Joanna James
This protected national park is located in Sydney. Expanding over 920 acres, the park has long been a family attraction. Lane Cove National Park is a hidden gem found by the Lane Cove River.
The park is a 16-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, and you can get here from the hotels in Circular Quay quite easily. Although the park sits amidst city chaos, visitors can find peace and quiet here. The place offers several picnic spots, including two playgrounds for the kids. Local families with kids and veteran travellers come here to experience serenity.
Entrance is possible through Chatswood West and Macquarie Park. You can begin your circuit walk from either point. From Pacific Highway, you can get to the park via Fullers Road. You can also get here through Lady Game Drive. The western side of the park can be accessed via Lane Cove Road. You can spend a whole day at the park for just 8 AUD. Getting here is ever easier from Oaks Sydney North Ryde Suites.
The park spans from East Ride in the south to Pennant Hills in the north. Joggers, cyclists, and walkers often frequent the park hoping to spend some quiet time. Lane Cove National Park is wedged between Fullers Bridge and Macquarie Park. At the centre of the park is the Lane Cove Valley Walk and the Riverside Walking Track. Families and tourists visit the park on weekends and weekdays as well; one of the main activities is to have a picnic.
Located along the Lane Cove Riverbank, Lane Cove Valley Walk is a 250-kilometre long walking track; it also forms a part of the Great North Walk. You can get to the walking track through Max Allen Road; all you have to do is drive until you see the Great North Walk signage. Climb up the staircase found by the sign, and on the right side is the Lane Cove Valley Walk. The track is easy to follow and, on either side, you'll find several attractions like mangroves and overhangs. The De Burghs Bridge is the turning point of the walk. From here on, it's going to be a little noisy, and the traffic can be annoying after an hour in the bush. On the other side of the bridge, you will see the starting point of the Riverside Walking Track.
This is an easier walking track to follow than the Lane Cove Valley Walk. Riverside Walking Track is laid on the west bank of the river. The path cuts through gorgeous bushland, and there are several family picnic points here. The landscape is scattered with saltwater wetlands, eucalypt forests, and casuarina woodlands. This part of the park is home to a variety of animals, birds, and plants. Among the many animal encounters are cockatoos, eastern water dragons, bush monkeys, and kookaburras.
There are rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks available for hire near the Delhi Road entrance. The service is available from 12 pm to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. You are also allowed to bring your own vessel.
Wherever you are in the park, you'll definitely encounter many wildlife species. Shy brown antechinus is a common sight in the park. Bush monkeys and swamp wallabies form the majority of the animal population of Lane Cove National Park. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, so don't forget to bring your binoculars.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
