The research is clear, the more hours our kids spend outside communing with nature and staying active, the less grey hairs we get. If you live in Sydney, you can rejoice because you are spoiled for choice when it comes to everyday outdoor activities. From beach hoping to exploring national parks that are within a reasonable radius, its easy to keep those youngsters active and entertained all year round, while saving on that jar of hair dye.
One such place is the beautiful and diverse Lane Cove National park. If you have not been, I suggest you put it on your list of things to do around Sydney.
Location:
Lane Cove National park is only 11kms north west of Sydney CBD. Punch it into your google maps and you will be there in no time!
Access:
There are 3 gates that allow you access. This guide speaks of the Dehli road entrance, which is the one you are mostly likely to go through If coming from the eastern suburbs. If coming from other directions, google maps has your back. There are few picnic areas that are wheelchair accessible (see map), however, the walk along the river cannot be accessed via wheelchair/pram.
Park fees:
Eight dollars per car per day. This can be paid at the entrance or at one of the machines in the car park. Don’t forget to display your ticket.
Tip: Take provided map with you, it helps you make the most of your day there.
Walks:
It’s basically up to you how long or short you want to go. The walk along the river is top on our list. Here, you will be treated to a serene bush land environment, lots of wild life and many picnic spots with barbecue areas to grill those sausages you brought with you.
What else?
Don’t feel like walking? Not to worry. You can rent a boat between the Illoura and the Angophera picnic areas (number 4 and 6 on the map) and cruise along the river for a few hours or a whole day!
What to take :
Food and water, because we all know that hungry little hikers can be quite scary. The area is nicely shaded, but for added protection, a hat and some sun glasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera. You will need to capture those rare moments when your kids are absolutely adorable.
What to wear:
Weather appropriate clothing, I suggest layers as you and your pack may experience both warm and cool temperatures. On a spring day, exposed in the sun=hot. Walking among the trees in the shade=chilly. Boating, a mixture of both. As far as foot wear, I had my strong and sturdy sandals /thongs on and was doing just fine, until we spotted a red bellied snake (yes, you read that right). My toes and exposed ankles felt very vulnerable after that and you better believe I will have covered feet on our next visit. PS: don’t let the red bellied snake sighting put you off. Stay on the path, and the snakes will just watch you from the side lines.
Safety:
Should this have been the first item? You are still reading so we are good. The walk along the river is on an exposed ledge. That is to say, one wrong step and you will find yourself swimming with the fish. In short, keep the kids close. One adult stays ahead of the pack to identify areas of possible danger. Oh, and don’t forget to stay on the foot path, reason? refer to point about red bellied friend above.
Anything else? You might want to bring a carrier, I don’t know about you, but on the walk back there is always one who protests and ends up as extra weight.
The park has way more to offer including camping, and multi day hikes, we have not explored this yet so for more information head over website provided
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/lane-cove-national-park
Happy hiking, would love to hear your thoughts below.