School Holiday Ideas: Australia’s Best Nature Walks for Kids

🐨 20 Fun Family-Friendly Hikes in Australia – Perfect for School Holidays! ✨

Hi parents! Looking for a fun way to get the kids off screens and out into nature these school holidays? We've rounded up 20 of the best family-friendly hikes around Australia, from gentle bushwalks to beachside adventures, these trails are perfect for little legs and curious minds. 🌿👟

So pack some snacks, fill up the water bottles, and let the kids burn off some energy while exploring the beautiful Aussie outdoors! 🌞⛺

1. Treetop Walk – Valley of the Giants (WA)

🌳 600m loop | Easy

Stroll through the treetops of ancient tingle forests. Super safe and fun for all ages!
💡 Tip: There’s a great picnic area nearby,  bring lunch!

2. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Walks (NSW)

🌺 Various tracks | Easy–Moderate

Short trails filled with flowers, waterfalls, and lookouts. A gentle intro to hiking for kids.
💡 Don’t miss the Wollemi Pine — it’s like a real-life dinosaur tree!

3. Rainforest Circuit – Tamborine National Park (QLD)

🌿 1.5km loop | Easy

A magical rainforest trail with bridges, birds, tree roots to climb over — and some lovely little waterfalls too.
💡 Keep an eye out for pademelons, and don’t forget the kids’ water shoes — they’ll love splashing about!

4. MacKenzie Falls Walk – Grampians (VIC)

💦 2km return | Moderate (steps)

One of the most stunning waterfalls in Victoria — and absolutely worth the effort! This trail is a great little challenge for adventurous kids, with a magical rainforest setting and a big waterfall reward at the end.

💡 Hold hands on the way down — the steps can be steep but safe. And make sure you’ve got a comfy backpack for snacks, water and spare socks! 🎒

5. Warrie Circuit (Springbrook National Park, QLD)

🌧️ 3.5km short section | Moderate

Waterfalls, misty paths and fairytale rainforest vibes — it’s like stepping into another world. A great short hike to do with older kids who love an adventure!

💡 Pack a raincoat, comfy water shoes and trekking poles — the track is often damp and dreamy (in the best way!)

6. Booroomba Rocks (ACT)

🪨 2.5km return | Moderate

Kids will love the big rock slabs and the sweeping views over Namadgi.
💡 Great for spotting wedge-tailed eagles on a clear day!

7. Lerderderg Gorge Walk – Bacchus Marsh (VIC)

🌄 1.8km | Easy

Scenic bushwalk with a shallow creek (perfect for splashing on warm days!).
💡 Wear water shoes or sandals for creek crossings.

8. Platypus Track – Warburton (VIC)

🦦 3km return | Easy

A peaceful river trail with great chances of spotting platypus at dusk or dawn.
💡 Bring binoculars and keep quiet — it’s worth it! 🙊

9. Lake St Clair Waterside Walk (TAS)

🌊 2km | Easy

Flat, relaxing walk with lake views and friendly wallabies.
💡 Watch out for echidnas rustling in the undergrowth! 👀

10. Noosa National Park Coastal Walk (QLD)

🐬 1–5km (choose your section) | Easy–Mod

Where the beach meets the bush — this scenic walk winds along clifftops with stunning ocean views, shady trees and the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and even koalas up in the treetops!

💡 Stop at Tea Tree Bay for a snack break and a splash — everything fits nicely in your bum bag, so no need to lug a big pack!

11. Morialta Conservation Park – Adelaide (SA)

🌈 1.6km loop | Easy

Great waterfalls, a nature playground and walking trails perfect for young families.
💡 There’s a little cave and heaps of fun spots to explore — don’t forget to stay hydrated, and if your water stays cool, even better!

12. Kings Park Bushland Walk – Perth (WA)

🌿 Varied lengths | Easy

A brilliant spot for urban explorers. Educational signs and loads of shade.
💡 Combine it with a visit to the dinosaur-themed playground! 🦖

13. Cascades Walk – Lamington National Park (QLD)

🌊 1.6km return | Easy

Gentle rainforest trail with a creek and lots of glow worm-friendly spots.
💡 Best done in the early evening — magical!

14. Cape Byron Walking Track (NSW)

🌞 3.7km loop | Easy–Moderate

Walk to Australia’s most easterly point. Ocean breezes and lighthouse fun!
💡 You might spot whales between May–November! 🐳

15. Dandenong Ranges – 1000 Steps (VIC)

👣 Up to 3km | Moderate

A mini challenge for older kids — or just walk partway and enjoy the forest.
💡 Go early to beat the crowds and heat. 

16. Sculpture Walk – Wagga Wagga (NSW)

🎨 1.5km return | Easy

Fun and quirky sculptures on a family stroll. Great conversation starters for kids!
💡 Bring bikes or scooters for younger ones.

17. Mt Lofty Summit Walk – Adelaide Hills (SA)

⛰️ 3.9km return | Moderate

Rewarding views and a sense of achievement for kids who like a little challenge.
💡 There’s a café at the top — great motivation!

18. Mt Wellington Organ Pipes Track (TAS)

🪨 2.5km return | Mod

A cool hike through wild rock formations and epic views — it’s like nature’s own playground! Kids will love weaving through crevices and climbing around the rocky track.

💡 Layer up — the weather can change quickly up there, so be sure to pack everything into a comfy daypack!

19. Yanchep National Park – Perth (WA)

🦘 1–3km trails | Easy

Koalas, kangaroos, and limestone caves — a great intro to bushwalking.
💡 Picnic spots galore — perfect family day out.

20. Centennial Parklands – Sydney (NSW)

🦋 1–4km loops | Easy

Wide open spaces, nature trails, birdlife and even horse riding nearby.
💡 Great for prams, scooters and first-time walkers.

💚 Final Tips for Hiking with Kids

• Bring lots of snacks, water, and a few nature scavenger games to keep things fun

• Choose hikes with toilets, shade, and nearby parking when possible

• Don’t rush — let them explore, climb, ask questions

• Check the weather and pack layers, hats and sunscreen

• And most of all… have fun making memories!

🎒 Need family-friendly hiking gear?
We’ve got lightweight backpacks and Everything You Need For Hike/Camping Gear at aboutcamping.com.au — all Aussie-tested and parent-approved!

Discover hidden gems waiting to be explored across Oz! Give us a follow 👉 @AboutCampingAU 

🌿 Happy hiking, families! See you out on the trail! 😁

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