Lane Cove National Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lane Cove National Park New South Wales
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
Upper Lane Cove River
Nearest town or city	Lane Cove
Established	1938 (1938)
Area	3.72 km2 (1.4 sq mi)
Managing authorities	NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Website	Lane Cove National Park
See also	Protected areas of New South Wales

The Lane Cove National Park is a special protected area located right in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's like a big natural playground, covering about 372 hectares (that's about 920 acres!).

This national park is only about 10 kilometers north-west of the center of Sydney. It has many different types of plants and trees. You can find wet and dry forests, open heathland, and even mangroves and tidal flats near the water. The park follows the Lane Cove River, which flows into Sydney Harbour. It also stretches out to the edges of Pennant Hills and Wahroonga in the north.

Exploring Lane Cove National Park

This park is a long, narrow strip of land. It runs through different local areas like Ku-ring-gai, Ryde, and Hornsby. Some smaller parts are in Willoughby, Lane Cove, and Hunter's Hill. Even though it's surrounded by suburbs, much of the park has rugged hills and thick bushland.

Picnic Spots and River Fun

The middle part of the park, between De Burghs Bridge and Fullers Bridge, was made a park in the 1920s. It has many picnic areas hidden among the trees along the riverbanks. Most of these picnic spots are between Fuller's Road bridge and the road to the Tourist Park. Further north, the park gets wilder with fewer picnic areas.

In the 1930s, a special wall called a weir was built near Fullers Bridge. This weir changed the middle part of the river. Before, it had salty tidal water. After the weir, it became a freshwater area with a steady water level. This made it perfect for fun activities like rowing and canoeing!

Park History and Changes

This area was first managed by a group called a trust and was known as Lane Cove River Park. In 1982, the Government of New South Wales took over. They renamed it Lane Cove Regional Park. Later, more undeveloped government land near the river was added. In 1992, it became the Lane Cove National Park we know today.

A special "fish ladder" was built next to the weir. This helps Australian bass fish swim upstream to lay their eggs in the freshwater. You can even go fishing in some parts of the Lane Cove River, but there are rules to follow.

Activities in the Park

Lane Cove National Park is a very popular place for people who love to walk, jog, and cycle. The Lane Cove River Tourist Park is also located inside the national park. It's managed by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.

A main walking track runs along the Lane Cove River. This track is part of the famous Great North Walk. This long trail goes all the way from Sydney's city center to Newcastle! Many parts of this track were once old logging trails.

Amazing Plants of the Park

The park is home to many cool native plants. You might see tall grass-trees and smooth-barked apples. There are also old man banksias with their unique flowers. Look out for flannel flowers, which feel soft like fabric. You can also spot scribbly gums and Wonga Wonga vines.

Wonderful Animals of the Park

Lane Cove National Park is full of amazing wildlife!

Birds

Many native birds live here, including brushturkeys and laughing kookaburras. You might also see tiny superb fairywrens, colorful crimson rosellas, and loud sulphur-crested cockatoos. Bright rainbow lorikeets and shy eastern whipbirds also call the park home.

Reptiles and Mammals

Common reptiles you might spot include the Eastern Water Dragon and large lace monitors. As for mammals, keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and the unique echidnas.

Challenges for the Park

Because the park is in the middle of a big city, it faces some challenges. It's a balance between keeping the park wild and allowing for city growth. For example, the M2 motorway crosses the park. Also, in 2014, Sydney Water had to rebuild a wastewater pipe that runs through the bushland near Terrys Creek. This meant upgrading some access tracks.

See also

In Spanish: Parque nacional Lane Cove para niños