6 Iconic Bushwalks to Do with Kids Near Sydney

Swap screen time for sunshine and embrace the natural beauty surrounding Sydney. Getting the kids outdoors for a bushwalk is one of the best ways to connect, burn off energy, and create lasting memories without breaking the bank. From breathtaking mountain vistas to gentle coastal strolls, we’ve found six iconic bushwalks perfect for Sydney families. So, pack your snacks, fill up those water bottles, and get ready for an adventure!

This is, without a doubt, one of Sydney’s best and most accessible walks for families. The full loop around Narrabeen Lagoon is a fantastic day out, offering a flat, well-maintained path that’s perfect for prams, scooters, and little legs learning to ride a bike.

Why You’ll Love It:  The beauty of this trail is its flexibility. You can tackle the whole 8.4km loop or break it up into smaller sections. With playgrounds, picnic spots, and cafes dotted along the way, you can easily tailor the adventure to your family’s energy levels. You’ll journey through parklands, cross over two impressive bridges, and spot plenty of birdlife on the water.

• Location:  Access points are all around the lagoon. Popular starting points with parking include Jamieson Park (off The Esplanade, Narrabeen), Berry Reserve (off Pittwater Road, Narrabeen), or Bilarong Reserve (off Wakehurst Parkway, North Narrabeen).

• Dates:  Open year-round.

• Ticket Information:  Free. Parking is also free in most designated car parks.

• Family Tips:  This walk is fantastic for strollers and wheelchairs. Toilets are available at the main reserves (Berry, Bilarong, Jamieson). Grab a coffee from The Tramshed Cafe at Berry Reserve, which has a playground right next to it.

For a walk that feels like stepping into a fairy tale, you can’t go past Leura Cascades in the Blue Mountains. This track is a feast for the senses, following a series of small, tumbling waterfalls that lead down to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls.

Why You’ll Love It:  The walk is shaded and cool, making it a great option on warmer days. Kids will love hopping across stepping stones, peering into the clear water, and listening to the sounds of the forest. The picnic area at the start is the perfect spot to fuel up before you begin or relax afterwards.

• Location:  Leura Cascades Picnic Area, Chelmsford Drive, Leura NSW 2780.

• Dates:  Open year-round, subject to weather conditions.

• Ticket Information:  Free.

• Family Tips:  This walk has many stairs and is not suitable for prams. It’s best for confident walkers or little ones happy in a carrier. Hold hands, as some sections can be slippery. Toilets are available at the picnic area. Afterwards, the main street of Leura is full of charming cafes for a well-deserved treat.

Combine a beach day with a dose of history on this beautiful walk in the Royal National Park. Starting from the lovely town of Bundeena, this track takes you along the golden sands of Jibbon Beach before looping around the headland, where you can discover ancient Aboriginal rock engravings.

Why You’ll Love It:  It’s an adventure that has it all: beach play, stunning ocean lookouts, and a chance for a mini history lesson. The engravings of kangaroos and whales offer a wonderful moment of connection to the land’s traditional owners, the Dharawal people. You might even spot a whale during migration season (May-October)!

• Location:  The walk starts from Jibbon Beach in Bundeena. You can park on Loftus Street or take the charming ferry from Cronulla.

• Dates:  Open year-round.

• Ticket Information:  Free if you walk in from Bundeena. If driving into the main Royal National Park area, a park entry fee of $12 per vehicle per day applies.

• Family Tips:  The walk begins on sand, so leave the stroller in the car. The track itself is a mix of bush path and boardwalks. While graded easy, there are some gentle inclines and steps. Make sure to visit the playground at Roger Summers Memorial Lions Park in Bundeena before or after your walk! Toilets are located near the ferry wharf.

For a walk with iconic Sydney views, this track in the Sydney Harbour National Park is a winner. Starting near Taronga Zoo, the path hugs the coastline, delivering breathtaking vistas of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at almost every turn.

Why You’ll Love It:  This walk feels like a secret bush track hidden in the heart of the city. You’ll get to explore historic military fortifications at Bradleys Head, spot water dragons sunning themselves on rocks, and finish at the family-friendly Clifton Gardens Reserve and Chowder Bay, perfect for a picnic and a paddle.

• Location:  Start at the end of Bradleys Head Road, Mosman. You can park here (fees apply) or catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo Wharf and walk up.

• Dates:  Open year-round.

• Ticket Information:  Free to walk. Vehicle entry fees of $8 per day apply at Bradleys Head.

• Family Tips:  While graded as having many steps, you can easily do shorter, flatter sections. The path from the Bradleys Head Amphitheatre towards Athol Hall is relatively gentle. This walk is best for kids out of the pram or in a carrier. Toilets are located at Bradleys Head and Clifton Gardens, which also has a great playground and a kid-friendly cafe.

If you want to show the kids the dramatic beauty of the Blue Mountains, this is the walk to do it. The journey to the top of the magnificent Wentworth Falls offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, with lookouts that will leave the whole family in awe.

Why You’ll Love It:  The views are simply epic. From Jamison and Wentworth lookouts, you get a grandstand view of the Jamison Valley. The track itself is an adventure, descending down well-formed steps to Fletchers Lookout, perched on the cliff-edge with an incredible view of the waterfall plunging 100 metres to the valley below.

• Location:  Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, Sir H Burrell Drive, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782.

• Dates:  Open year-round, subject to weather and track conditions.

• Ticket Information:  Free.

• Family Tips:  Be prepared for lots of stairs! This track is definitely not for prams. It’s a great workout for parents carrying toddlers, or a rewarding challenge for kids aged 5 and up. Supervise children closely as there are sheer cliff edges. The picnic area at the top is a great base with toilets and tables.

For families with school-aged kids ready for a bit more of a challenge, the America Bay Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a fantastic choice. This walk leads you down a sandstone ridge to a serene bay, featuring a small waterfall and fascinating Aboriginal rock art along the way.

Why You’ll Love It:  It feels like a real bush adventure, far from the city buzz. Discovering the ancient engravings on the sandstone platform is a special experience, offering a tangible link to Australia's Indigenous heritage. The final lookout over America Bay is a beautiful, peaceful spot for a rest and a snack.

• Location:  The track starts from a small gravel carpark on West Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

• Dates:  Open year-round, but gates to West Head close overnight.

• Ticket Information:  Park entry fees of $12 per vehicle per day apply.

• Family Tips:  This track is rated Grade 3 and has some gradual descents and uneven surfaces, so it’s not suitable for prams. It’s perfect for kids aged 7 and up who enjoy exploring. Remember to be respectful of the Aboriginal engravings and stay on the path. Pack all your water and food as there are no facilities on the track.