Northern fire trails & De Burghs approaches
Guide updated · verify NSW National Parks the morning you go
Northern valley edges toward De Burghs Bridge, Pennant Hills and West Pymble fire-trail country — better for cycling, longer connectors and quieter valley sections than the weir tourist core.
- Best for: Cyclists, runners, quieter longer days
- Time: Half day–full day
- Northern residential edges and bridge approaches. Pedestrian access notes commonly cite Pennant Hills via Britannia St / Ferguson Ave — verify on official maps.
Verify conditions on NSW National Parks → · Park alerts
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Shared-use etiquette
Bikes are permitted on sealed roads and some trails / fire trails — confirm which segments allow shared use. Yield to walkers, announce passes, and expect management vehicles.
Highlights at a glance
- Shared-use fire trails
- De Burghs Bridge valley views
- Quieter than weir lawns on peak days
Practical tips
- Cooler months preferred for longer rides
- Carry repair kit
Facilities & services
- Limited — plan self-sufficient
Confirm toilets, parking and open facilities on the day via official sources and on-site signage.
Walks & lookouts nearby
Grades, times and open/closed status change — open each guide and verify on NSW National Parks before you go.
Pennant Hills fire trail
moderateShared-use fire-trail country on the northern side of the park — useful for cycling and longer connectors toward Pennant Hills / West Pymble. Expect management-trail surfaces, multi-user traffic and weather-dependent conditions.
- Grade
- Shared-use management trail [VERIFY]
- Time
- 1–3+ hours depending on segment
- Distance
- Segment-dependent
View guide →
Great North Walk (Lane Cove)
hardThe serious long walk through the Lane Cove River valley: sandstone, valley forest, mangroves, lookouts and well-signposted Great North Walk (GNW) arrows. Break into day sections; overnight at Discovery Parks – Lane Cove is the practical base. Not a casual picnic add-on.
- Grade
- Grade 3 [VERIFY official notes]
- Time
- 6–8 hours one-way full section; break into day sections
- Distance
- ~20 km one-way East Ryde / Buffalo Creek to Thornleigh [VERIFY]
View guide →
Itineraries that use this area
Map
Orientation only — confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.
Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.
FAQ — Northern trails
Stays, tours & gear near Northern trails
Optional next steps after official resources — Park’nPay entry fees and Discovery Parks – Lane Cove bookings are never affiliated.
Nearby stays
Chatswood (primary) · Macquarie Park · Lane Cove
- Hotels & apartments in Chatswood— strong North Shore base · easy Lady Game Drive approach
- Macquarie Park— closest commercial base to Discovery Parks & Riverside Drive
- Lane Cove— suburb base south of the river valley
All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park’nPay entry fees and Discovery Parks bookings are never affiliated.
Discovery Parks – Lane Cove is booked via Discovery Parks only (never affiliated). No bush camping in the national park.
Guided tours
Sydney / North Shore pairings — prioritise operators who respect Traditional Custodians and park rules
A tour does not replace checking NSW National Parks advice, Park’nPay entry, gate hours or fire danger.
What to bring
Grip shoes, hydration, sun defence, tick awareness and picnic kit for urban-edge bush days
- Grip walking shoes / trail shoesRiverside paths get muddy after rain; sandstone can be slick
- Day pack 15–25 LWater, layers, picnic kit for riverside tables
- Hydration bottles 1–2 L+Especially summer + longer Great North Walk sections
- UPF sun shirt / long sleeveOpen picnic lawns and riverside UV
- Wide-brim or legionnaire hatPicnic areas and fire-trail sections
- SPF 50+ sunscreenReapply; urban-edge UV still burns
- Insect repellentMangroves, dusk picnics, tick-aware bush
- Lightweight rain shellSydney squalls; packable for day walks
- Binoculars compactWater dragons, waterbirds, lorikeets
- Picnic mat / lightweight blanketCommandment Rock, Cottonwood Glen, Jenkins Hill
- Basic first-aid kitBlisters, scrapes, tick awareness
- Tick removal toolUrban-edge bush still has ticks — check after walks
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. NSW National Parks entry fees, Park’nPay, Discovery Parks – Lane Cove bookings and official NPWS bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy