Living in the Area » Bushwalking   Walk of the Season - Autumn Lane Cove Bushland Park - Information from "Bushwalks Around Lane Cove" 7th edition Lane Cove Bushland Park is a site of ecological importance and is listed on the Register of National Estate. It contains an endangered community of fungi, significant by international standards, some species of which have still not been classified. There is a fantastic range of other fungi throughout the park, which mostly fruits in late Autumn and early winter, making this the perfect time to explore this magical reserve.   The main track starts just inside the park entrance from the footpath on River road. Avoid walking along the creek banks as this area is fragile and easily eroded.   Follow the track for about 300m through a dramatic change in vegetation from the open dry sclerophyll with scattered pink trunks of the Sydney Red Gums (Angophora costata) to the shadier wet sclerophyll forest growing on richer shale-derived soils until you reach a fork.   Take the left hand branch to the creek. This is a pleasant spot to dally, with slender trees, mostly Lillypilly (Acmena smithii) and Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia), their trunks covered with lichens and moss and giving a dense canopy with undergrowth of mainly Morinda jasminoides. There are attractive miniature cascades and placid small rock pools here.   The right hand track leads up to a branch taking you up to Innes Road and Valleyview Crescent or on to join the main track near where it branches to Ronald Avenue.   Just after crossing the creek, the Norm James Way track to Osborne Park connects on the left hand side.   Some 50m further on, an area is reached called Kelly’s Flat, once the site of a farmhouse. A signpost indicates Osborne Road (left), Ronald Avenue (straight ahead) and Gore Creek and River Road (back). The uphill track to Osborne Road, which is only about 150m, is worth a quick look as it runs up a beautiful gully with many ferns including Maidenhair and Gristle Fern.   Follow the track straight ahead to Ronald Avenue which leads out of Kelly’s Flat back into the green dense rainforest-like canopy with thick jungle vines of Water Vine. There is a flight of stone steps on the left if you wish to exit at Panorama Road.   The track descends near some houses to cross a small side creek, then branches in two, both tracks taking you the final 200m to Ronald Avenue.   Return to the starting point by the same route or turn left just beyond the place that the two Ronald Avenue tracks meet. Walk down to cross the main creek over a small stone bridge. Then follow the track above the creek back to the small rock pools close to Kelly’s flat. * For more information about this walk as well as links up to many other walks and great maps and pictures, pick up a copy of "Bushwalks Around Lane Cove" - Available from the Lane Cove Library or the Council Chambers for $9.90 * About the Bushland in Lane Cove The Lane Cove Municipality has approximately 90 hectares of bushland under the care, control and management of Council. Bushland can also be found on private land and land owned by other government organisations Bushland is a significant part of the local character and has many values which make it significant to the people of Lane Cove. Lane Cove Municipality consists of a series of ridges and gullies bounded by the Lane Cove River to the south. Its bushland lines most of the creeks along the gullies which thread through and separate its various suburbs. Almost every part of Lane Cove is within 500 metres of bushland. This proximity defines the character of the Municipality, it creates suburb identity, provides a bushland frame to many views and makes Lane Cove an attractive place to live. Lane Cove’s bushland is diverse in native flora and fauna and contains a number of bushland types – wet and dry schlerophyll forest, heathland, mangroves and tidal flats. Many bird and animal species co-exist with suburban development, bringing native animals close to many people. A walk through some areas will display the fascinating progression of vegetation zones from tall blue gums and turpentines to the succulent groundcovers growing in the saltmarsh at the river estuary. A range of local Aboriginal sites provide tangible evidence of Aboriginal occupation, their use of the natural resources and their cultural life. European history is evident in old paths, tracks and steps, wells and other structures, including industrial remnants. The bushland reserves are easily accessible to most residents with many of the walking tracks running from suburban areas past parks, creeks and the Lane Cove River, often with stunning views. Bushland reserves can provide space for adventure, exercise or quiet contemplation. Close to the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, peace and solitude can be found when bushwalking in Lane Cove. A walk in some reserves provides a near natural experience for bushwalkers, where houses, roads and other urban signs disappear. The bush provides an opportunity for adults and children to experience nature and develop awareness and interest in the environment. "Bushwalking in Lane Cove" 7th edition - Books now on sale for $9.90! A basic free map of local walks are also available from the Lane Cove Civic Centre.   Bushwalking in Lane Cove "Bushwalks Around Lane Cove" 7th edition - Books now on sale for $9.90! Available from Lane Cove Library. Guided walks and more: find out what local activities are coming up! Walking Sydney Harbour Network Series Maps of Harbour walks are downloadable from Department of Planning website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/harbour Brochures Walking – Harbour Bridge to the Great North Walk A Harbour Circle Walk Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge Walks