m
13 mins
17m
-15m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the top of the falls the track follows the creek up stream along the bushtrack winding through the fairly open bush for a while until it heads up some wooden steps onto a platform and continues along all the way through thicker bush, crossing the bridged Terrys creek and continuing all the way along to the back of Forrester park.
(2.85km) Forrester Park → Eastwood Railway Station
1.3 km
23 mins
28m
-20m
Easy track
Maps for the Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek) 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 Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)

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 | 4.1 km | ||
Time | 1 hr 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Clearly signposted (1/6) | ||
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
Around 3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
2.4km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1.7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (35m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
This whole walk, 4.1km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 2.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 4.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek) walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek) walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek) walk starts at the Epping Station (gps: -33.772518, 151.08242)
Your transport options to Epping Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Train. (get details)
The Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek) ends at the Eastwood Railway Station (gps: -33.790145, 151.08226)
Your transport options to Eastwood Railway Station are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/etestc
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

2 hrs 30 mins


184 m

Hard track




This walk, to Cheltenham Station from Epping Station, visits Whale Rock and Lane Cove River. This is not the most direct route between the two stations, but it is a great way to explore Devlins Creek. With a train station at each end, this walk mostly follows well define management trails with a narrow section of track at the upper end of Devlins Creek.
(0km) Epping Station → Int of Derby street service trail
940 m
18 mins
3m
-33m
Very easy
(0.94km) Int of Derby street service trail → Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail
1.5 km
25 mins
7m
-21m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Whale Rock sign down the service trail which narrows into a bushtrack and follows Devlin creek through the gully all the way along until it widens out into a rocky service trail again and comes to the intersection of the Cheltenham service trail.
(2.43km) Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail → Big Ducky Waterhole
190 m
3 mins
3m
-1m
Easy track
Big Ducky Waterhole
(2.61km) Big Ducky Waterhole → Whale Rock
480 m
8 mins
6m
-9m
Easy track
Whale Rock

(3.09km) Whale Rock → Int of Powerline and Develin creek bushtracks
2.5 km
54 mins
110m
-95m
Hard track
Turn left : From the intersection the track follows the Pennant Hills ovals sign up the steep rocky service trail winding all the way up the side of the valley, flattening out to a gentle climb as it approaches the top and passing the intersection of a powerline service trail, continuing along the top of the ridge all the way to the intersection of the second second powerline service trail. From here the track continues along the ridge, following the service trail through the thick bushland all the way to the intersection of the third powerline service trail.
Turn left : From the intersection the track heads south along the service trail all the way to the power lines where it turns right and continues to the end of the service trail following the powerlines.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the rocky bushtrack from the end of the service trail to the base of the large power tower, continuing all the way down the side of the ridge to the intersection of the develin creek bushtrack.
(5.64km) Int of Powerline and Develin creek bushtracks → Int of North Epping service trail
310 m
7 mins
11m
-16m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection the bushtrack follows the powerlines, down the gentle hill and down the long set of steps to the bottom where it crosses the creek to the signposted intersection of the Cheltenham bushtrack.
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the Cheltenham sign up the bushtrack and up some steps to the intersection of the North Epping service trail
(5.95km) Int of North Epping service trail → End of Malton Rd
120 m
2 mins
7m
0m
Moderate track
(6.07km) End of Malton Rd → Cheltenham Train Station
770 m
15 mins
37m
-3m
Very easy
Maps for the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock 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.
Hornsby | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91304S HORNSBY | NSW-91304S |
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 Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

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 | 6.8 km | ||
Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
3.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.7km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 1.3km is very steep and the remaining 430m has short steep hills.
Quality of track
2.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.5km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.7km) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 3.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.3km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 4.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.1km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 790m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 3.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock walk starts at the Epping Station (gps: -33.772529, 151.08242)
Your transport options to Epping Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Train. (get details)
The Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock ends at the Cheltenham Train Station (gps: -33.755809, 151.07879)
Your transport options to Cheltenham Train Station are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/etcsvwr
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit
And Walk
Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

5 hrs


381 m

Hard track



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 Centre, before crossing at the weir and returning to the Tourist Park. There are plenty of grassy picnic areas along the way and the Boat Shed sells snacks.
Lane Cove River tourist park

(0km) Lane Cove Tourist Park → Riverside Dr
540 m
11 mins
6m
-43m
Moderate track
From this concreted section between sites 152 and 151, this walk follows the sign[6] down the stone steps[7] for about 60m, where the track then leads gently down to a T-intersection marked with a timber signpost[8] (beside a large scribbly gum).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows ‘Lane Cove River Weir’ sign[9] south down the hill. The track leads gently down the side of the hill for about 80m to pass a ‘Native Flora’ information sign[10][11], then about 90m later passes a ‘Bush Regeneration’ information sign[12] among the ferns. Just 30m past this sign, the track leads over a small metal bridge[13] beside the tall fern trees[14] and ‘Native Fauna’ information sign[15]. Here the track continues for a short distance to come to an intersection with Riverside Drive, where a ‘Tourist Park’ sign[16] points back up the hill.
(0.54km) Riverside Dr → 13 Cottonwood Glen
130 m
3 mins
0m
-11m
Easy track
(0.67km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → Porters Creek bridge East
2.1 km
35 mins
34m
-26m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From ’18 Korong’ picnic area, this walk heads across the clearing and up the road to the sign marked ’19 Halfway Point’. The walk passes this sign and the gate next to it, heading to the bottom of the grass clearing. The track then turns left and follows the Lane Cove River for approximately 1km, passing through some small clearings. The track then rounds to the left over a rocky section, then passes a creek fed by a drain high on the left. The track winds right, into the picnic area ’20 Fern Valley’ where there are picnic tables.
Continue straight: From Fern Valley, this walk heads north along the river. The track winds and undulates for approximately 1km, following the Lane Cove River. The track then turns left to head up Porters Creek for approximately 100m, then heads up some stairs to Porters Creek bridge, on Riverside Drive.
(2.73km) Porters Creek bridge East → Porters Creek bridge West
30 m
1 mins
0m
-1m
Very easy
(2.76km) Porters Creek bridge West → Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance
1.5 km
28 mins
53m
-23m
Hard track
(4.28km) Int. Riverside Trk and Riverside Dr at park entrance → Int. Riverside Trk and Ryde Rd Access Trk SE
280 m
6 mins
8m
-12m
Very easy
(4.55km) Int. Riverside Trk and Ryde Rd Access Trk SE → DeBurghs Bridge South
30 m
1 mins
6m
0m
Moderate track
(4.58km) DeBurghs Bridge South → DeBurghs Bridge North
270 m
8 mins
23m
-29m
Very easy
(4.85km) DeBurghs Bridge North → Sandstone caves
940 m
23 mins
44m
-59m
Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to ‘Lane Cove River Weir via Great North Walk’[30] down the hill and steps, keeping the valley to your right. The track soon leads down some stone steps[31], then a little further along, partway down some timber steps, this walk comes to a three-way intersection[32], marked with a GNW arrow post.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the flat track[33], keeping the valley to your right. The track soon bends left then follows a GNW arrow post down off a rock platform[34] to cross the rocky Blackbutt Creek[35][36]. Here, the walk heads up a series of timber steps[37], then the track flattens out and turns right at another GNW arrow post[38]. Here the track widens into a trail and leads up over a partially buried, green metal pipeline[39] (sometimes hissing[40]) then follows the power lines[41] for about 50m before turning left and coming to a signposted intersection partway up the hill[42]. There is a ‘Great North Walk – Deburghs Bridge’ sign pointing back downhill[43].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post down the steps and along the narrower track[44], directly away from the face of the ‘Great North Walk’ sign. This track soon passes under some power lines[45] then continues through the open forest[46] for about 50m to head down some rocky steps[47]. From here, the walk follows the base of the rock wall[48] to head through a long tunnel-like sandstone overhang[49][50]. Here the track leads down to cross a mossy and rocky gully[51], then heads up around the left side of a large cube boulder[52] (know as ‘The Block’). The walk then follows along the base of long sandstone wall[54] (on your left) for about 130m and then enters a sandstone overhang[55].
Sandstone caves

(5.79km) Sandstone caves → Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
1.6 km
32 mins
49m
-62m
Moderate track
The track continues for just shy of 400m, passing a few more rock walls[63][64] (on your left), to then pass along the top of an unfenced cliff[65] (to your right). The track continues through the eucalypt and grass tree forest[66] and soon starts leading down the side of the hill, then follows the track along the bank of the Lane Cove River for about 250m. The track leaves the river and climbs a small rise to a signposted intersection.
The walk continues straight, following the ‘Visitors Centre’ sign downhill, then soon goes down some steps[67] to cross the creek on a timber foot bridge[68]. The track turns right on the other side of the bridge and leads out of the lush gully to follow the bank of the Lane Cover River[69] again for about 120m, coming to rock platform and small beach on the bank of the river[70]. Here the walk heads over the rock and follows the short section of timber boardwalk[71], where the track then leads past a small sandstone overhang[72]. About 60m later, the track crosses over a flat timber boardwalk bridge[73] and comes to a signposted three-way intersection and a ‘Blue Hole’ sign[74] pointing back along the track.
(7.35km) Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk → Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk
800 m
16 mins
44m
-23m
Moderate track
(8.14km) Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk → Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk
970 m
21 mins
31m
-50m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow up along the road[97] for a short distance and comes to another signposted intersection with another track[98] (on your right), a short distance before the locked gate.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow posts[99] down a couple of timber steps then along the narrow track. The track gently meanders through the open forest[100] for a short time until heading up some timber steps and coming to a T-intersection with a wide management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[101] downhill along the wide management trail (keeping the house up to your left). The trail soon follows the power line[102] down to an intersection where a ‘Blue Hole – Fiddens Wharf’ sign[103] points back up the hill.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Park Visitors Centre’ sign[104] downhill, away from the houses. Just over 100m later, the wide trail bends left[105] and follows a cliff line to an intersection with a narrower track[106] (marked with a GNW arrow post) about 10m before a locked gate.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[107] downhill along the narrow track and soon comes to an intersection with Max Allen Dr[108], beside a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[109].
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the road up the hill. The road passes over the hill, to an intersection with a track on the left, marked by wooden posts. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .
(8.14km) Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk → Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area
350 m
7 mins
5m
-28m
Moderate track
(8.49km) Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area → Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
620 m
12 mins
13m
-13m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the road, with the water on the right. The walk tends left, continuing up the road to pass a brick building on the right, before coming to the signposted intersection, opposite Baker’s Flat.
(9.12km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Baker’s Cottage
120 m
3 mins
10m
-1m
Moderate track
Baker’s Cottage

(9.12km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Lane Cove Weir South
590 m
13 mins
15m
-19m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk 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 railed footpath.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the slight gradient, away from the toilet block to the large concreted area above the weir.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly down the hill to the weir at the water.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[110] (past a seat
on the right) to cross over the concrete ford
(top of the weir wall[111]) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[112]. After heavy or prolonged rain, this crossing may be closed. It is unsafe to cross if water is flowing over the top.
Lane Cove Weir

(9.71km) Lane Cove Weir South → Lane Cove River Lookout
50 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Very easy
(and a stepped seating area[121]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[122].
(9.76km) Lane Cove River Lookout → Illoura Picnic Area
310 m
6 mins
7m
-7m
Easy track
for about about 80m. The walk then leads past a grove of trees to the far side of the next picnic area, ‘Illoura’[125] picnic area
, to find an intersection at the ‘Riverside Walking Track’ sign (pointing back to ‘Lane Cove River weir 0.35km’[126]).
(10.07km) Illoura Picnic Area → Boat Shed
160 m
3 mins
1m
-1m
Moderate track
section then a narrow
section of track. After another 60m the track leads to a grassy clearing with a large picnic table[129]
then continues to head along the concrete path[130] on the river side of the sandstone building[131] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[132].
Lane Cove Boatshed

(10.22km) Boat Shed → 9 Carters Creek
690 m
13 mins
17m
-14m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[143] along the narrow management trail, keeping the river to your right. After about 60m, this walk heads around a locked gate[144], then heads up over the grass to find a picnic area[145]. Here the walk heads over the timber bridge[146], past the ‘9 Carters Creek’ sign[147] and into the picnic area. The walk veers left across the picnic area[148] to come back to the car park, just below the toilet block[149] on the far side of the picnic area.
9 Carters Creek

(10.91km) 9 Carters Creek → 13 Cottonwood Glen
360 m
6 mins
2m
-5m
Moderate track
13 Cottonwood Glen

(11.28km) 13 Cottonwood Glen → Riverside Dr
130 m
3 mins
11m
0m
Easy track
(11.41km) Riverside Dr → Lane Cove Tourist Park
540 m
11 mins
43m
-6m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads uphill directly away from the face of the ‘Scribbly Gums picnic area’ sign[176] and past the large scribbly gum[177]. The track leads under a banksia tree[178] and after about 40m starts to climb a series of stone steps[179]. After climbing these steps for about 60m, this walk heads through a gap in a fence[180] to come to the edge of the Lane Cove Tourist Park[181].
From here, this walk head directly away from the face of the ‘Lane Cove National Park’ sign[182] and straight up the internal road[183]. This road soon bends left then leads though the campsite for about 100m before bending right just past the laundry[184]. Here the walk heads up this road for about 50m, past the boom gates[185], to come to the front of the the ‘Lane Cove Tourist Park’ office[186].
Maps for the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit 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 Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

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 | 11.9 km | ||
Time | 5 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 | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
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
5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.8km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 2.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.5km is very steep.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.1km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 800m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
5km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 5km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.5km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.9km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 12km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 55m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 4.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.5km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit walk.
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit walk.
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit walk starts and ends at the Lane Cove Tourist Park (gps: -33.789442, 151.14332)
Your transport options to Lane Cove Tourist Park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire Danger
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather Forest
This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Comments
Short URL = http://wild.tl/lctprc
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Fiddens Wharf walking track
And Walk
Fiddens Wharf walking track

1 hr 27 mins


159 m

Moderate track



This walk explores some of the hills and river banks of the Lane Cove National Park. Leaving the weir precinct on Max Allen Drive, the walk follows the Great North Walk over the hill and down to Fiddens Wharf (just near the oval). The return journey, past Schwartz Homestead, provides a great chance to see some local heritage. The track passes several picnic areas by the river providing a great chance to rest, eat and enjoy the view.
(0km) Max Allen Drive Bridge → Int. Great North Walk near Naamaroo
220 m
5 mins
14m
0m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the road uphill, keeping the short sandstone wall and National Parks office on your left[3]. The road soon bends left and leads up past the staff parking[4], to an intersection (with a track on your right) marked with a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[5].
(0.22km) Int. Great North Walk near Naamaroo → Int. Great North Walk and Naamaroo Service Trail
20 m
1m
0m
Moderate track
(0.24km) Int. Great North Walk and Naamaroo Service Trail → Int. Great North Walk and Bradfield Rd Access Trk
300 m
8 mins
31m
-1m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follow the ‘Blue Hole – Fiddens Wharf’ sign[12] and power line[13] up along the wide management trail. Just as the trail flattens out, this walk comes to an signposted intersection with a narrower track[14] (on your left).
(0.53km) Int. Great North Walk and Bradfield Rd Access Trk → Northern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk
110 m
2 mins
4m
-1m
Moderate track
(0.64km) Northern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk → Southern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk
30 m
0m
-1m
Easy track
(0.67km) Southern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk → Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk
430 m
9 mins
8m
-28m
Moderate track
(1.1km) Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk → Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
800 m
16 mins
23m
-44m
Moderate track
(1.9km) Bottom of Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk → Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area
1.1 km
23 mins
49m
-51m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads around the hillside, with the river below on the right. The walk tends left as it contours around the hill. It then descends over speed bumps for approximately 50m to the car park of Thistlethwaytes picnic area.
(3.05km) Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area → Schwartz Homestead
260 m
5 mins
4m
-6m
Very easy
Schwartz Homestead

(3.3km) Schwartz Homestead → Int. Opposite Bakers Flat
370 m
7 mins
9m
-7m
Very easy
(3.67km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Baker’s Cottage
120 m
3 mins
10m
-1m
Moderate track
Baker’s Cottage

(3.67km) Int. Opposite Bakers Flat → Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk
330 m
7 mins
15m
-10m
Easy track
(4km) Int. Max Allen Dr and Jenkins Hill Trk → Int. National Parks Office Trk and Max Allen Dr
210 m
5 mins
1m
-7m
Very easy
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the slight gradient, away from the toilet block to the large concreted area above the weir.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath to the road.
(4.21km) Int. National Parks Office Trk and Max Allen Dr → Max Allen Drive Bridge
50 m
1 mins
0m
-2m
Very easy
Maps for the Fiddens Wharf 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 Fiddens Wharf walking track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Fiddens Wharf 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 | 4.3 km | ||
Time | 1 hr 27 mins | ||
. | |||
![]() Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
2.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.3km is flat with no steps. The remaining (840m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
2.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (250m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 3.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 420m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 4.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 2.3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Comments