Explore the Best Kid-Friendly Hiking Spots in Australia

Hiking with kids can be a great way to get them outdoors and active. But finding the right trail can be a challenge:

1. Look for trails that are short and not too strenuous.
2. Avoid trails with steep drop-offs or dangerous wildlife.
3. Choose trails with plenty of interesting things to see along the way.
4. Make sure the trail is well-maintained and has easy-to-follow signage.

These tips will help you find the perfect hiking trail for your family. In this article, we have also gathered a list of the best hikes in Australia that are perfect for kids, from bush walks to beach hikes and more. Read on!

Cougal Cascades

Cougal Cascades is a waterfall located in Springbrook National Park. The easy 1.6-kilometre return walking track is sealed the entire way, making it an excellent option for strollers, and there are plenty of interesting sights en route to keep kids awestruck, such as a disused 1940s-era sawmill.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park 

The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a world heritage site located in Tasmania. The national park is home to a number of different walking tracks, as well as stunning scenery and wildlife. 

The Enchanted Walk is a short, boardwalk-only track that is perfect for families with young children. The trail takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete and features a river, wombat burrows, and old-growth rainforest.

Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges are a set of mountains located near Melbourne, Australia. The Sherbrooke Falls Walk is a 2.4-kilometre-long trail that leads through the mountains and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. 

Along the way, you can see some of the tallest flowering hardwood trees in the world and listen to lyrebirds. Lyrebirds are a type of bird found in Australia known for their ability to mimic the sounds of other animals and even man-made noises.

Mannum Waterfalls

This is a 3.5-kilometre walk that is best done in the spring. The walk can get quite steep in some places, but the views are worth it. You are also likely to see a lot of wildlife. Kids will have fun jumping from stone to stone in the river.

Penguin Island 

Penguin Island is a small island located 45 minutes south of Perth, Western Australia. The island is home to a large population of little penguins and features a 1.5-kilometre walking track in a loop around the island. Visitors to the island may catch a glimpse of the island's namesake penguins and explore beaches, headlands and small sea caves.

The Coast Track

The Coast Track is a 26-kilometre-long track that runs along the Royal National Park's coastline. The northernmost section of the trail is easy to walk and has stunning views. The route starts in Bundeena and goes through coastal scrub for approximately one kilometre. Along the way, you will see plunging sandstone cliffs, shallow rock pools and many little overhangs. Just be careful to keep the children away from the edge, as most of the track runs along unfenced drops.

Final Thoughts

Many hiking trails for kids are perfect for a family outing. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks and to dress for the weather. With some planning, a hike can be a great way to spend quality time together as a family.

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