Lane Cove Caravan Park

Lane Cove Caravan Park sits inside Lane Cove National Park on Plassey Road, Macquarie Park — about 10km from Sydney’s CBD. That proximity is what makes it genuinely useful: this is a national park campground where you can arrive by train. North Ryde station is a 900m walk from the entrance, which is a setup you won’t find at most national park campgrounds in Australia.

The park is managed by Discovery Parks under a lease arrangement with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It offers 206 sites across powered and unpowered options on grass, concrete slabs, and gravel pads — suitable for tents, campervans, caravans, and motorhomes. Cabins and a glamping tent are also available for those who want something more solid.

Facilities are well above average for a national park setting. Two camp kitchens include instant hot water, fridges, microwaves, and toasters. Four amenities blocks cover hot showers, toilets, coin-operated laundry machines and dryers, and ironing facilities. There’s a swimming pool and paddling pool, electric BBQs, a kids’ play area, and a recreation room with TV and computers. The park has its own wireless internet network, though coverage is limited to the immediate park area — expect patchy or no reception once you head into the surrounding bushland.

The surrounding national park is worth exploring. Walking tracks follow the Lane Cove River, forming part of the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Bikes are welcome on park roads and the Pennant Hills to West Pymble fire trail. Kayaks and row boats can be hired from the Lane Cove Boatshed. A self-guided Heritage Walk covers the park’s historic sites.

Wildlife is more active than you’d expect given the suburban surrounds: eastern water dragons, echidnas, swamp wallabies, rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, and superb fairy wrens are all common sightings.

Fires and generators are not permitted. No pets. Booking required online through the NPWS system. Check in 2pm–6pm, check out 10am.