Lane Cove National Park

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2012-11-08 by Tim Falk ⇒ follow

There aren't many major cities around the world where you'd be able to find a peaceful national park just 10km from the CBD, but you can do exactly that in Sydney. , a very short drive from the centre of town, is a pristine corridor of bushland that sits alongside the Lane Cove River.

Extending from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood, the park offers a relaxing natural escape for Sydneysiders. The best way to experience what has to offer is to enjoy a family picnic on a warm, sunny day. There are several grassy picnic areas to choose from where you can lay down a rug and maybe enjoy a game of cricket as well. Barbecues and children's play equipment are also available.

If you're feeling energetic, explore one of the park's many bushwalks. Walks include the 3.5km Fiddens Wharf track and the longer, more scenic Riverside walk. Expect to see waterbirds like ducks and egrets, along with plenty of native flora like ferns, bluegums and blackbutts. There's also a fire trail between Pennant Hills and West Pymble which is popular with mountain bikers, while the 250km Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle runs through the park as well. For history buffs, a self-guided heritage walk takes in the park's historic sites. More information about bushwalks in the park can be found in this WeekendNotes review .

And there's lots more to do in this unique national park. You can hire a boat from the Lane Cove Boatshed , a fun way to spend a couple of hours and an activity that has been profiled previously on WeekendNotes.

To give the kids the full nature experience, you can even camp in the park. The award-winning Lane Cove River Tourist Park sits among the peaceful bushland surrounds of the park. You can hire a cabin, park your caravan or even pitch a tent - all just 10 minutes from the city centre. The Tourist Park has also been reviewed previously on WeekendNotes.