Bushwalking is excellent for the entire family – it lets you explore new destinations and is excellent exercise. The Shoalhaven coast offers up some spectacular scenery with tonnes of kid-friendly bushwalking options on offer. Wander along the sand and ocean, meander through lush rainforests or get up close and personal to flora and fauna. We’ve partnered with our close friends at South Coast Kids to bring you our list of the best bushwalks for kids. Get ready to explore the outdoors, and when you want more, check out our other walks and grab our guide.
White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gums Track
An easy, short walk that leads you to a pristine beach? Starting from the Greenfield Beach Picnic Area in Vincentia, the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gums Track is a 2.5-kilometre loop track with two interconnected paths. Along your journey, you may see a seaside dolphin show and native birdlife flying high in the sky. And oh yes, there are also stunning views! It’s a feast for the eyes as you cross Chinamans Beach and Hyams Beach, part of our White Sands Coast. On your way back to the picnic area, you’ll wander through woodland as the path diverts away from the coastline. If the kids are feeling particularly energetic, there’s an option to extend this walk by starting at Barfleur Beach/Plantation Point instead, north of Greenfield Beach Picnic Area.
Pioneer Village Museum Walk
Kangaroo Valley is an escape for city-dwellers travelling with children, and there’s a walk that’s tucked away within the town. Located behind the Pioneer Village Museum, it’s a figure-8 style walk, with two loops intersecting at a gorgeous wooden bridge. Access is by admission to the museum – well worth a visit in itself anyway! The short loop takes an hour to complete and will guide you through eucalypts, scribbly gums and across large rocks. This track is flat, with great views of the Kangaroo River along the way. Halfway through the small loop, crossing the little wooden bridge leads to a stunning section that most visitors miss! The track descends into a breathtaking gully, complete with water cascades, moss gardens and beautiful rock formations. Older kids will love to rock, hop across the stream and splash about. Little ones might need some help with the climbs and creek crossings.
Murrays Beach Walk
Murrays Beach Walk, also known as the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan Walking Trail, is 5.4 kilometres and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. This walk is better suited to families with school-aged kids. Located in Booderee National Park, this bushwalk features 14 interpretive signs along the trail providing information about the Jervis Bay area, Koori culture and the native fauna and flora. The walk is a loop, so either way, you’ll end up back at the starting point. Stroll past old scribbly gums and banksia forest, and there are even some big, burnt-out trees that are large enough for the kids to stand inside! Highlights of the bushwalk are Cape St George Lighthouse and Point Perpendicular Lighthouse (both excellent whale watching spots). There is also a small path leading to Governor Head Lookout that views Bowen Island, home of our local Little Penguin population.
Bomaderry Creek Walking Track
This walk is one of the best bushwalks for kids. Located in Nowra, Bomaderry Creek Walking Track begins conveniently at a picnic area equipped with toilets and sheltered tables. You can view the old weir, check out the lookout or walk the main track itself. The trail takes around 2.5 hours and is best for children aged four and up. The beginning of the bushwalk takes you above Bomaderry Creek and across rock platforms. A stone stairway leads down to a fork in the path where the adventure begins! The bushwalk will have you discovering caves, stunning vegetation and even a “room” of fully enclosed rocks. There are seats along the way so the family can stop for a rest and take in the surroundings. There are many caves to explore, and eventually, you’ll reach the bridge, which signals that you are nearing the end.
Whiting Beach and Blacks Waterhole
Whiting Beach is a secluded cove accessed via the Steamers Beach/Headland Loop Trail inside Booderee National Park. Note that there aren’t any toilet facilities on this trail and the nearest toilets are at Green Patch Beach! The crystal clear waters and creek running into the bay will entertain children for hours. Suited to kids with some fitness level, this track is an 8km return journey, with some moderate hills. The trail ends on the large rock platform where you’ll need to rock-hop your way down towards the sand – super fun for the kids! A secluded track means you need to take everything with you, including sun cream and sufficient water. It’s truly one of our best bushwalks for kids.
