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    5 Best Walks in Wollongong and the Illawarra your Family will Love

    Check out these 5 best bush walks in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Great local walks for family’s and all ages. Get some bracing fresh air clearing out the lungs, it’s excellent for your immune system and well being. Plan your weekend walk from any one of these faves….(please note – always check first with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before planning your visit in case of works, closures or maintenance being carried out).

    Minnamurra Falls Walk

    This 4.2km return walk in the Budderoo National Park will lead you through the lush rainforest towards the majestic Minnamurra Falls. At times, this picturesque walk can be steep with a Level 4 grading from the National Parks Service, though, with ample opportunities to take breaks, the view at the end is worth the effort.

    National Parks Website: View of lower Minnamurra Falls in Budderoo National Park. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPIE

    Lyrebird Loop Walk

    Consider a slower-paced meander through the Lyrebird Loop Walk if you have younger children in tow. Also starting at the Minnimurra Rainforest Centre, this 1.9km loop is a much easier route compared to the Minnimurra Falls Walk. The gentle incline leads walkers back and forth across a beautiful stream using multiple bridges to span the bubbling stream below. This track is perfect for families and little ones that like to explore. Walking with older kids or adults? Try using the self-guided audio track with three different audio tours.

    Photo Credit: Zoë Wood

    Mount Keira Ring Track

    Note this track has been temporarily closed due to weather damage, check the link Mount Keira Ring Track before you set off to see when it will re-open! Travelling a bit further north, you can find the Mount Keira Ring Track, a 5.5km, grade 4 loop through the natural beauty of Mt Keira in the Illawarra escarpment. Part of the walk connects to the Byarong Park picnic area, so take advantage of this stunning spot by packing some sandwiches and taking some time out. Be careful not to let kids run ahead on this one, as you will need to cross Mount Keira Road during the walk.

    Mt Keira Ring Track, Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

    Illawarra Lookout Walking Track

    Heading back down south through the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, you can find the Illawarra Lookout Walking Track. This one is a 2km return walk, with the main event being the view that lies ahead. Take a deep breath and look out of the rolling landscape of the Illawarra. This is a shorter track but well worth the stop if you explore the surrounding areas.

    Photo Credit: National Parks Illawarra Lookout Walk, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

    Cascades Walk

    Admittedly, I didn’t know this one existed until recently when my children visited with a school holiday group. The 2km Cascades Walk is a part of the Macquarie Pass National Park. This shady walk will draw you through the rainforest, leading to a waterfall and pool. Enjoy the sun-drenched Cascades Picnic Area for some lunch after your walk.

    Photo Credit: National Parks The track rises away from the creek, then descends again to the Cascade at the end

    Bundanon

    And for something a little further out of Wollongong, try bushwalking at Bundanon! Their walking self-guided walking tracks allow you to experience Bundanon’s iconic & historical landscape and learn all about the wild and wonderful plants and animals. Bundanon is twenty minutes from Nowra, on the Shoalhaven River, and one hour from the Southern Highlands and Wollongong. All walks are suitable for all ages & fitness levels.

    Bundanon runs regular guided bushwalks that require bookings – please check their What’s On page for upcoming dates.

    Their self-guided bushwalks include the following walks:

    • Treelines Track by Janet Lawrence: 1hr North Loop – 1.4km and 1.5hr South Loop – 1.9km
    • Haunted Point Loop Walk: 3hr Full Loop – 3.5km and 45mins to Ampitheatre – 1.2km (return)

    Bundanon also runs monthly cultural walks with local custodians Gadhungal Marring. Find out more and plan your trip here. 

    Treelines Track by Janet Lawrence at Bundanon

    For more information on the conditions of each track, click the links to read more from the NSW National Parks service about grading, terrain, weather warnings and walkways.

    Like the idea of a picnic but finding the heat of summer too hot for walking? Don’t forget to check out my 10 Favourite Picnic Spots in Wollongong.

    Happy exploring!

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    Zoë Wood is an international travel writer from the local Illawarra area. Contact her here: Email

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