In the 1870s, Lane Cove was an early source of timber, charcoal and grasses for feed. Wharves were built along the Lane Cove River, including one by an ex-convict, Joseph Fidden, in the area now known as Fiddens Wharf Reserve. By the end of the 1870s, many small vineyards were flourishing in the area. By 1910 some of the higher ridges near the Lane Cove River boasted substantial gentlemens’ villas, but subdivision did not occur until the 1920s, accelerated by the extension of the tramway in 1909 to what is now the shopping centre. The western part of Lane Cove remained less developed until after World War Two, except for some industry near the river, such as the cornflour mills established in 1894.

By the end of the late 19th Century, the remaining orchards had deteriorated and public pressure grew for the government to acquire the foreshore lands for a recreation reserve and to protect the waterways and retain the natural features of the valley. Lane Cove National Park was opened on October 29th, 1938.

Midden heaps along the Lane Cove River indicate that Aborigines occupied the area for thousands of years, with the valley providing a wide range of food. There are still sites in the Lane Cove Valley containing rock carvings of kangaroos, an echidna, animal tracks and human-like drawings.

The oldest surviving house in Lane Cove is Carisbrook, a beautifully restored sandstone home with a slate roof on land which runs down to the water. Now owned by Lane Cove Council, it is a wonderful example of the area’s architectural history.

Lane Cove boasts a vast array of property styles, ranging from stately Federation homes, renovated 1920s Californian bungalows, executive family homes, modern architectural masterpieces, older style apartments, and new luxury apartments and townhouses.

Lane Cove Village features a huge range of supermarkets, fashion stores, fruit & vegetable shops, chemists, newsagents, delicatessens, bakeries, liquor stores – to name but a few. And the suburb is just a few minutes drive from Chatswood shopping hub which has the large Chatswood Chase and Westfield shopping centres.

Lane Cove National Park is an enormously popular recreation spot – and people come from miles around to have picnics, go bushwalking, or just relax by the river. In addition, the Lane Cove Aquatic leisure Centre is well visited. Facilities include an indoor lap pool, warm water program pool, leisure pool, spa, sauna and steam room, gymnasium, aerobics room and a crèche. The area also has many ovals and parks.

Lane Cove is near the start of the Gore Hill Freeway and is around 9km from the heart of Sydney. There are regular buses which travel to Chatswood and the city, including the 251, 258, 252, 253, 254 and 261.

The Mandalay Function Centre in Burns Bay Road is a popular venue for weddings, functions and conventions. The stunning architecture and gardens are a real drawcard.

You will see many celebrities around Lane Cove, either shopping or dining in one of the many restaurants and cafes. Famous faces include cricketer Brett Lee, former newsreader Roger Climpson, and actor Scott Burgess – to name but a few.

Lane Cove boasts a vast array of restaurants and cafes with cuisine including seafood, modern Australian, Italian, Indian, French, Japanese, Thai and Chinese. Sunny Lane Cove Mall, in particular, is popular for lunches and lazy Sunday breakfasts. Popular eateries include Aristocrat, Carlo’s, Gueville, Bay Road Bistro, Café Santone, La Bella Vista and La Piazza. The Longueville Hotel is a great place for a drink or modern Australian cuisine.

In the suburb itself, schools include Currambena Primary School and Preschool, Lane Cove Public School, Lane Cove West Public School, Mowbray Public School, St Michaels. Nearby schools include St Ignatius College at Riverview, and the suburb is close to public and private schools at North Sydney.