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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: 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 tracks allow you to experience Bundanon’s iconic landscape and the lifeforms within it. Bundanon is twenty minutes from Nowra, on the Shoalhaven River, and one hour from the Southern Highlands and Wollongong.

Treelines Track by Janet Lawrence (pictured below)

  • 1hr North Loop – 1.4km
  • 1.5hr South Loop – 1.9km

Haunted Point Loop Walk

  • 3hr Full Loop – 3.5km
  • 45mins to Ampitheatre – 1.2km (return)

Bundanon Homestead is open every Sunday. Find out more and plan your trip here. Bundanon also runs monthly cultural walks with local custodians Gadhungal Marring.

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 – 
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 

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

For more What’s On inspiration – click here!

Image courtesy of NSW National Parks.

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