The day walk from North Ryde to Thornleigh covers a section of the Great North Walk through bushland in north Sydney.
This walk follows the Lane Cove River and is conveniently located between train stations so you can get to and from the track using public transport.
As you walk through Lane Cove National park on this walk, you’ll pass highlights including what was once the site of the Fairyland Pleasure Grounds. You’ll also have an opportunity to take a break at the Lane Cove National Park Cafe.
Clocking in at around 20km, this train station to train station day walk is great way to well and truly get your steps in among Sydney’s scenic bushland.
| Distance: | ~20km |
| Start: | North Ryde |
| End: | Thornleigh |
| Public Transport: | Metro at North Ryde Train at Thornleigh |
| Water: | BYO water |
| Toilets: | North Ryde Metro Station Near Lane Cove National Park Cafe Thornleigh Train Station |
| Top Tip: | If you fancy a cuppa along the way, you pass right by the Lane Cove National Park Cafe. |
North Ryde to Thornleigh Walk Overview
The walk between North Ryde and Thornleigh picks up where the Sydney CBD to North Ryde day walk left off, and continues along the next 20km or so of the Great North Walk.
Most of this walk follows the Lane Cove River, first on its left bank before crossing the river at the weir, and following the track along the right side of the river through to Thornleigh.
While you are in bushland, you’re also still close to surrounding roads at the start of the track and so you’ll notice birds compete with traffic to provide a soundtrack to your walk.
In the section of the walk beyond De Burghs Bridge, you’ll find yourself in bushland far enough from traffic that you lose the noise. The walk ends with a climb up a series of wooden and stone steps before the bushland opens up at Thornleigh Oval. From the oval you’ll have a short walk through the residential streets and past Thornleigh shops to reach the train station.
Maps & Navigation
The walk from North Ryde to Thornleigh does have some waymarkers and signs to show the route along this section of the Great North Walk.
For a map you can walk with, add the Great North Walk Sydney to Thornleigh section to the All Trails app on your phone.
You can also consult the short walks on Great North Walk website and guidebook.
Getting to the track from North Ryde Station
When you exit North Ryde Station to make your way down to the track, you’ll first find yourself on the busy Delhi Road. You’ve got a walk of just over 10 minutes from the station down to the bushland along the river where you pick up the track.
If you put shortcut to join “Great North Walk” into Google Maps, it’ll direct you down the main road and through the technology park to a rather nondescript spot alongside the footpath near the Honeywell building where you’ll head into the bush. That track will soon join the Great North Walk alongside the Lane Cove River, through to Thornleigh.
Facilities
There are limited facilities on the walk between North Ryde and Thornleigh because the majority of the walk is through bushland.
Cafes & shops
During your walk from North Ryde to Thornleigh, you’ll pass by the Lane Cove National Park Cafe near Max Allen Road, and then shops including a Woolworths supermarket near Thornleigh Station.
Drinking Water
For drinking water on the walk between North Ryde and Thornleigh, it’s best to carry what you need. You may be able to find taps or drinking water fountains in nearby parks if detouring a little off track, or at the Lane Cove National Park Cafe.
Toilets
There are toilets at the train stations at either end of the track (North Ryde and Thornleigh), the picnic area near the Lane Cove Weir and cafe, and at Thornleigh Oval.
North Ryde to Thornleigh Walk Highlights
Highlights of the walk between North Ryde and Thornleigh include the former Fairyland Pleasure Grounds site, the Lane Cove fish ladder and weir, and of course the Lane Cove River and bushland of Lane Cove National Park.
Fairyland Pleasure Grounds
Between 1913 until the 1970s, a privately owned recreational spot known as Fairyland Pleasure Grounds operated here. You’d hardly know it now, but there was once a large clearing with a dance hall, ‘razzle dazzle’ ride, BBQ fireplaces, picnic area, and wharf.
“Fairyland is well named. Here are soft grassy banks, beautiful old trees, and a supreme quiet surrounding the whole scene.”
Mr Hunter from the mid pacific magazine, 1917
quoted on the current day information board at the site
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium
Not too far beyond the old Fairyland site, the track leaves the edge of the river to follow a section of road alongside the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. The track doesn’t enter the gardens, but if it did, you could sit quietly in remembrance of Michael Hutchence, who among others including May Gibbs and Banjo Patterson, have memorials in the gardens.
Epping to Chatswood Rail Line Tunnels
Close to Fullers Bridge, you’ll reach the spot where tunnels were built under the Lane Cove River for the Epping to Chatswood railway line.
The Fish Ladder and Lane Cove Weir
The Lane Cove Weir was constructed in 1938 to dam a section of the river for recreational use. While boating continues to be a popular activity enjoyed on this part of the river, people no longer swim here due to water pollution.
The Lane Cove Fish Ladder sits alongside the weir that necessitates its existence. The presence of the weir unfortunately blocks the path of fish from upstream, contributing to population decline. The fish ladder is designed as a passage way for the fish to pass from one side of the weir to the other as they journey along the Lane Cove River.
Lane Cove River and National Park
The star attractions of the walk between North Ryde and Thornleigh are the Lane Cove River and Lane Cove National Park.
The Lane Cove River is a tributary of the Parramatta River which flows into Sydney Harbour. When you’re on this walk between North Ryde and Thornleigh you’ll spend the majority of your walk alongside the tidal river. You’ll start with the river on your right, cross the river at the weir, and spend the remainder of the walk keeping the river to your left.
At some points in your walk you’ll skirt so close to it you could step into the water, should you wish, while in other sections you’ll have climbed high into bushland looking down into the river valley below. This section of the Great North Walk is not the only walk alongside the Lane Cove River. On the opposite site of the river, starting at the weir, is the popular Riverside Walking Track.
The Riverside Walking Track passes the Lane Cove Boatshed where you can hire kayaks, row boats, and pedal boats.
Lane Cove River runs through the bushland of Lane Cove National Park. Established in 1938, Lane Cove National Park is a popular recreational area thanks to its proximity to many surrounding suburbs and is easily accessible from central Sydney too. You can stay overnight in Lane Cove National Park by booking a camp site or cabin.
