Five easy NSW national parks walks with kids

Sydney-siders are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks in their green backyard. There’s picture-perfect Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay walk, North Head in Manly, South Head near Watson’s Bay, the Hermitage Foreshore walk at Nielsen Park - all great, easy walks in Sydney Harbour National Park. A little further out of the city, Lane Cove, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and Royal National parks are home to other family favourites.

But what about the rest of the state? There are hundreds of fab walks across NSW – many of them easy and great for kids and families. Here’s a roundup of five awesome kid-friendly trails in NSW national parks. None are too taxing, but they will still serve up a ‘million-miles-from-care’, wholesome green fix.

So if you’re planning a trip or just keen to get the kids outdoors, put these on your ‘to-do’ list.

Port Macquarie a holiday favourite. It is home to the beautiful Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk. Starting at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, visitors can access the 1.3km, flat and stair-free boardwalk loop. Breathe in the canopy – you’re right up in it at 7m above the ground. Kids will have fun spotting the scarlet robin, goannas, and - if they’re lucky – the diamond python! All facilities are completely wheelchair and pram accessible.

About halfway between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, then inland an hour is Gibraltar Range National Park. Here you’ll find the Lyrebird Falls walking track. Park at the Boundary Falls picnic area and make your way through the ancient Gondwana forest on the mostly flat, 2km track (with occasional steps). The scenic lookout at the end of the track serves up cascading views of gorgeous waterfalls over Boundary Creek.

Heard something strange? If you’re lucky, it might be the shy lyrebird up to some tricks…

The Welcome walk is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. You can park at the info shelters where the walk begins. From here it’s an easy, flat (with occasional steps), 1km, one-way boardwalk trip above the saltwater wetlands of the Hunter River estuary. The area is a rich haven for animal life – both above and below the water. Over 200 bird species live here, 45 of them migrating internationally each year. Below your feet: fish nurseries, crabs and sea celery! All the wonders of the mangrove saltmarsh - kids love it.

On your next trip down South, head to Budderoo National Park and the lush and enchanting 1.6km Lyrebird loop walk. It’s easy going with a few short, steep hills and occasional steps. Skip over suspension bridges enveloped in green. Pause at the elevated viewing platforms – you’ll see strangler figs strangling, colourful orchids and huge birds nest ferns. Spot king parrots, lyrebirds and eastern water dragons. This is an Avatar adventure! Start out at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre where parking is available. 

That wraps up five of the best - and most easy going - walks in NSW national parks. Small investment - big thrills. Happy (outdoor) days.

Please note: Before heading out on your next green adventure , plan to visit outside of busy periods (11am to 2pm) and check the National Parks and Wildlife Service website for alerts - parks may be closed at short notice due to poor weather or hazard reduction burns.