Hiking with kids in Australia: tips, gear and great first family walks

Getting kids outdoors is one of the best things you can do for them. Hiking builds fitness, confidence, curiosity and a connection to nature that can last a lifetime. It can also go wrong: tired legs, boredom, hunger and weather can turn a family walk into a struggle. This guide covers how to plan family hikes in Australia that everyone enjoys, from toddlers in carriers to teens ready for overnight trips.

Start small and build up

The golden rule is to pick a walk well within your child's ability. A rough guide:

• Toddlers (walking themselves): 1–2 km on flat, formed tracks. Expect to carry them part of the way.
• Ages 4–6: 2–5 km, with lots of stops and something interesting along the way, such as a waterfall, creek or lookout.
• Ages 7–10: 5–8 km, including some hills and steps.
• Ages 11+: 8–15 km day walks, and possibly a first overnight trip on a well-supported track.

Kids walk slower than adults and stop often. Double the signposted time for young children.

Choose the right walk

Look for walks with:

• A destination. A waterfall, beach, lookout, giant tree or swimming spot gives kids a goal.
• Variety. Bridges, boardwalks, rock hopping and wildlife beat long, featureless fire trails.
• A loop or short return. Short walks let you turn back without disappointment.
• Facilities. Toilets, picnic tables and shade at the start make a huge difference.
• Low hazards. Avoid unfenced cliffs, fast creeks and exposed ridges with young children.

The Aussie Hikers "family-friendly" filter shows walks where official sources confirm suitability for children.

Great family walks around Australia

Here are some popular examples. Check each official page for current conditions.

• NSW: Bondi to Bronte (part of the Bondi to Coogee walk), and the short walks around Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains.
• Victoria: Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Promontory, and the Pinnacle walk from the Sundial car park in the Grampians.
• Queensland: Kondalilla Falls and Twin Falls circuit, plus Mossman Gorge's rainforest circuit.
• South Australia: Waterfall Gully to First and Second Falls, and Morialta's lower falls.
• Western Australia: Kings Park bushland trails in Perth, and Lesmurdie Falls.
• Tasmania: Dove Lake circuit at Cradle Mountain, Russell Falls at Mount Field and the Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain, which is designed with kids in mind.
• ACT: Black Mountain summit, and walks at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where you can spot wildlife.
• NT: Florence Falls in Litchfield, and short sections of the Uluru Base Walk, early in the day.

Gear for kids

Footwear. Good-grip runners are fine for most family walks. Make sure they fit and have been worn before.

Layers. Kids get cold faster than adults when they stop, and hot faster when they run around. Pack a warm layer and a rain jacket even on sunny days.

Sun protection. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses, reapplied often.

Their own pack. Even a small child enjoys carrying a light pack with their own water bottle and snack. It gives them ownership of the trip.

Child carriers. Structured hiking carriers suit babies and toddlers up to about 18–20 kg. Check the weight limits for your carrier.

Parent's pack. Bring plenty of water and snacks, a first aid kit (including children's pain relief and any medications), wet wipes, nappies and a change of clothes for little ones, plus a rubbish bag.

Keeping kids motivated

• Snack stops. Plan regular breaks with a favourite treat at the halfway point.
• Games. Scavenger hunts (find a feather, a red leaf, a mushroom), "I spy", counting bridges or spotting birds.
• Let them lead. Kids love being the "trail leader" between markers.
• Tell stories. Talk about the animals, plants and history of the place. Many parks have kids' activity booklets.
• Praise effort. Celebrate the finish, however short the walk.
• Bring a friend. Kids walk further with other kids.

Safety with children

Stay close. Keep young kids within arm's reach near cliffs, water and roads.

Teach the basics. Older kids should know to stay on the track, stop at junctions and wait, and what to do if they get lost: stay put, hug a tree, and blow a whistle. Give each child a whistle.

Snakes. Teach kids to stay on the track, never touch or approach a snake, and to walk away slowly. Carry compression bandages.

Water. Supervise closely around creeks and waterholes. Never swim where crocodile warnings are posted.

Heat. Children are more vulnerable to heat stress. Walk early in summer and watch for flushed faces, irritability and fatigue.

Visibility. Bright clothing makes kids easy to spot.

First overnight hike

When your kids are ready for an overnight trip, choose a short walk-in campsite with toilets and water, ideally less than a few hours from the car. Supported walks like the Three Capes Track in Tasmania, with cabins and a fixed route, are popular with families with older children. Check the official age guidelines before booking.

Leave no trace, together

Hiking with kids is a great chance to teach them to care for the environment. Take all rubbish home, stay on tracks, leave flowers and rocks where they are, and watch wildlife from a distance. These habits will stay with them.

Dogs and family walks

Many families want to bring the dog, but dogs aren't permitted in national parks across Australia. Look for council reserves, state forests or regional parks that allow dogs on leads. The Aussie Hikers dog filter shows walks where official sources say dogs are permitted.

Final tips

• Lower your expectations: the goal is fun, not distance.
• Turn back before anyone is exhausted.
• Finish with something memorable, like an ice cream, a swim or a picnic.
• Keep a hiking journal or photo album to celebrate milestones.

Families who hike together build lasting memories. Start small, keep it fun, and you might just raise a lifelong hiker.

This guide gives general information. Always check the official park page for the walk you plan, and supervise children at all times.