It was a chilly morning when 21 keen walkers set out from Roseville Station meandering through the back streets and alleyways of Roseville noticing the beautiful old homesteads and gardens, typical of the suburb. We then entered the National Park, discovering that the track was wet and muddy due to overnight rain. Carefully surging forward we came to our first creek crossing over Blue Gum Creek. Our easiest crossing of the day - we were unaware of what lay ahead following 9 mL of rain overnight! Soon we reached Fullers Bridge and made our way into Lane Cove National Park, following the southern side of Lane Cove River, aiming to walk across the weir and walk along the northern side of the river. However a Plan B needed to be put into place as the weir was underwater - as well as a lot of maintenance trucks and people around, fences erected and signs advising that “no crossing allowed today”! We quickly walked back to Fullers Bridge and re-entered the park via Lady Game Drive, finding our appointed morning tea spot: thus giving everyone time to recover and relax. We were on track again and the weather was warming up. 
Pre-Walk Briefing 
We need another way............................................................................................so let's try and find one 
Morning Tea
Setting off after morning tea we followed the “Great North Walk” signs for the remainder of the walk going through various types of bushland, scrambling up and down large boulders, passing wondrous rock formations on the right and keeping the river to our left. Along the way there were many information signs describing the local trees: Sydney Red Gums, Blackbutts and Scribbly Gums to mention a few. Some wild flowers were out. Wildlife sightings included a pair of Whip birds that treated us to some amazing song at very close quarters and a couple of brush turkeys tending their impressive mounds. Lunch was at a small clearing with a suitable number of boulders to accommodate everyone. Continuing on, we walked under several rock platforms, sandstone overhangs, a series of very tall rock walls and large sandstone caves. This section of the park has everything for the keen bushwalker.
Scenes on the Track
Going up Tricky Track Bit of a scramble
Crossing the bridge on the Rifle Way White Trunks and Green Leaves Top Bird
And a few more photos from that tricky track
By the Peaceful Lane Cove River-Walkers and Reflections
And a few more faces on the track
Tail Enders(left), Ladies in Lavender (top), Second time visitors (below)
and then there was that tricky crossing at Blackbutt Creek !
At one point we had no choice but to walk under a shower of water coming from one overhang but our greatest challenge of the day was crossing the flooded rocky Blackbutt Creek. After looking for and considering alternatives we decided to cross – we were so close to completing our walk. Stepping on large rocks and with the help of Keith and John S everyone was safely on the other side agreeing that, after all, with the extra help, it was not as difficult as it looked. I
Lending a hand at the crossing and on approach
It was then up the hill to walk across De Burgh’s Bridge and enjoy a well-earned coffee at Eden Gardens. People then chose their mode of transport and the group dispersed. So, a big shout out to Keith and John S for their kind assistance allowing us to keep to our planned route. Another walk successfully completed despite the unexpected challenges!
Walkers: Ros and Robyn Ma led Bill, Carol, Chris B, Chris McA, David S, Dawn, Don Wo, Elaine, Gabriella, Helen A, John G, John S, Judy, Keith H, Michael, Vreni, Habi, Howard and Margaret (visitors)
Tail end: John G, First Aid: Christine McA, Robyn Ma and Ros
Photos: David S (1,2,4,5,7,14,15,17,19,20), Don Wo (3,6,8,9,16), Elaine (18,21), Helen A (10), Robyn Ma (11,12,13)
Words: Robyn Ma