Complete guide to Lane Cove National Park; An unmissable destination!
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The Lane Cove National Park sits on the doorstep of Australia’s largest city, offering a wealth of opportunities for Sydney siders and visitors to experience nature and spend time with family and friends. With opportunities for bushwalking and biking, kayaking and boating, picnicking and playing in over 920 acres of stunning scenery, camping and the playground you’ll never get bored.
This epic National Park in Sydney is part of the traditional land of the Guringai People who lived by the water, sourcing their livelihood from fishing and hunting. When exploring the park, visitors may notice several ancient Aboriginal sites, please use your time to learn about their interesting culture and respect these historic areas. You can visit this awesome national park whilst doing a Sydney to Cairns itinerary.
Where is Lane Cove National Park?
Conveniently located 10km North West of Sydney, there are three different park entry’s; Riverside Drive, Riverview Car Park and Sugar Loaf Car Park. The easiest way to reach the National Park is by car, however, there is a public bus that runs from North Ryde Station and Chatswood station.
Check out this for the Lane Cove Park map from Google;
The Adress is: Riverside Dr, North Ryde NSW 2113, Australia
Best time to visit Lane Cove National Park?
The National Park is open 9am to 7pm every day during daylight savings and until 6pm at other times. The park may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger, so check before you travel on the official National Park New South Wales website.
The best time to visit the Cove National Park is Spring and Autumn, where you’ll experience the least amount of rain and temperatures won’t be too high that it’s uncomfortable to tackle some hikes. Sit back, relax and bask in the warm sunshine.
What is the entry fee?
The entry fee for Lane Cove National Park: $8 AUD per vehicle per day and there are pay and display machines. Don’t worry there’s plenty of parking spaces dotted around the park, but I’d still arrive early to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before the crowds descend. If you’re travelling by public bus, the cost of the entrance to the park: $4.40 AUD per adult and $2.20 AUD per child per day.
If you’re an outdoor adventure and live in New South Wales, why not buy an annual pass for $190, which includes access to all NSW parks, including the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciusko. For a smaller $65 AUD you can gain access to all parks excluding the iconic Mount Kosciusko.
Best things to do in Lane Cove National Park
1. Have a BBQ
There are plenty of clean BBQ areas for you to enjoy and cook up a tasty meal. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion with a large group, visitors can book and reserve areas especially over the school holidays when the park becomes busier. Just remember respect the area and clear your litter!
You can also check out the picnic areas on maps here.
Some popular places to have a barbecue in Lane Cove National Park include the picnic areas near Bobbin Head and Macquarie Park, as well as the camping areas near Mount Ku-ring-gai – says Becky Moore of Global Grasshopper.
2. Take a walk and spot some wildlife
If you want to get totally lost in nature and have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, the National Park is the perfect place for you. It has untouched forests and provides a great home for wildlife such as the kookaburra, bush turkey, water dragons and the wallaby.
This is also a great way to pass a few hours whilst you’re there! The hikes in this park are great. Also, if you like hikes, you should check out the best things to do in Byron Bay, there’s plenty of great walks here.
You can also take your dogs in the park. However, dogs must be leashed in the playground an picnic area.
Always make sure to check out the best hunting advice before strolling around in woods etc!
3. Rent a boat
If you’re visiting Lane Cove National Park on a weekend, why not rent a pedal boat, rowboat or kayak and explore this stunning park on the water, whilst burning calories too!
Price list for the Boatshed;
- Four-Man Rowboat = $35 for one hour
- Kayak = $35 for one hour
- Swan Pedal Boat = $50 for one hour
- Pedal Boat = $40 for one hour
4. Go cycling around the park
This National Park has several trails suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders to enjoy. Just be careful for cars as roads can be narrow and windy.
This is an activity that all the family can get involved with!
5. Go Fishing
Fishing is allowed in Lane Cove National Park, but only in certain areas and don’t forget to bring your fishing license too. There are plenty of signs dotted around where fishing is prohibited or visit the information centre for more information.
I love fishing. Just set the rod up, open a cold one and just totally chill out. Till you get a fish on the end of the rod!
Can you swim in the National Park? No, due to the poor quality of water and snags, it’s not recommended to swim in the water. There’s plenty of other places in New South Wales to go swimming.
6. Enjoy coffee and cake at Lane Cove National Park Café
A perfect place to fuel up before heading out to explore this scenic park, Lane Cove Park Café is a relaxed place to enjoy a coffee and cake, whilst you overlook the picturesque Lane Cove Weir. There’s also a playground nearby for the kids to enjoy.
Camping at Lane Cove National Park
Lane Cove Holiday park offers Tandara, Sydney’s most luxurious camping experience. Tandara has a large flat-screen TV and DVD player, power and lighting, a small fridge, tea and coffee facilities, heating, fan and private deck overlooking the natural bushland, complete with gas barbecue and outdoor seating. There is an en suite bathroom with shower, bath and toilet. Prices start from $220 AUD per night for a twin share. This is the ultimate Lane Cove camping experience!
Lane Cove National Park also offers visitors family and studio cabins, which include an en suite bathroom with a separate toilet, a fully equipped kitchen, a TV and DVD player, ceiling fans, air-conditioning and ironing board, meaning you’re well prepared for a fabulous weekend. Prices for a studio cabin for start from $148 AUD per night.
There is also a number of caravan and camping sites offered from powered or non-powered, as well as grassy or tent pads campsites.
Powered sites:
- From $43 AUD per night for two adults per night
- From $10 AUD per additional adult per night, $6 AUD per additional child (5 – 15yrs) per night, infants (0 – 4yrs) free
Unpowered sites:
- From $41 AUD per night for two adults
- From $10 AUD per additional adult per night, from $6 AUD per additional child 5 – 15yrs) per night, infants (0 – 4yrs) free
Important tips:
- Smoking is not permitted
- Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
- There was a death at the National Park but don’t let this spook you!
Final Thoughts
Forget about the outside world and spend a few hours or even the whole weekend enjoying what this beautiful park has to offer.
Looking for more top places to visit in Australia? Check out the best things to do in Cairns in your travels!