There is no better way to appreciate the vast beauty of Australia’s flora and fauna than immersing yourself in it. Whether you have young kids who need an achievable, flat walk or growing tweens and teens looking for a challenge, we’ve rounded up a list of family-friendly hiking trails. Why not plan a weekend away to explore somewhere new by foot? When you book on the G’day Parks app, you could travel as soon as this week thanks to its last-minute availability feature (and pick up a deal at the same time).
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Belair National Park

Image Credit: JKTP - South Australian Tourism Commission
Tucked in the Adelaide Hills, Belair National Park has tranquil walking trails that travel past woodland and lake views. The Wood Duck Walk (1km) circles the Playford Lake—perfect for the youngest of hikers and parents with prams. The 3km Lorikeet Loop Walk is great for families, passing Old Government House, the State Flora Nursery, and an adventure playground, while those with older kids can scale the 6.5km Waterfall Hike. What’s more, you can soak up the national park for a full day when you stay overnight at Belair National Park Holiday Park.
Kuitpo Forest

Image Credit: CABN - South Australian Tourism Commission
On the doorstep of the Mount Lofty Ranges, traipse through the pine trees of the Kuitpo Forest. The 2km Eucalypts Trail is suitable for all ages, which starts at Rocky Creek Hut and Campground, or set your sights on the Onkeeta Tail (10km return) to fully take in the beauty of the towering timber. After a day of hiking, swap the forest for vines, as the charming McLaren Vale Cabin & Caravan Park awaits in the heart of one of Australia’s best wine regions.
Morialta Conservation Park

Image Credit: Michael Waterhouse - South Australian Tourism Commission
At Morialta Conservation Park, the 1.6km First Falls Walk is a top choice for bushwalking beginners, walking past Morialta Gorge and Giants Cave towards a waterfall (unless the creek is dry over summer). For teens, the Second Falls Hike (5.3km) takes you to the Kookaburra Rock, Eagles Nest, and Deep View lookouts and two waterfalls—please note, this trail includes steep, rocky, and uneven sections, so it’s not suitable for little ones. Levi Adelaide Holiday Park is located a 15-minute drive from both Morialta and the Adelaide CBD, so you can combine city and scenery into the same holiday.
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park

Brownhill Creek is a local favourite for walking, cycling, and horse-riding. The Grade 3 Wirraparinga Trail (2.3km) is a winner for most ages and fitness levels, following the namesake creek and woodland scenery. Kids can crane their necks to spot koalas in the trees and wave to bounding kangaroos as they pass. Adelaide Brownhill Creek Tourist Park is positioned at the start of the trail, offering peaceful creekside accommodation within 8km of the city.
VICTORIA
Wilsons Promontory National Park

Image Credit: Garry Moore - Visit Victoria
Welcome to Wilsons Promontory – also known as ‘The Prom’ – where you’ll find day walks packed with coastal bushland trails, secluded beaches, and local wildlife. The Loo-Errn track begins at the Tidal River Information Centre, travelling through forest and wetland for 30 minutes, until you reach the Squeaky Beach track for a further hour of walking. Children will love the novelty of sand that squeaks under their feet! The Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk offers a taste of the Prom’s heathland, tall eucalypt trees, and rainforest. Half an hour away, Toora Tourist Park is the ideal home base for your Prom night.
Dandenong Ranges National Park

Image Credit: Rob Blackburn - Visit Victoria
At Dandenong Ranges National Park, start your journey in the Sherbrooke Falls picnic area, where the 2.4km walk will lead you through lush rainforest to a series of rocky cascades. This national park is also home to the most iconic bushwalk in Melbourne—the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, featuring the 1,000 Steps. This steep track is not suitable for young kids, but teenagers with strong fitness and hiking experience will relish the climb. Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park, on the outskirts of Melbourne, is your closest park, where you can let off steam in the activity room, play on the playground, or toast marshmallows over a campfire (weather permitting).
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sea Acres National Park
The Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk (1.3km) is an easy, beautiful walk for all ages where you’ll spot local birdlife and animals as it threads a path through the rainforest canopy. There is an entry fee*—$9 per adult and $5 per school age child, or $20 per family. To raise the heartrate, try the 9km one-way, Grade 4 trek along the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk; this trail can be divided into four sections, and is for big kids and experienced walkers only. Not far away, Stoney Park Holiday Park is a nature getaway with self-contained cabins, water activities, and an aqua park next door.
*Prices correct as of February 2025
Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park’s moderately challenging trails are fantastic for families with solid hiking experience. The Baker’s Cottage trail (1.5km, Grade 3) is a quick one that leads to a historic cottage and its grounds. Meanwhile, the popular Fairyland Track circuit covers a variety of terrain, following part of the Great North Walk, as does the 5km one-way Riverside Walking Track. Plus, when you stay next door at Discovery Parks – Lane Cove, you’re only 10km from the landmarks, shopping, and delights of the Sydney CBD!
QUEENSLAND
Mt Coot-tha Reserve

Image Credit: Matthew Taylor - Tourism and Events Queensland
On the fringe of Brisbane, the Mt Coot-tha Reserve Summit Track is hard to beat. Lace up for the 1.9km trail, suitable for most fitness levels, which takes approximately half an hour in each direction leaving from the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area up to the lookout (stairs included). Along with the city landscape, you’ll find a café at the top for a snack and coffee before your descent. Bushwalking beginners can start with the Ghost Hole Track past traces of old gold mines, while more experienced hikers can trek the Simpsons Falls Track. Book a cabin at the summery Brisbane Holiday Village to be entertained with two swimming pools, mini golf, tennis, and a playground.
Tamborine National Park

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
If you’re heading to the Gold Coast for beaches and theme parks, why not add a hike at Tamborine National Park? In the Cedar Creek section, take the easy 500m track to the waterfall lookout, or the 1.1km Grade 3 Cedar Creek Falls track to rock pools. The Curtis Falls track and MacDonald rainforest circuit are Grade 3 hikes that can be polished off in about half an hour. Other sections – like Witches Falls and Palm Grove – have Grade 4 opportunities for advanced bushwalkers. At Paradise Country Farmstay, continue your family adventures with in-park animal encounters, or stay at Ashmore Palms Holiday Village for those quintessential beach holiday vibes.
Springbrook National Park

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Springbrook National Park is bursting with rainforest-laden trails. The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a 4km hike that takes under two hours to complete, passing an unforgettable waterfall. If your children are not quite ready for this Grade 3 track, there are easy short walks like the Goomoolahra Falls lookout track and the Boojerahla lookout track. The Cascades Track is an hour-long, Grade 2, 1.6km path to Cougal Cascades. On the southern side of the Gold Coast, Nobby Beach Holiday Village and Pyramid Holiday Park provide outstanding cabin accommodation near the beach with bountiful in-park activities for the kids.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
West MacDonnell Ranges National Park

Image Credit: Tourism Australia
The West MacDonnell Ranges boast several walking tracks ranging from easy to difficult within driving distance of Alice Springs. Visit the remarkable Standley Chasm via a Grade 1, 1.2km walk past native gumtrees that leads to a spectacular 80m-tall ravine. For something trickier, head to Ormiston Gorge. The Ghost Gum Lookout Walk is also 1.2km long, but has a significant incline; that said, you’ll be rewarded with waterhole and rock formation views at the lookout. Your stay is settled at Discovery Parks – Alice Springs, where you’ll find bucketloads of in-park activities to keep everyone entertained.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Mundy Regional Park

Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Whistle while you work at Mundy Regional Park in the Perth Hills, as you hike the Whistlepipe Gully Walk. It’s a reasonably easy trail that follows the river (watch out for some rocky sections), with small waterfalls, spring wildflowers, and the ruins of a mysterious house along the way. Older kids will enjoy the 2.5km walk up to Lesmurdie Falls to see the cascading waterfall and the Swan Coastal Plain, while the youngest of explorers will fall in love with the Fairy Door Trail in the neighbouring suburban area of Kalamunda. Discovery Parks – Perth Airport is the perfect place to call home, with its pool, playground, activity room, and sports facilities.
TASMANIA
Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park

Image Credit: Tourism Australia
At Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, the 20-minute Enchanted Walk circuit provides an enjoyable short walk through a moss-covered forest and charming creek; children and parents alike will be spellbound by its magic. Meanwhile, the Dove Lake circuit (6km) hugs the glacially carved lake below Cradle Mountain, leading to stunning water and mountain views. This trail takes between two to three hours, passing some tricky sections. After a day spent walking in wonder, tuck in for the night in your deluxe cabin at Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain.
Cataract Gorge

Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Cataract Gorge’s Duck Reach Walk is a winner. Begin at Kings Bridge, cross the South Esk River suspension bridge, and make your way to a historic power station. This walk includes some tough sections with steps, steep inclines, and rough surfaces, so if you’re travelling with little ones, stick to the First Basin Loop (1.8km return), which looks over the swimming pool lawn. As for where to stay, you can’t go wrong when choosing between Discovery Parks – Hadspen or Beauty Point Tourist Park.
Of course, this list only scratches the surface of incredible Aussie walks. The good news is that with more than 300 G'day Parks around the country, wherever you’re hiking, there’s bound to be one near you.
Browse online or on the G’day Parks app, where you can easily filter to find the right park for you, claim deals on your getaway with G’day Rewards, and book conveniently on the app.