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Jenkins Kitchen

Lane Cove National Park

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Overview

Jenkins Kitchen is a great way to discover local history in peaceful parkland, near Chatswood. Combine your visit to this heritage stone building with a walk, boat ride, or simply linger near the river and enjoy a tasty café snack.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Accessibility
Medium
Grade
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Monday.
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen
Please note
Visit the Lane Cove National Park office for more information and maps of the area.

Jenkins Kitchen offers a fascinating glimpse into colonial history. It was built in 1856 by Thomas and Maria Jenkins, who owned a great deal of property along Lane Cove River. Today the kitchen is all that remains after a 1942 fire burned Jenkins farmhouse.

Step inside to discover what a mid-19th century kitchen looks like. A fine example of sandstone architecture, the kitchen has a stone fireplace and antique lamps and furniture. Check out the video displays and learn about the plants and animals that call Lane Cove National Park home.

There are plenty of activities nearby to keep the family busy, happy and fed. Enjoy a tasty meal at Lane Cove National Park Café while the kids play in the covered playground. Or bring snacks for a riverside picnic at Jenkins Hill picnic area and watch kookaburras, lorikeets and butcher birds go about their business. 

You can hire a boat to explore Lane Cove River or discover other homesteads and cottages along the Heritage walk. Ambitious bushwalkers can explore a section of the multi-day Great North walk.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Playground near Jenkins Hill picnic area. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

    Jenkins Hill picnic area

    Jenkins Hill picnic area in a popular picnic spot in Lane Cove National Park. Children can play at the playground while you relax on the grass in the shade.

  • Alfresco dining area at Lane Cove National Park Cafe. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

    Lane Cove National Park Cafe

    At Lane Cove National Park Cafe you can grab a coffee, tasty breakfast or leisurely lunch while exploring Lane Cove National Park, near Chatswood. There's also a playground for the kids.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

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General enquiries

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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.

  • 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
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