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    18 of the Best, Family Friendly Bushwalks in the Illawarra

    18 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 18 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.

    Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Need a reset and to reconnect with nature? The Wollongong Botanic Garden is a perfect spot for families looking for an easy and engaging walk. With seven entry points and well-marked self-guided trails, it is easy to explore at your own pace. Kids will love the Nature Wellness Self-Guided Trail, featuring seven sensory activities designed to connect you with nature and promote wellbeing. The gardens offer plenty of open space for picnics, safe paths for prams, and shaded spots for relaxing breaks. It is an ideal place to slow down, enjoy fresh air, and discover the beauty of native plants and wildlife in a family-friendly setting.

    Cascade Walk

    Photo Credit: National Parks The track rises away from the creek, then descends again to the Cascade at the end

    An easy, 2km round trip, the Cascade 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 Blue Mile

    Blue Mile photo by Gabriel K

    The Blue Mile is one of Wollongong’s most popular and well-loved coastal paths, stretching from Stuart Park to Wollongong Golf Club. This flat, pram-friendly walk is easy for families with young children, perfect for pushing a stroller or walking the dog. Kids can ride their bikes or scooters safely along the shared pedestrian and bike pathway. Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, parks, and plenty of cafés where you can stop for a coffee or snack. It’s a great spot to take a refreshing dip at North Beach or the Continental Pools. For those wanting a longer adventure, you can continue north to explore the scenic bush tracks of Puckey’s Estate.

    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 

    Maddens Falls

    The incredible view from the lookout over Maddens Falls. Image courtesy of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

    Maddens Falls in Dharawal National Park is a short, refreshing bushwalk perfect for nature lovers and families. Located just across from Glenbernie Orchard on Darkes Forest Road, the walk begins on a slightly tricky 200m fire trail before reaching an elevated boardwalk that winds through beautiful native bushland. The trail offers scenic views year-round, especially in spring with blooming wildflowers, and leads to a lookout over the waterfall—an ideal spot for sunset. Adventurous visitors can explore beyond the trail, scrambling down to the base of the falls for a dip in its natural pools, though caution and respect for the environment are essential. Round off the day with a stop at the nearby Apple Shack for a sweet local treat.

    Warris Chair Lookout Track

    Warris Chair lookout Track, Budderoo National Park

    If you like your walks short and sweet, the Warris Chair Lookout 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 

    Minnamurra Falls Walk

    National Parks Website: View of lower Minnamurra Falls in Budderoo National Park. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPIE

    This 4.2 km return walk in Budderoo National Park leads you through lush rainforest towards the majestic Minnamurra Falls. While the trail has some steep sections, making it a Grade 4 walk, there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks and enjoy the surroundings. The effort is well worth it, as the breathtaking view at the end is a rewarding experience for the whole family.

    Sea Cliff Bridge Walk

    Sea Cliff Bridge walk is a gentle 1.3 km return stroll along Lawrence Hargrave Drive that’s ideal for families and well-behaved dogs on-leash. The path is mostly level with a gradual incline from nearby car parks or the Coalcliff train station, but involves no stairs. As you cross the 665‑metre bridge perched approximately 41 m above sea level, scenic ocean and cliff views unfold, perfect for casual photo stops. The walk is fully accessible by car, train, or bus and suits a relaxed pace of around 30 minutes. Children should be kept close along the pedestrian path, which runs beside the busy roadway. Finally, you can extend the outing by visiting nearby beaches or parks for a picnic or rock pool exploration.

    Blackbutt Forest Reserve

    Image c/o NSW Govt

    Blackbutt Forest Reserve in Shellharbour is a family-friendly bushland haven, offering peaceful walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to spot native wildlife. The reserve features a 2 km loop trail suitable for all ages, with shaded paths and scenic views, making it ideal for a leisurely family outing.

    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

    Sublime Point walking track, Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

    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 

    Lyrebird Loop Walk

    Lyrebird Loop Walk photo by Zoë Wood

    Consider a slower-paced walk through the Lyrebird Loop Walk if you have younger children in tow. Also starting at the Minnimurra Rainforest Centre, this 1.9km loop is a much easier route compared to the Minnimurra Falls Walk. The gentle incline leads walkers back and forth across a beautiful stream using multiple bridges to span the bubbling stream below. This track is perfect for families and little ones that like to explore. Walking with older kids or adults? Try using the self-guided audio track with three different audio tours.

    Illawarra Lookout Walking Track

    Photo Credit: National Parks Illawarra Lookout Walk, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

    Heading back down south through the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, you can find the Illawarra Lookout Walking Track. This one is a 2km return walk, with the main event being the view that lies ahead. Take a deep breath and look out at the rolling landscape of the Illawarra. This is a shorter track but well worth the stop if you explore the surrounding areas.

    Longer Illawarra Walks/More Challenging Tracks (for Big Kids or with Backpacks):

    The Kiama Coastal Walk

    The Kiama Coastal Walk photo by Destination Kiama

    It’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 

    Brokers Nose

    Brokers Nose track starts just across from the truck stop on Mount Ousley Road. While it’s a little hidden, it’s well worth finding for the beautiful 4.6 km return walk. The trail has some uneven spots, so it’s best for kids over five. Families love the rewarding panoramic views from the lookout, making it a memorable outdoor adventure. Be sure to check trail conditions before you go. Check here for our article on Brokers Nose.

    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

    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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