Easy hikes and walks in Lane Cove National Park

The Riverside Walking Track follows the edge of the Lane Cove River through shaded bushland, mangroves, and quiet picnic areas in the heart of the national park. The track mixes sealed paths, boardwalks, dirt sections, and short stair climbs, with regular river views and several spots to stop beside the water along the way. It’s one of the park’s most accessible walks, linking the weir, riverside cafés, picnic grounds, and bushier sections further upstream.

The Lane Cove River winds through the centre of the national park, surrounded by sandstone bushland, mangroves, and tall eucalypts that make this stretch feel far removed from suburban Sydney. Along the Riverside Walking Track, the river alternates between still sections near the weir and narrower bush-lined bends further upstream, with regular sightings of water dragons, ducks, herons, and cockatoos along the banks. The calm water also makes this one of the park’s most popular areas for kayaking and canoeing.

This riverside lookout sits beside the Lane Cove Weir, with clear views across the calm water and surrounding bushland from the edge of the track. It’s an easy place to pause along the Riverside Walk, especially early in the morning when the river is still and reflections sit across the water beneath the gums.

Devlins Creek Trail follows the creek corridor through shaded bushland, linking narrower single-track sections with rocky creek crossings and sandstone terrain. Compared to the wider fire trails higher in the park, this route feels more enclosed, with dense vegetation and a rougher surface underfoot. Tree roots, rocks, and smaller creek crossings slow the pace in sections, especially after rain when parts of the track can become muddy or slippery. The trail also forms part of the wider Great North Walk network through Lane Cove National Park.

Devlins Creek is a sandstone creek system flowing through the upper sections of Lane Cove National Park before joining Terrys Creek to form the Lane Cove River. Along the trail, the creek passes through shaded bushland with rocky banks, shallow crossings, and small waterholes tucked beneath the forest canopy. Water flow varies depending on rainfall, with calmer pools in drier periods and stronger movement after rain. The creek is named after James Devlin, a nineteenth century landowner connected to the area.

Pennant Hills Trail follows a management-style bush track through eucalypt forest on the upper edges of Lane Cove National Park. The trail is wider and more open than the narrower river tracks below, with long stretches of dirt and gravel surface underfoot. Sections connect into older fire trails and parts of the wider Great North Walk network, with steady climbs and descents through the bushland. Wildlife such as wallabies, water dragons, and birdlife are commonly seen along quieter sections of the trail.

Lane Cove River runs for about 15 kilometres from Pennant Hills to the Parramatta River, flowing through Lane Cove National Park as a calm, slow-moving waterway. The river is tidal in sections, so water levels can vary, but it’s often still and reflective, especially in sheltered areas. You’ll see kayaks and small boats near the boatshed, while quieter stretches feel more enclosed by bushland.

Lane Cove National Park is a stretch of bushland following the Lane Cove River, running through northern Sydney from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood. It’s a popular spot for a day out, with picnic areas, barbecues, open grass, and access to walking tracks and cycling routes. You can also hire a boat along the river or explore historic sites within the park. Entry is $8 per vehicle per day, with bus passengers charged $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child. Payment is via on-site machines or the Park’nPay app, and facilities including toilets are available throughout.