Add a listing
    Add a listing

    The Best Walks Your Family Will Love in Wollongong and Surrounding Areas

    We asked local families to share their top walking spots, and the results are in. These walks are perfect for getting outdoors, spending quality time in nature and enjoying everything the Wollongong and surrounding areas have to offer.

    From coastal views to bushland trails, these family walks offer something for every kind of adventure, whether you’re chasing weekend energy or a peaceful nature escape.

    Before visiting, it’s always worth checking the location details on the relevant websites to see if there are any changes, access updates or maintenance works.

    For bush trails, you can find up-to-date alerts on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

    Bundanon

    Bundanon, located 20 mins from Nowra and situated along the Shoalhaven River, offers a family-friendly destination for stunning & educational nature walks. The area features a mix of self-guided bushwalks through native bushland, rainforest pockets, and open grassy areas. For those seeking a deeper connection, Bundanon also provides guided experiences led by ecology experts, artists, and First Nations custodians, offering insights into the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Whether you prefer to wander independently or join a guided tour, Bundanon’s scenic trails and rich history make it a memorable outing for families.

    From easy tracks to longer loops, there’s something for all ages. Keep an eye out for birds, butterflies and seasonal wildflowers. Most walks begin at the Bundanon Art Museum site, where you’ll find a café, facilities and picnic spaces.

    Walking trails at Bundanon include:

    Buddawang Track
    • Upper Entry: 2 km | approx. 1 hour and Lower Entry: 1.5 km | approx. 40 mins
    A gentle walk through open forest with views over the Shoalhaven River.

    Treelines Track
    • North Track: 1.4 km | approx. 1 hour and South Loop: 1.9 km | approx. 1.5 hours
    A peaceful trail through grassy areas and planted trees, perfect for birdwatching. Some uneven ground.

    Haunted Loop
    • Full Loop: 3.5 km | approx. 2.5 hours and Amphitheatre Return: 1.2 km | approx. 45 mins
    A longer walk with rainforest sections, native orchids in spring and a quiet natural amphitheatre. Best suited to older kids due to some steeper parts.

    To join a guided bushwalk or walking tour at Bundanon, you can plan your trip here.

    When can I visit Bundanon & how do I get there? Bundanon’s opening hours and admission prices are here. Members and Children under 12 FREE. Bundanon is located across two sites, the Art Museum site and the historic Homestead site, both within twenty minutes of each other. Bundanon is twenty minutes from Nowra, on the Shoalhaven River, and one hour from the Southern Highlands and Wollongong.

    Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Need a reset and to reconnect with nature? The Wollongong Botanic Garden is a perfect spot for families looking for an easy and engaging walk. With seven entry points and well-marked self-guided trails, it is easy to explore at your own pace. Kids will love the Nature Wellness Self-Guided Trail, featuring seven sensory activities designed to connect you with nature and promote wellbeing. The gardens offer plenty of open space for picnics, safe paths for prams, and shaded spots for relaxing breaks. It is an ideal place to slow down, enjoy fresh air, and discover the beauty of native plants and wildlife in a family-friendly setting.

    The Blue Mile

    Blue Mile photo by Gabriel K

    The Blue Mile is one of Wollongong’s most popular and well-loved coastal paths, stretching from Stuart Park to Wollongong Golf Club. This flat, pram-friendly walk is easy for families with young children, perfect for pushing a stroller or walking the dog. Kids can ride their bikes or scooters safely along the shared pedestrian and bike pathway. Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, parks, and plenty of cafés where you can stop for a coffee or snack. It’s a great spot to take a refreshing dip at North Beach or the Continental Pools. For those wanting a longer adventure, you can continue north to explore the scenic bush tracks of Puckey’s Estate.

    Maddens Falls

    The incredible view from the lookout over Maddens Falls. Image courtesy of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

    Maddens Falls in Dharawal National Park is a short, refreshing bushwalk perfect for nature lovers and families. Located just across from Glenbernie Orchard on Darkes Forest Road, the walk begins on a slightly tricky 200m fire trail before reaching an elevated boardwalk that winds through beautiful native bushland. The trail offers scenic views year-round, especially in spring with blooming wildflowers, and leads to a lookout over the waterfall—an ideal spot for sunset. Adventurous visitors can explore beyond the trail, scrambling down to the base of the falls for a dip in its natural pools, though caution and respect for the environment are essential. Round off the day with a stop at the nearby Apple Shack for a sweet local treat.

    The Kiama Coastal Walk

    The Kiama Coastal Walk photo by Destination Kiama

    The Kiama Coastal Walk stretches about 22 km from Minnamurra to Gerringong, offering breathtaking ocean views and diverse coastal scenery. Because the full walk is quite long, families are best off choosing a shorter section like the popular Kiama Blowhole to Easts Beach stretch or the path from Surf Beach to Kendalls Beach. These shorter routes are manageable for kids and perfect for a leisurely picnic stop along the way. With plenty of scenic spots and easy access, the walk is a wonderful way to enjoy Kiama’s stunning coastline without committing to the entire trail.

    Mount Kembla Ring Track

    Mount Kembla Ring Track photos (above and cover photo) by Kerri M

    Mount Kembla Ring Track is a family-friendly 5 km loop west of Wollongong that’s perfect for active families with moderate fitness. Kids will love spotting moss-covered logs, orchids and the occasional wallaby or native bird. The route also offers a fun history lesson, passing old pit pony stables and coal mine remnants. It’s an easy return along Cordeaux Road, with chances to stop at scenic views. Allow around two to three hours at a relaxed pace, this walk delivers nature, wildlife and heritage.

    Bass Point Indigenous Cultural Walk

    Bass Point photo c/o Visit Shellharbour

    Bass Point Indigenous Cultural Walk near Shellharbour is a relaxed 2 km coastal trail ideal for families and children of all ages. Lined with well‑placed interpretive signs, it introduces Wodi Wodi heritage through stories of ancient camp sites, diet and tool‑making techniques. The mostly flat path runs through littoral rainforest and across rocky headlands with stunning bay views, making it easy for parents to guide little ones. Picnic spots, toilets and a nearby car park add to the family‑friendly setup. You can complete the walk in under an hour at a leisurely pace, combining outdoor fun with cultural learning for a memorable family outing.

    Minnamurra Falls Walk

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

    This 4.2 km return walk in Budderoo National Park leads you through lush rainforest towards the majestic Minnamurra Falls. While the trail has some steep sections, making it a Grade 4 walk, there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks and enjoy the surroundings. The effort is well worth it, as the breathtaking view at the end is a rewarding experience for the whole family.

    Lyrebird Loop Walk

    Lyrebird Loop Walk photo by Zoë Wood

    Consider a slower-paced walk 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.

    Illawarra Lookout Walking Track

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

    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 at the rolling landscape of the Illawarra. This is a shorter track but well worth the stop if you explore the surrounding areas.

    Cascades Walk

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

    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 with the family.

    Sea Cliff Bridge Walk

    Sea Cliff Bridge walk is a gentle 1.3 km return stroll along Lawrence Hargrave Drive that’s ideal for families and well-behaved dogs on-leash. The path is mostly level with a gradual incline from nearby car parks or the Coalcliff train station, but involves no stairs. As you cross the 665‑metre bridge perched approximately 41 m above sea level, scenic ocean and cliff views unfold, perfect for casual photo stops. The walk is fully accessible by car, train, or bus and suits a relaxed pace of around 30 minutes. Children should be kept close along the pedestrian path, which runs beside the busy roadway. Finally, you can extend the outing by visiting nearby beaches or parks for a picnic or rock pool exploration.

    Griffiths Trail Loop Walk

    Griffiths Trail loop photo by Katie M

    The Griffiths Trail Loop Walk in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is a 8 km circuit located near Robertson. This moderate-grade trail is suitable for families with children who have a reasonable level of fitness. Key highlights of the trail include the Illawarra Lookout, which provides expansive coastal views, and the Natural Stone Bridge, a naturally formed creek crossing ideal for a rest stop. The trail is well-marked and accessible from the Barren Grounds picnic area, with facilities such as parking and toilets available at the trailhead. This loop walk offers a manageable adventure for families seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Southern Highlands.

    Blackbutt Forest Reserve

    Image c/o NSW Govt

    Blackbutt Forest Reserve in Shellharbour is a family-friendly bushland haven, offering peaceful walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to spot native wildlife. The reserve features a 2 km loop trail suitable for all ages, with shaded paths and scenic views, making it ideal for a leisurely family outing.

    Brokers Nose

    Brokers Nose ft. Mikaela SG (and writer of this article!)

    Brokers Nose track starts just across from the truck stop on Mount Ousley Road. While it’s a little hidden, it’s well worth finding for the beautiful 4.6 km return walk. The trail has some uneven spots, so it’s best for kids over five. Families love the rewarding panoramic views from the lookout, making it a memorable outdoor adventure. Be sure to check trail conditions before you go. Check here for our article on Brokers Nose.

    The Blue Mile is a great spot to relax with family and friends ft. Rosie, Willow and Danii

    We hope you give these family-friendly walks a go and enjoy all the natural beauty Wollongong and the surrounding areas have to offer. Let us know your favourite spots or share your adventures with us on social media. We love hearing from you.

    For more hiking options, check out our guide to the Best Illawarra Escarpment Bushwalks or explore trails with stunning waterfalls here.

    You can also browse more of our Great Outdoors articles for fresh ideas and inspiration.

    Article Update By: Mikaela San Giorgio, writer for What’s On in Wollongong and creator of Camperyachties. Original article by: Zoë Wood

    Have a local business or event? Register for a listing on our website – CLICK HERE.

    After more things to do near you? Never suffer FOMO again with our Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your in-box! Sign up HERE

    You might also like: