Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park follows the Lane Cove River through the leafy northern suburbs of Sydney, near Chatswood and Lindfield. A large and beautiful bushland park, it's a much-loved natural escape — combining riverside bushland, walking and cycling trails, picnic and barbecue areas, a boatshed with rowboats and even camping, all surprisingly close to the city.

The appeal is that combination of accessible bushland, riverside recreation and abundant wildlife: room to walk, ride, picnic or paddle, with the calm river, native bush and birdlife creating a genuine sense of nature within easy reach of the north shore. It's a popular destination for families, walkers and anyone after a dose of the outdoors.

With a 4.5 rating from more than 4,400 reviews, it's a firm favourite. Park entry, facilities, the boatshed, camping and trail conditions vary with the season and weather, so it's worth checking current park information before you go — and taking water, sun protection and good footwear, while making the most of the river and the bush that make the park so special.