Skip to main content
Best trails in Lane Cove National Park

Best trails in Lane Cove National Park

4.2(7,620 reviews)

·

Australia
#10 of 638 national parks

Lane Cove National Park, nestled within the Sydney metropolis in New South Wales, offers a captivating natural haven showcasing a diverse range of flora. The park boasts an array of ecosystems to explore, from lush wet and dry sclerophyll forests to heathlands, mangroves, and tidal flats. Whether you're planning a family day out or a school outing, Lane Cove National Park provides an ideal setting where you can delve into the region's rich history, indulge in a riverside picnic, or embark on a serene paddle downstream.

As its name suggests, the park encompasses a remarkable stretch of bushland on both sides of the picturesque Lane Cove River. Conveniently accessible for Sydneysiders, the park features tranquil riverside picnic areas complete with barbecues, picnic tables, children's play equipment, and easy access to various scenic walking tracks.

With its native bushland and abundant waterways, Lane Cove National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Remember to bring your binoculars and keep an ear out for the enchanting calls of Kookaburras and the vibrant hues of Lorikeets. You might even glimpse water dragons gracefully gliding along the water's edge.

It's important to acknowledge that the land now encompasses Lane Cove National Park was initially inhabited by the Cam-mer-ray-gal Group of the Ku-ring-gai Aboriginal mob. This group, one of the largest in the Sydney area, resided along the north shore of Port Jackson, adding deep cultural significance to the park's historical heritage.

Top trails

Showing results 1–10 of 47
Explore more trails

Visitor info

Passes & fees
Fee required

Lane Cove National Park charges a vehicle entry fee. There are pay and display machines around the park. Annual passes are available.

Get details from the park

Trail reviews for Lane Cove National Park

9,088 trailgoers Busiest in June
Jun 5, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Trials with a pub at the end are the best but tracks with a coffee shop half way around are also pretty good. The coffee shop at Lane Cove National Park entrance is just that!

Parking: Paid
Lane Cove Riverside Walk
Dec 20, 2024Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Lane Cove National Park Riverside Walk

Riverside Walk and Fairy Land Circuit
Feb 20, 2025Hiking

Great city bush walk. Easy to follow walk that meanders through bushland located between housing and through Lane Cove National Park before hitting suburbia. The track through bushland is a bit rough with tree roots and rock paths. I would recommend hiking boots as there is a bit of scampering and a few stepping stones that are a bit slippery when covered with leaf litter (as one of our ankles can confirm) We did not complete the final part of the walk to Woolich Wharf due to a turned ankle Well worth doing and hopefully we can return to finish off the walk.

Difficulty: Easy
Chatswood Station to Woolwich Wharf
Oct 11, 2024Hiking
Good conditionsGood viewsNot crowded

If I were to do again, I would most likely skip Terry’s Creek. Reeks of sewerage, and rubbish lines the creek banks. Pack more water than you think you will need. Cleared 3L first half, but refilled at Lane Cove National Park. Overall, a nice long secluded, multi-terrain hike with a few rock scrambling which is always fun. Completed in 6hr, 38k steps with 500m elevation.

Parking: Free, Small lot
Terry Creek and Gloucester Avenue Track
Jul 4, 2025Hiking

Initiallly from Roseville to Lane cove river, trail serm to very muddy and damaged from recent storms.

Difficulty: Easy
Roseville to North Ryde via Lane Cove River
Jun 7, 2025Hiking
Not crowded

Lane Cove is my go-to hiking trail, and I finally completed the full loop this time. My friend always spots so many animals, but I still saw nothing even after the whole loop trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Lane Cove Riverside Walk
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Lane Cove National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lane Cove National Park is Lane Cove Riverside Walk, which has a 4.5 star rating from 2,173 reviews. This trail is 6.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 646 ft.

What is the longest trail in Lane Cove National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lane Cove National Park is Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh. This trail is estimated to be 21.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Lane Cove National Park?

There are 47 trails in Lane Cove National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 7,620 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Lane Cove National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Lane Cove National Park has you covered. North Ryde to Hornsby via Great North Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 2,237 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh, which will get you 2,158 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Lane Cove National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Lane Cove National Park and the most popular is Great North Walk: Sydney to Thornleigh with an average 4.5 star rating from 190 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Lane Cove National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 30 running trails in Lane Cove National Park and the most popular is Lane Cove Riverside Walk with an average 4.5 star rating from 2,173 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Lane Cove National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Lane Cove National Park and the most popular is Macquarie Park to Thornleigh via Great North Walk with an average 4.1 star rating from 154 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Lane Cove National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Lane Cove National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Lane Cove National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Lane Cove National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Lane Cove National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with historical ruins in Lane Cove National Park, including Fairyland Loop Track, Lane Cove National Park Heritage Walk, Fiddens Wharf Track, and Lane Cove River loop via De Burghs Bridge and Linley point.

Are there any trails with ponds in Lane Cove National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Lane Cove National Park?