Lane Cove National Park, Sydney: $8 a Vehicle, Opening Hours, Parking at Picnic Areas and Getting There (NSW)

Lane Cove National Park costs $8 per vehicle per day to enter, according to the NSW National Parks visitor information page, checked on Monday 9 November 2026. During daylight saving it is open from 9am to 7pm, and until 6pm at other times. You can pay at the on-park pay machines, which take coins and credit cards, or through the Park’nPay app. The park runs along the Lane Cove River, and there are separate road entrances on the northern and southern sides of the river.

How much does it cost to enter Lane Cove National Park?

The park’s visitor information page lists these fees. Prices are as of November 2026.

What	Price
Park entry, per vehicle per day	$8
Bus, per adult per day	$4.40
Bus, per child per day	$2.20
Multi Parks Pass (all NSW parks except Kosciuszko)	$65 for 1 year, $115 for 2 years
All Parks Pass (all NSW parks including Kosciuszko National Park)	$190 for 1 year, $335 for 2 years

For buses, the page says prior payment may be required and asks you to phone the Lane Cove National Park Office. Under the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2019, organised groups of 30 or more people need prior written approval before visiting, so contact the park office first. The office is at 2 Max Allen Road, Lindfield NSW 2070, on 02 8448 0400.

What time does the park open and close?

The page says Lane Cove National Park is open 9am to 7pm during daylight saving, and until 6pm at other times. The park may have to close at times because of poor weather or fire danger. In November, with daylight saving in force, the 9am to 7pm hours apply. The page does not say what happens to a vehicle left in the park after closing time, so plan to leave before the gates close.

How do I drive in from Chatswood, Ryde or Pennant Hills?

Coming from	Directions on the park page
Sydney, via the Pacific Highway	Go to Chatswood and turn left into Fullers Road. For the northern side of the river, turn right into Lady Game Drive just before crossing the bridge, then take the first left into Max Allen Drive. For the southern side, cross Fullers Bridge and turn right into Riverside Drive
Ryde	Take Lane Cove Road and turn right into Riverside Drive, just past Eden Gardens
Pennant Hills	There are several pedestrian access points, including Britannia Street and Ferguson Avenue

The park pages describe the roads as sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles. Carter Creek picnic area has a steep descent if you approach via Riverside Drive, and Haynes Flat has no access for long vehicles.

Where do I park on the northern side?

For Haynes Flat, enter from Lady Game Drive in West Chatswood and drive along Max Allen Drive, parallel to the Lane Cove River, until you see the picnic area on the left. The Haynes Flat page says parking is in gravel car parks at the picnic area and at adjoining picnic areas a short walk away. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Bakers Flat is along Max Allen Drive, entered the same way. The Bakers Flat page says parking is at the picnic area and at other picnic areas a short walk from it, and that parking might be limited on weekends.

Where do I park on the southern side?

Carter Creek picnic area is on Riverside Drive in the south-western part of the park. The Carter Creek page says access to Riverside Drive is via Delhi Road at West Chatswood or Lane Cove Road at Macquarie Park, and that parking is in asphalt and roadbase car parks.

Tunks Hill picnic area is at the northern end of Riverside Drive. Enter from Ryde Road, Macquarie Park. The Tunks Hill page says parking is next to the picnic area, and that it can be limited on weekends.

Which picnic areas have parking?

The park page lists parking at Bakers Flat, Carter Creek, Casuarina Point, Commandment Rock, Cottonwood Glen, Halfway Point, Haynes Flat, Illoura, Jenkins Hill, Koonjeree, Moola and Tunks Hill picnic areas. It lists accessible parking at Illoura and Jenkins Hill. The page lists amenities at Casuarina Point, Cottonwood Glen, and the Lane Cove cabins and caravan park, which are run by Discovery Parks – Lane Cove at 13 Plassey Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, on 02 9888 9133.

Can I get there by train or bus?

Yes. The park page says Lane Cove National Park is accessible from North Ryde station and by bus from Chatswood station, and points visitors to the Transport for NSW website for details. It does not give bus route numbers or times, so use the Transport for NSW trip planner. For cyclists, the page points to the Bicycle information for NSW website.

What is not allowed at a picnic or event?

For visitors holding a picnic or an approved event in the park, the page lists some extra prohibited items, including amplified or loud music and public address systems, and balloons, water balloons and paintball equipment. There is limited mobile phone reception in the park, and you need reception to call Triple Zero (000).

When is the best time to go?

The page highlights autumn for picnics and barbecues, and spring, when it says the park is alive with new life, including ducklings. It lists average summer temperatures of 20 to 27 degrees and average winter temperatures of 5 to 17 degrees, with March the wettest month and July the driest.

Sources

• NSW National Parks — Lane Cove National Park visitor info (checked 9 November 2026)
• NSW National Parks — Haynes Flat picnic area
• NSW National Parks — Bakers Flat picnic area
• NSW National Parks — Carter Creek picnic area
• NSW National Parks — Tunks Hill picnic area

Featured image: Lace monitor at Lane Cove National Park (photo: Dicklyon / CC BY 4.0) (text added)

OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or the NSW Government. Check the park alerts before you go, as the park can close at short notice.