Ever wondered why this waterway is called the Lane Cove River? Lieutenant William Bradley first penned the name “Lane Cove” on 2 February 1788. This was shortly after the First Fleet sailed into Port Jackson.
Welcome to the Lane Cove River. It is a significant tributary of the Parramatta River. This tide-dominated estuary offers a glimpse into Sydney’s natural and historical tapestry.
The origin of the name “Lane Cove” remains a topic of speculation. Some historians suggest it honored John Lane. He was a friend of Governor Arthur Phillip. Others believe it was named after Lieutenant Michael Lane. He was a cartographer with Captain James Cook. Still, another theory says the river’s mouth resembled a narrow laneway or cove.
For millennia, the Cameraygal people called this area home. They were part of the Gai-mariagal, who lived along Port Jackson’s northern shores. They knew the Lane Cove River as Turrumburra.
The Lane Cove River stretches approximately 15 kilometers. It begins near Thornleigh. The river flows south. It joins the Parramatta River near Greenwich and Woolwich. Together, they form an arm of Sydney Harbour.
The Lane Cove River’s surrounding landscape has changed. Early settlers faced resistance from the Aboriginal people. Judge-Advocate David Collins wrote about settlers’ troubles with the local people. In May 1797, he noted that they were exceedingly troublesome to the settlers in Lane Cove. They burned a house and killed some hogs.
Much of the Lane Cove River’s course carves through the Hawkesbury sandstone. This created a series of ridges and valleys. These are locally known as the five fingers of Lane Cove. They are Greenwich, Northwood, Longueville, Riverview and Linley Point.
Interestingly, the Lane Cove River area once hosted a popular picnic spot called Fairyland. From 1913 to the early 1970s, the Swan family ran it. It featured a footbridge, BBQ fireplaces, a dance hall and a wharf. Today, nature has reclaimed Fairyland. It is now part of the Lane Cove National Park. The Great North Walk passes through it.
The Lane Cove River is also linked to a chilling mystery. In 1963, Dr Gilbert Bogle and Margaret Chandler died here. The cause of their deaths remains unknown. However, a theory suggests hydrogen sulfide poisoning. This may have been due to gas buildup under the riverbed.
Today, four bridges span the Lane Cove River. These bridges facilitate transport and connect communities. De Burghs Bridge, Fullers Bridge, Epping Road Bridge and Fig Tree Bridge.
The Lane Cove River is more than just a waterway. It’s a place of natural beauty, historical significance and ecological importance. As you stand here, imagine the stories the Lane Cove River could tell.