The Lane Cove National Park has lots of different walks going in different directions and many of them criss cross. The walks range from small ones right up to one that’s 44 kms and allows you to camp overnight at several spots along the way. The Park runs along the side of the Lane Cove River and right through the heart of Sydney’s north-western region.
Some walks are one way and others are circuit walks. Exotic trees have been planted along most of the land on the edges of the river. However, the rest of the park remains virtually unscathed.
The Lane Cove National Park Heritage walk was created to mark Federation’s Centenary in Australia in 2001. It runs between Fiddens Wharf Reserve and the weir on Fullers Rd. and follows existing roads and tracks. There are also plenty of signs which highlight features that have natural and historical significance.
The Baker’s Cottage Heritage Track is a short but interesting walk. The cottage is 140 years old and is the oldest original structure that remains standing within the Ku-ring-gai area. Its entrances are blocked so you can’t peek inside but it’s still worth the walk to see the outside and the surrounding area.
The Mowbray Park to Chatswood Station walk follows the river and reveals a side of Chatswood that often remains unseen. It meets the golf course before crossing along the ridges and dropping down into the valleys beneath the houses.
The lengthy 44 km Circular Quay to Hornsby walk is the longest of the walks. It actually starts with a short ferry ride from Circular Quay before walking along the river bank through the Lane Cove Park to Thornleigh. It then goes into the Berowra Valley National Park, and continues along the path of the Great North Walk until it meets with the Blue Gum Walk where it heads up and out of that valley and to the Hornsby train station. You can camp overnight at the scout camp in Thornleigh and the Lane Cove tourist park.
The Gordon to Hornsby walk is 25 kms long and you stay overnight at the scout camp. It starts at the Gordon train station and travels along and down past the golf course where it connects with the Great North Walk. Then it winds northbound onwards into the Lane Cove Valley and then you get to camp out at the scout camp for the night.
The following day you keep going through Thornleigh and then into the Berowra Valley Park where you’ll follow the creek until you arrive at the Fishponds watering hole. After that you’ll walk through part of the Blue Gum High Forest until you get to the Hornsby Quarry and then finish at the station.
There are a lot of different walks you can choose from in Lane Cove. These are just a small indication of the many you have to select from. Check out the full list on their website and plan ahead if you want to go on one of the overnight walks as you’ll need to carry whatever you require.