With school holidays in full swing, finding activities that get children away from screens and into the fresh air is a priority for many families. Bushwalking offers the perfect solution, combining exercise, education, and adventure. The Illawarra region, with its stunning escarpment, rainforests, and coastal views, boasts an array of tracks specifically suited to little legs and curious minds.
Top Trails for Young Explorers
From elevated walkways through ancient rainforests to short tracks leading to breathtaking waterfalls, the Illawarra has no shortage of accessible walks. These selected trails are generally short in distance, close to amenities like picnic areas and bathrooms, and packed with natural wonders to keep children engaged. It's always wise to check the National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts page for any closures due to weather or maintenance before you depart.
1. Lyrebird Loop Walk, Budderoo National Park
This enchanting 1.6-kilometre loop is an ideal introduction to rainforest exploration. Taking between 30 minutes to an hour, the walk features an elevated boardwalk that gives families a bird's-eye view of the lush canopy below. Kids will love crossing the suspension bridges and reading the interpretive signs along the way. The track winds through a fragile ecosystem showcasing subtropical, dry, and temperate rainforests. Keep an eye out for bird's nest ferns and colourful orchids. For an extended adventure, you can connect to the Minnamurra Falls Walk.
2. Carrington Falls Walking Track, Budderoo National Park
Starting at the Carrington Falls picnic area, this 600-metre loop offers spectacular and varied views of the 90-metre waterfall. The walk takes 30 to 45 minutes and passes several lookouts. A highlight for children is descending a steep metal stairway into a cool, shady rainforest gully. In spring and summer, the area blooms with wildflowers like waratahs. Visitors are advised to be snake-aware during warmer months, as species like red-bellied black snakes are common in the area.
3. Illawarra Lookout Walking Track, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
This two-kilometre return walk is an easy journey through woodland and heath, leading to the spectacular Illawarra Lookout. The track takes 30 minutes to an hour and rewards walkers with panoramic views of the hinterland and coastline. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with chances to see threatened species like ground parrots and eastern bristlebirds. You might even spot an echidna foraging near the path.
Waterfalls, Cascades & Scenic Views
For many families, the promise of a waterfall at the end of the trail is a great motivator. The following walks deliver stunning water views and are manageable for most children.
4. Belmore Falls Walking Track, Morton National Park
This 1.8-kilometre return walk begins at the Hindmarsh lookout carpark and follows the escarpment edge. It takes 30 minutes to an hour and passes several lookouts offering magnificent views over Kangaroo Valley before reaching the final vantage point for Belmore Falls. The heathland flora along the track includes banksias and wattles. Important Note: Access to the base and top of Belmore Falls is permanently closed for safety reasons. The walking track to the lookouts remains open.
5. Cascades Walk, Macquarie Pass National Park
One of the most popular family walks in the region, this two-kilometre return track is a true rainforest adventure. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, leading through eucalypt forest and along a creek to beautiful cascades. The area is a haven for wildlife, including lyrebirds and goannas. Parents can turn the walk into a game by challenging kids to count the different species of birds and plants they see, from native figs to sprawling ferns.
6. Maddens Falls Track, Dharawal National Park
This short and easy track is perfect for young children and leads to a lookout overlooking Maddens Falls. The area is excellent for spotting birdlife like honeyeaters and golden whistlers, as well as various frog species. The vegetation around the falls base is particularly colourful, featuring acacias and native river roses. Visit in April to see the falls at their peak flow, or in summer to enjoy the remaining blooms.
These six walks showcase the incredible natural diversity of the Illawarra and provide the perfect blueprint for an active, educational, and memorable family day out during the school holidays. Remember to pack water, snacks, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.
