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Length: 20km
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Duration: 7hrs
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Grade: 3
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Style: One Way
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Start: 191 Pittwater Rd, East Ryde
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End: 191 Pittwater Rd, East Ryde
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Location: Lane Cove National Park
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Closest Town:
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Distance from CBD: 15.8 km
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State: NSW
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Latitude: -33.81492917
Longitude: 151.1399632
Keep the Trail Access info current...

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...

Lane Cove National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
Hike Summary
Great North walk is a mammoth multi-day hike and at 250km, it's not for the faint-hearted. Created in 1988 to celebrate Australia's bicentenary, the walk links Sydney with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. It is a one-stop-shop for some of the best scenery New South Wales has to offer.
It takes about 16 days to walk the entire Great North walk and this section of the track passes through Lane Cove National Park from East Ryde to Thornleigh. You can extend your walk by starting from the Obelisk in Macquarie Place near Sydney Cove or continue on north by joining Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park.
There are lots of scenic spots to stop for a picnic or break along the way and you'll be blown away by the sheer beauty of the landscape. Around each corner you'll see dramatic drops into the river valley below, rugged sandstone, dense mangrove swamps and plateaus with magnificent lookouts. You'll most likely catch a glimpse or two of some of our native wildlife. Walk quietly to increase your chances.
About the region
Lane Cove National Park
Not far from Sydney's city centre, is the perfect place for a family day out or school excursion. Explore historic sites along the Heritage walk or enjoy a picnic, canoe or go birdwatching.
Lane Cove National Park is a beautiful pocket of bushland that sits on either side of the peaceful Lane Cove River. It’s in easy reach for Sydneysiders, extending from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood.
It’s a great place for a day out with the family; there are lots of picnic areas to choose from, including those that offer picnic tables, barbecues, children’s play equipment, flat grassy areas and easy access to walking tracks and places to ride your bike. Whatever activities you fancy, you’re bound to find a perfect place to picnic for the day.
Getting there
To Short Street, Thornleigh. Great North walk - Lane Cove National Park is in Lane Cove National Park. To get there:From Epping Road, turn into Pittwater RoadContinue for approximately 2kmSugarloaf carpark is located on the left shortly after the Rene Street roundaboutAlternatively, if beginning from Thornleigh:From Pennant Hills Road, turn into The Comenarra ParkwayTurn into Wood Street, first on the rightTurn left into Short Street and follow to the end. Park entry points Short Street, Thornleigh See on map Sugarloaf carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Sugarloaf carpark on Pittwater Road, East Ryde and Short Street, Thornleigh. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Tips
Great North walk is well signposted
You can camp overnight or stay in a cabin at Lane Cove River Tourist Park. Camping is also available at Crosslands Reserve.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
For more information about the walk, check out the Department of Industry, Lands and Forestry website.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.