Holiday Hacks: family-friendly bushwalks

Forest Path, Royal National Park

National Parks - Trail Information
4.4km loop, 1-1.5 hours, Grade 3

Start from the stone gates on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and walk the beautiful Forest Path loop. This easy walk is great for kids and families, with lots of flowers to admire on the journey and it is well shaded by trees, perfect for warmer summer weather.

Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, Royal National Park

AllTrails - Trail Information
6.6km return, 1.5-2hr, Grade 3

Start at the top carpark at Wattamolla and head up the hill to begin. There are a few short steep sections, but overall the walk is suitable for ages 8-10+. Almost the entire walk is a boardwalk (great for protecting the environment!).When you return, you can even bring swimmers for a cool dip in Wattamolla Lagoon!

Take caution, a lot of this hike is on the escarpment with little-to-no tree cover, so remember to be sun safe and aim for a more moderate temperature day to try this one.

“I was pretty tired at the end of this and it is definitely the most challenging walk I have done so far, but looking at the view of Eagle Rock was cool and we got to have a rest at a nice little creek in the middle.” –    Leo, Oran Park Cub Scout

Karloo Pools, Heathcote National Park

National Parks - Trail Information
10km return, 3-5 hours, Grade 3

Emma and Ruby from 1st Wearne Bay Cub Scouts recently led their Patrol on a hike to Karloo Pools. It is one of the most popular hikes in the local area and it’s easy to see why! With the trailhead located at Heathcote Train Station, it is easily accessible by public transport, and swimming at Karloo Pools is one of the most rewarding experiences at the midway point of the hike.

“It is an ideal bushwalk for Scouts of all ages. It leads to Karloo Pools—an oasis in the bush with natural swimming holes perfect for a refreshing swim before the return hike.” – Simon, 1st Wearne Bay Scout Group Leader

Lake Parramatta Loop, Parramatta

AllTrails - Trail Information
4.2km loop, 1 hour

Lake Parramatta is a hidden gem in the heart of Sydney, with the 4.2km loop circling the lake with easily marked paths and lots of opportunities to spot native wildlife, including lizards and birds.

Joey Scouts from 1st Carlingford Scout Group recently completed the Adventurous Journey component of their peak award, with their favourite part being able to stop and explore lots of caves and rocks along the way.

Joey Scout Leader Leonie Plummer from 1st Carlingford Scout Group said, “the Joey Scouts refer to this as the cave walk, as there were so many opportunities to explore and climb during the walk.”

Glow Worm Tunnels, Wollemi National Park

AllTrails - Trail Information
6km return, 2-3 hours, Grade 3

Take a step back in time within this prehistoric forest – it feels just like you have stepped onto the set of a Jurassic Park movie!

Whilst the Glow Worm Tunnel is the absolute highlight of this walk, the journey there has plenty of interesting sights to see, including caves, bridges, rock overhangs and creek crossings. Reminder when you are inside the tunnel – keep your voices quiet and turn your lights OFF to see the maximum number of glow worms! The recently upgraded paths and handrails inside the tunnel have made the darkness much safer too.

Wetlands Trail and Red Gum Trail, Wyrrabalong National Park

AllTrails - Trail Information
5.3km loop, 1-1.5hrs

This easy walk is great for younger kids just getting started, as it is well shaded and signposted with lots of rest stops or lookouts to take a break. Free street parking is available on Evans Rd; enter via Wetlands Trail, which then joins to the Red Gum Trail in a loop.

Micah, a Cub Scout from 1st Noraville Scout Group, loves doing this walk with his family and little sister. “I first did this walk with my Cub Unit and then I went back with my family which was really fun”.

Yuelarbah Walking Track, Glenrock State Conservation Area

National Parks - Trail Information
6.8km return, 2-3 hours, Grade 3

Scout NSW Leader Luke says, “This one ticks lots of boxes – close to Newcastle city, accessible by public transport, and stops halfway at a cool lagoon. Also, bonus is it goes past the gorgeous Glenrock Scout Camp!”

With waterfalls, creeks, and sensational lookouts this one has it all. Bring your swimmers for a dip in the lagoon.

Way Way Creek to Grassy Head, Yarriabini National Park

AllTrails - Trail Information

This hike is a little more challenging, for older and more experienced hikers. It’s cool because it takes the hikers all the way from the top of 498m Mount Yarrahapinni down to the beach at Grassy Head.

Scouts from Nambucca Valley Scout Group (pictured) recently completed this hike, as preparation and training for a much longer overnight hike to come. By tackling easier routes first, Scouts learn to prepare themselves for more challenging adventures. 

Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, Kosciuszko National Park

Begin from Thredbo - National Parks - Trail Information

Begin from Charlotte Pass - National Parks - Trail Information

13-18km, 4-8 hours, Grade 3

Start at Thredbo for a 13km return, or Charlotte Pass for a longer 18.6km return. Thredbo attracts an additional fee for chairlift use to get to the trailhead but is considered more popular and more picturesque, while Charlotte Pass has more parking available but is a longer hike.

The chairlift from Thredbo village takes you to Eagles Nest, your last toilet stop before the hike begins. Throughout summer, you’ll spot incredible wildflower displays and amazing views everywhere you look. The walk is mainly a steady uphill ascent with the occasional few steepish sections. Probably the hardest section is the final ascent from Rawson Pass to the summit itself. Because of the altitude, beware of the chance of high winds and strong UV.

(image from National Parks)