Trail Fast Facts
Great North walk - Lane Cove National Park is a 20km, grade 3 hike in Lane Cove National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 7 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
This hike commences at Short Street, Thornleigh and initially follows the Lane Cove Valley Walk which forms part of the Great North Walk. The trail twists and turns as it follows Lane Cover River south through to Buffalo Creek Reserve.
The 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.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Tips
This section of the 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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 154 m
Min elevation: 5 m
Total climbing: 426 m
Total descent: -560 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
If beginning from Thornleigh:Â From Pennant Hills Road, turn into The Comenarra Parkway. Turn into Wood Street, first on the right. Turn left into Short Street and follow to the end.
From Epping Road, turn into Pittwater Road. Continue for approximately 2km. Sugarloaf carpark is located on the left shortly after the Rene Street roundabout.
Parking is available on Pittwater Road, East Ryde and Short Street, Thornleigh. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Lane Cove National Park is 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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.