Lane Cove National Park is situated around 20 minutes drive from the city. It’s a great place to go for a picnic or a short walk but I’d recommend walking one of the longer trails.
The park is accessible via car (with onsite parking $8 for a day) or public transport via either North Ryde (walking distance) or Chatswood train stations (via a bus from the station).
The Riverside Circuit Walk is around 11 kms and takes about 3 hours so is doable in a morning or afternoon trip.
The walk consists of 2 different walks – the Riverside Walking Track and the Lane Cove Valley Walk which forms a circuit around the river. The Valley Walk forms part of the 250km (one way) Great Northern Walk that links Sydney and Newcastle.
You can start either side of the circuit just near the Lane Cover park entrance on Riverside Drive. The Riverside Walking Track along the western bank of the river is a relatively easy walk. The Valley Walk along the east side of the river is more challenging. Whichever is best to start with depends on if you want to ease yourself into the walk or if you’d rather start off harder and finish easy.
Even on the Valley Walk you can get away without hiking boots, but make sure you where trainers or some other sturdy shoes.
The scenery along the way is quite varied, with lots of different trees and plants. You’re also likely to be serenaded by kookaburras and cockatoos during the walk. There are some bathroom facilities along the way but it’s advisable to bring enough water for the walk or buy some at the cafe near the entrance to the Park.
Information about the walk, facilities and how to get to the park is included no the National Parks website: