Cottonwood Glen picnic area
Lane Cove National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Cottonwood Glen picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Cottonwood Glen picnic area is on Riverside Drive in the southern part of Lane Cove National Park. Access to Riverside Drive is via Delhi Road at West Chatswood or Lane Cove Road at Macquarie Park.
Road quality
If you approach via Riverside Drive, the road to the picnic area has a steep descent.
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in roadbase carparks at Cottonwood Glen picnic area as well as adjoining picnic areas, located a short walk from the site.
It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Lane Cove National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
The crisp sunny days of autumn are perfect for packing up a picnic or barbecue hamper and heading out for a day relaxing in the sun.
Spring
The park is alive with new life, including ducklings learning to swim and colourful wildflowers that light up the park's walking tracks.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
43.1°C
Winter temperature
Average
5°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
-3.5°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
253mm
Facilities
- Please place all rubbish in the bins provided
- Ice is available at nearby Lane Cove River Tourist Park.
- There's a canoe launch at this picnic area.
Amenities
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
Carpark
Drinking water
Step-free access
- The picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, with a bitumen pathway that leads to Commandment Rock picnic area to the north and a stone-flagging footpath that leads to the toilets.
- There's also Riverside walk, a walking track that runs through the picnic area, alongside the river.
- You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach most of the picnic tables.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Cottonwood Glen picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, with several pathways:
- A stone-flagging footpath that leads to the toilets
- A bitumen path that leads to Commandment Rock picnic area to the north
- Riverside walk, a walking track that runs alongside the river.
You'll need to cross over flat grass to reach most of the picnic tables.
The toilets at the picnic area are not accessible or ambulant.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
- Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected from the park
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Lane Cove National Park Picnic Booking Line
- 02 8448 0406
- lanecove.bookings@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Lane Cove National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Lane Cove National Park is open 9am to 7pm during daylight savings (until 6pm at other times). The park may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. Day passes are available from on-park pay machines that accept coins and credit cards, and you can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Bus: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Prior payment may be required, please phone the Lane Cove National Park Office for more information.
Group bookings:
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 30 or more people planning to visit the park. Contact the park office prior to your visit.
Buy annual pass