The Riverside Walk and Valley Track in Lane Cove National Park make for a pleasant circuit, keeping close to scenic Lane Cove River for much of the walk. A good option for a half day walk in suburban Sydney.
The track is pretty easygoing, with just a couple of short ascents and descents. The Riverside Walk takes in more of the river, and the Valley Track has a few sections of rocky outcrops and overhangs. Sections of the river have become overgrown with exotic plants, although some areas have been maintained in their native condition. Track notes at the end.
Riverside Walk & Valley Track: The Scenery
Track Notes
You could start this walk at a few different places. We entered the park at De Burgh’s bridge off Lane Cove Road, and parked at a small road side car park a few hundred metres inside the park entrance. From there walk back up the road and pick up the track, which drops down to the river. Continue anti-clockwise along the Riverside Walk until the weir across Lane Cove River.
From there you could keep to the river but we climbed up a little at the back of the visitor centre to cut out a section of road. We joined the Valley Track which continues to De Burgh’s Bridge. Cross over the bridge and return down Riverside Drive to your car.
About 9 km for our route, which will take roughly 2.5-3 hours. I’ve seen the full circuit described as 11km. See the NPWS website for more information on Lane Cove National Park.
