We are fortunate in Sydney to have an array of bushwalks to explore. Knowing which one’s are suitable for young families can be a challenge, as no one wants to piggy back their tired 3 year old back to the car. Here are my tried and tested top 12 family friendly bushwalks.
Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde
Terrain: Boardwalk and narrow bush tracks
Pram Friendly? Several tracks, one is wheelchair and pram friendly
Start: 220 Pittwater Road, East Ryde
Why we love: Array of wildlife (ducks, long neck turtles, birdlife) and nature play area for those children that love building dens.
More information: https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/maps/field-of-mars-walking-trails-map.pdf
Sugarloaf Point, Hunters Hill
Length: 1.4km loop
Terrain: Rocky
Pram Friendly? No
Start: Buffalo Creek Reserve
Why we love: Spotting crabs on boardwalk and picnic next to Lane Cove River
Fairyland Track, Lane Cove National Park
Length: 5.3km
Terrain: Varied.
Pram Friendly? No
Start: Fullers Bridge,
Why we love: Varied environment of bush, Lane Cove River and Golf Course
More information: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/fairyland-track-loop
Whale Rock
Length: 1.8km Loop. Approximately 1 hour
Terrain: Steep down to Whale Rock and then flat path
Pram Friendly? No
Start: Ron Payne Park, Epping
Why we love: Kids loved searching for whale rock
Baker’s Cottage
Length: 1.5km
Terrain: Road and short rocky bush walk
Pram Friendly? Yes, On the road section
Start: Lane Cove Weir
Why we love: Birdlife, and historical cottage. Can add to other walks in the National Park
More Information: http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/lane-cove-national-park/baker-s-cottage.html
Field of Mars Reserve Bakers Cottage Sugarloaf Point
Terry’s Creek
Length: 600m from Carpark at Epping Aquatic Centre to the waterfall. Approximately 30-45 minutes return
Terrain: Flat
Pram Friendly? No
Start: Epping Aquatic Centre
Why we love: Creek crossing and the waterfall
The Fishponds
Length: 4.5km
Terrain: Varied. Wide paths, to stairs, and stepping stones
Pram Friendly? No
Start: Rosemead Road Picnic Area, Hornsby
Why we love: Stepping stones at the fishponds
More information: https://sydneyuncovered.com/blue-gum-walk-hornsby
Orange Pie Track
Length: About 900m loop walk. Approx 30-45 minutes
Terrain: Rocky fire trail
Pram Friendly? No
Start: End of Whitbread Place, North Rocks
Why we love: Found a bowerbird nest
Balls Head Reserve
Length: 2km
Terrain: Varied
Pram Friendly? Several tracks, one is wheelchair and pram friendly
Start: Southern end of Balls Head Road
Why we love: Views of Harbour Bridge
Flat Rock Beach Walking Track
Length: 500m one way
Terrain: Steep
Pram Friendly? No
Start: End of Killarney Drive, Killarney Heights
Why we love: Kids loved playing at the sheltered River beach
Kuring-gai Wildflower Gardens, St Ives
Length: 350m to 3km
Terrain: Variety from Boardwalks, paths to bushwalk
Pram Friendly? Sensory walk is
Start: Carpark of Kuring-gai Wildflower Garden
Why we love: Sensory Walk and the wildflowers during the springtime.
More information: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Ku-ring-gai-Wildflower-Garden/Wildflower-Garden-bush-trails
Blue Gum Reserve, Chatswood
Length: 5km
Terrain: Steep entry to moderate walking track
Pram Friendly? No
Start: Kooba St, Chatswood (Scout Hall)
Why we love: Exploring the creek and caves
More information: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Bushland-and-Wildlife/Bushwalking-Tracks/Tracks/Blue-Gum-Reserve-Walking-Tracks
The Fishponds Terry’s Creek Bowerbird Nest
If your family is new to bushwalking, remember to make the experience fun for the kids or they won’t want to do it again. Firstly, make sure you are dressed in comfortable clothes/ shoes and of course, have water bottles and snacks – always snacks!
Whilst on the walk, to make it more engaging try a scavenger hunt, make a nature bracelet, or make a banksia man. But most of all, take your time and have fun!
We would love to know your favorite family friendly bushwalks too, so please let us know below.