Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

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Time 1 Hr
Return 1.3 km Return
Climb 17 m
Grade 3 Moderate track
Bus Car
wheelchair_rough no_pets
This is a great way to explore the picnic areas and banks of the Lane Cove River. There are picnic areas and plenty of seats to enjoy along the way. On the weekend you can hire a boat and go for a paddle before heading back to the start. You could spend a whole day enjoying the river, bus and parklands. The walk is mostly flat and the alternate route leads around the only really rough section of the track.

(0km) Lane Cove Weir North → Lane Cove Weir South

distance 50 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[7] (past a seaton the right) to cross over the concrete ford(top of the weir wall[8]) to the other side of Lane Cove River to find an intersection marked with another GNW arrow post[9]. 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

Lane Cove Weir
The Lane Cove River Weir was built in 1938 during the depression. The motivation for building the lake was to make the area more appealing for visitors' picnics. The weir created environmental issues such as silting and a decline in native fish populations. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder'[11] has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up[13] and downstream[14].

(0km) Lane Cove Weir South → Lane Cove River Lookout

distance 50 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent 0m Very easy
Continue straight: From the southern side of the weir[15], this walk follows the sealed trail up (away from the weir) for about 10m to turn right and follow the 'Riverside walking track' sign[16] along the concrete footpath[17]. The path soon leads to and follows a timber boardwalk for 40m to come to a fenced lookout with a few seats(and a stepped seating area[18]) and great views over the Lane Cove River[19].

Lane Cove River Lookout

Lane Cove River Lookout
Found along the timber boardwalk on the banks of the Lane Cove River, just up stream from the weir, is this lovely viewing platform[20]. The boardwalk and platform are fenced (1.1m high), there are two main seatsand a stepped area for extra seating[21]. The views extend upstream for about 250m and is a great spot to watch water birds and the occasional paddle boat.

(0km) Lane Cove River Lookout → Illoura Picnic Area

distance 310 m time 6 mins climb 7m descent -7m Easy track
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads along the timber boardwalk for about 80m (enjoying more river views to the right) to then head down a timber ramp at the edge of a grassy clearing. The walk now follows the 'Riverside walking track' sign[22] along the wide dirt track between the river and 'Spoonbill'[23] picnic areafor about about 80m. The walk then leads past a grove of trees to the far side of the next picnic area, 'Illoura'[24] picnic area, to find an intersection at the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign (pointing back to 'Lane Cove River weir 0.35km'[25]).

Illoura Picnic Shelter

Illoura Picnic Shelter
The park brick picnic shelter is on the bank of the Lane Cove River, near the Boatshed. There are two picnic tablesin the shelter. The tables are 78cm high, 93cm deep and 2.1m wide. The second table is 4.3m wide. The seats are 44cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide. The second table has seats that are 3.7m. Outside the shelter is another picnic table[29] and wood BBQ[30]. The picnic shelter is nestled in a grove of trees between the carpark and the open grassy Illoura picnic area. There is a small toilet block across the road

(0km) Illoura Picnic area → Boatshed

distance 280 m time 5 mins climb 5m descent -5m Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill directly away from the river and face of the 'Riverside walking track'[31] sign towards the road. After 15m (about halfway across the picnic area) this walk turns right to follows the asphalt footpath[32] for about 20m (past a picnic table[33] and BBQ[34]) to the large brick picnic shelter[35].
Continue straight: From the front of the brick picnic shelter, this walk follows the asphalt footpath[36] (keeping the shelter to the right), towards the car park. The walk then heads through the car park[37] to the 5-way road intersection[38] at the far side. Here the walk keeps to the right and follows the asphalt road for about 90m downhill behind the sandstone building - boatshed[39] and through the car park to an intersection on the far side of the Boatshed. Here the walk follows the '7 moola'[40] downhill for about 40m to then turn right and to head towards the water on a gravelly trail. After another 10m this walk comes to a T-intersection and turns right to lead past the picnic tablesthen along the concrete path to the front of the boatshed and kiosk[41][42]. Now Turn sharp left to rejoin the main walk .

(0km) Illoura Picnic Area → Boat Shed

distance 160 m time 3 mins climb 1m descent -1m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Boatshed 0.15km' arrow[43] on the 'Riverside Walking Track' sign along the track keeping the river to the right. After 50m this walk leads below a large brick picnic area[44] then about 15m later leads through an acacia grove with a short rough steepsection then a narrowsection of track. After another 60m the track leads to a grassy clearing with a large picnic table[45]then continues to head along the concrete path[46] on the river side of the sandstone building[47] coming to the hire and kiosk area of the boatshed[48].

Lane Cove Boatshed

Lane Cove Boatshed
Lane Cove Boatshed, in Lane Cove National Park, is situated on the bank of the (you guessed it) Lane Cove River. You can hire rowboats, kayaks, pedal boats, bikes and canoes[49], for different ways to enjoy the river. The shop also sells ice-creams, chips and drinks. The shed is open on weekend from 10am - 5pm. During summer school holidays, the shop is also open from 12-5pm. For more info, call Greg on 0418600695.

Maps for the Lane Cove Weir 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 River1:25 000 Map Series91303N PARRAMATTA RIVERNSW-91303N
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

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

Altitude analysis for Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: This walk is mostly flat with very gentle slopes mostly less than 1:10, if using the described alternate route.
Surface: This walk follows a mix of concrete, asphalt and timber paths for the first 250m. The rest of the walk follows a dirt track that becomes boggy after rain. The main track after Illoura Picnic Area has two steep, narrow and rough sections. Wheelchair access is best via the alternate route.
Parking: There is 1 designated accessible parking area on this walk.
Toilets: There is 1 toilet on this walk.
Seats: There are 11 seats (including picnic tables) on this walk. They are on average 60m apart, with a maximum gap of 130m.
Access hazards: There are 3 access hazards on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Parking Accessible (0m)

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

2 Bbq (24m)

Two free electric BBQs hotplates in sheltered picnic area. The BBQ table is 92cm high, 2.05m wide and 75cm deep. Hot plates are 45/45cm.

Bbq
3 Picnic Table (44m)

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

Picnic Table
4 Picnic Table (44m)

A timber slat picnic table. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.7m wide (no backrest). 4x2.7m slab.

Picnic Table
5 Seat (71m)

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

Seat
6 Trip Hazard (116m)

The edges of the weir are ungraded and there is a significant drop with water hazards. Keep clear of edges.

Trip Hazard
7 Seat (179m)

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

Seat
8 Seat (303m)

A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 74cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 40cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).

Seat
9 Bbq (323m)

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

Bbq
10 Seat (353m)

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

Seat
11 Bbq (373m)

An timber fired BBQ. Plate is 90cm high, 46cm wide and 42cm deep.

Bbq
12 Picnic Table (378m)

A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 72cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 34cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).

Picnic Table
13 Potable Water (388m)

A water tap on the grass, handle is 84cm high.

Potable Water
14 Toilet (398m)

Male and female toilet block. Entrance is 80cm wide, hand basins 86cm high, cubical doors 75cm wide, toilet seat 42cm high. Male toilet has a urinal with 80cm step. No handrails. Toilet entrance is across grass and has a 7cm step.

Toilet
15 Picnic Table (482m)

A timber slat picnic table under a tree. The table is 78cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest).

Picnic Table
16 Picnic Shelter (507m)

2 picnic tables in a large shelter. tables are 78cm high, 93cm deep and 2.1m ( the second table is 4.3) wide. The seats are 44cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (second table seats are 3.7m).

Picnic Shelter
17 Wheelchair Rough (542m)

Two sections (of about 15m each) of the track have exposed tree route, making the ground uneven and creating trip hazards.

Wheelchair Rough
18 Pinch Point (561m)

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

Pinch Point
19 Picnic Table (606m)

The table is 73cm high, 74cm deep and 3m wide. The seats are 41cm high, 29cm deep and 3m wide (no backrest).

Picnic Table
20 Picnic Table (636m)

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

Picnic Table

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.

Length1.3 km
Time1 Hr
.




Grade 3/6



Moderate track
AS 2156.1GradientGentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsClearly signposted (1/6)
Experience RequiredNo experience required (1/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureGenerally 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

Around 480m of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 160m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

310m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 180m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (160m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 640m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 640m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 590m 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

This whole walk, 640m 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 Weir to Boat Shed walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed walk starts and ends at the Max Allen Drive Bridge (gps: -33.790718, 151.15604)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Lane Cove National Park

This small but picturesque city park is a haven of peaceful bushland along the winding Lane Cove River. Home to the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter and 27 km of the Great North Walk, you can also hire a boat, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic by the weir.

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