8 of the Best, Family Friendly Bushwalks in the Illawarra
While the beach is ALWAYS a good idea, sometimes you fancy a change. We are super, duper fortunate here in the Illawarra to be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to explore. Our local area is alive with outdoor spaces ripe for the picking.
We’ve rounded up 8 of the best, family friendly bushwalks the Illawarra has to offer to give you some ideas for your next adventure.
Please note: Always check with NSW National Parks first before visiting these bushwalks, as some of these may be affected by weather!
Best Illawarra Bushwalks for Young Kids and Toddlers:
Got a little love underfoot? No problem! These walks are pre-school friendly and could even be tackled by an adventurous older toddler. They are also ideal for baby-wearing mamas and papas.
Cascade Falls Walk
An easy, 2km round trip, the Cascade Falls walk, located in Macquarie Pass National Park is perfect for young families. Wander alongside a bubbling creek, through the rainforest all the way to the falls which offer plenty of spots for a good old fashioned splash (we’d recommend taking a change of clothes!). Wildlife abounds (think lyrebirds, lizards and the odd goanna) and the dense tree covering means things stay cool even during summer.
Check out more info HERE
The Mount Kiera Scout Camp + Chapel walk
A great one for little people, the Mount Kiera Scout Camp and Chapel walk can be found just off Mt Keira road, on the way up to the lookout. You can park at the Scout Camp carpark and let kids explore the area before taking the track that leads to the gorgeous ‘bush chapel’. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around and check out the native flora and fauna as well as room for picnics aplenty.
Check out more info HERE
Warris Chair Walking Track
If you like your walks short and sweet, the Warris Chair track has got you covered. An easy 1km return trip, the trail takes you into the Budderoo National Park for amazing views of Kangaroo Valley and Carrington Falls. You can then loop back around for a picnic at Carrington Falls picnic area or Nellies Glen picnic area.
Check out more info HERE
Best Illawarra Bushwalks for School-Aged Kids:
Missingham Lookout Track
A bit of a hidden gem, the Missingham Lookout Track is a 3.8km walk in the Budderoo National Park. Winding through the escarpment, the track leads you to Missingham Lookout which has the most amazing views over Kangaroo Valley and Carrington Falls. There’s plenty of birdlife on offer for the keen nature lover and even the choice of two picnic areas (Carrington Falls picnic area or Nellies Glen picnic area) for a bite to eat after all that exercise.
Check out more info HERE
Minerva Pool Walking Track
If you fancy a dip at the end of your walk, this trail is for you! Found within the Dharawal National Park, the Minerva Walking Track winds for 2.4km through bushland to the Minerva Pool. A perfect spot for a picnic and swim, the pristine waterhole is a sacred site for the Dharawal People. Because of this, the Local Aboriginal Land Council does request that only women and children enter the water.
Check out more info HERE
Sublime Point Walk
Local and lovely! The Sublime Point Walk is a super popular trail located in the escarpment. With entry points in both Thirroul and Austinmer, it’s easy to access and the views can’t be beaten. There is also a ladder and ropes section (very popular with younger walkers) and a café at the top for a well-deserved cuppa or ice block.
Check out more info HERE
And for something a little further out of Wollongong, try bushwalking at Bundanon:
Their walking self-guided walking tracks allow you to experience Bundanon’s iconic & historical landscape and learn all about the wild and wonderful plants and animals. Bundanon is twenty minutes from Nowra, on the Shoalhaven River, and one hour from the Southern Highlands and Wollongong. All walks are suitable for all ages & fitness levels.
Bundanon runs regular guided bushwalks that require bookings – please check their What’s On page for upcoming dates.
Their self-guided bushwalks include the following walks:
- Treelines Track by Janet Lawrence: 1hr North Loop – 1.4km and 1.5hr South Loop – 1.9km
- Haunted Point Loop Walk: 3hr Full Loop – 3.5km and 45mins to Ampitheatre – 1.2km (return)
Bundanon also runs monthly cultural walks with local custodians Gadhungal Marring. Find out more and plan your trip here.
8 of the best, family friendly bushwalks in the Illawarra – Treelines Track by Janet Lawrence at Bundanon
Longer Illawarra Walks/More Challenging Tracks (for Big Kids or with Backpacks):
The Kiama Coastal Walk
t’s a biggie (22 kms!) but well worth doing if you have older kids who are up for the challenge! Kicking off at Minnamurra, the Kiama Coastal Walk winds its way along the coast to Werri Beach. While you can tackle the entire thing, there are three ‘sections’ which make for slightly easier going. You could tackle the Minnamurra to Blowhole point section (8.4km), the Blowhole point to Loves Bay section (5km) or the Loves Bay to Gerringong section (6km). It’s best to sit down and plan your route before you tackle it as this isn’t a walk to do on a whim, but we highly recommend it!
Check out more info HERE
Jingga Walking Track
Another track with swimming benefits, the Jingga trail is a short but steep walk-through bushland to a freshwater swimming hole. It’s a 2.4km round trip but well worth the effort. Unlike the Minerva pool, everyone is welcome to swim at the water hole here and after walking uphill, you’ll definitely deserve a dip!
Find out more info HERE
Image courtesy of NSW National Parks.
If you are looking for even more kid-friendly, fun (and free) activities to do in the Illawarra, check out our Fun Places To Take Kids page on our site HERE.
Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!
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