Lane Cove National Park, not far from Sydney's city centre, is the perfect place for a family day out or school excursion. Explore historic sites along the Heritage walk or enjoy a picnic, canoe or go birdwatching.

Lane Cove National Park is a beautiful pocket of bushland that sits on either side of the peaceful Lane Cove River. It’s in easy reach for Sydneysiders, extending from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood.

It’s a great place for a day out with the family; there are lots of picnic areas to choose from, including those that offer picnic tables, barbecues, children’s play equipment, flat grassy areas and easy access to walking tracks and places to ride your bike. Whatever activities you fancy, you’re bound to find a perfect place to picnic for the day.

When you’ve polished off the picnic, you can hit the walking tracks to explore the park’s bushland, hire a boat from the Lane Cove Boatshed to row along the quiet Lane Cove River or cycle along the park’s roads. There’s also a fire trail between Pennant Hills and West Pymble, where you can ride your bike if you’re feeling more adventurous. The park’s historic sites are best explored along the self-guided Heritage walk. Pick up a brochure from the Lane Cove park office. If you’d like to stay overnight in the park, head to Lane Cove Holiday Park and book a campsite or cabin.

Wherever you choose to spend the day in Lane Cove National Park, you’ll more than likely see or hear some of the park’s residents. Listen out for the kookaburra’s laughing call and look for colourful lorikeets flitting between the trees and the eastern water dragon slinking around by the river.