Has the Bondi to Coogee walk gotten far too busy for the family? Or are you looking for a kid friendly hike that's a little closer to home?
Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered with this list of the very best family friendly hikes in Western Sydney, featuring anything from native animals and Aboriginal cave art to picnic areas and swimming holes, with terrain forgiving enough to be enjoyed by everyone.
Plough and Harrow Loop
Location: Western Sydney Parklands, Liverpool
Distance: 1.6 km/30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
What to Bring: Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, picnic, ball games.
ThePlough and Harrow Loopis a gentle track that surrounds two of the Western Sydney Parklands’ best picnic areas. The Plough & Harrow East area is great for action addicted families, with a playground and high rope course on offer, while Plough & Harrow West is better suited to large groups looking for space to relax or kick a ball around.
Red Hands Cave Walking Track
Location: Blue Mountains National Park, Glenbrook
Distance: 8 km/2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Bring: Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, picnic, swimmers.
Formed by the travels of the indigenous people thousands of years ago,Red Hands Cave Walking Trackleads to one of the most revered Aboriginal stencil galleries in Sydney.
Follow the track along Campfire Creek, looking out for sun-baking water dragons, until you reach the sandstone cave. From there, continue on for the longer loop walk, stop for a swim alongBlue Pool walking track, or head straight back if the kids are keen for hometime.
Moonrise Loop
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Fairfield
Distance:6.2 km/1-2 hours
Difficulty:Challenging
What to Bring: Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, picnic.
Challenging but approachable,Moonrise Loopis a 6.2km walk with parking at all starting points and toilets along the way, so it's a great option for families that want something a bit more exciting, but still need facilities close by.
Marvel at the fields of tall bluebells after the rain, enjoy a picnic, or take in the view at the Knoll lookout.
The Parramatta River Walk
Location:Parramatta River, Parramatta
Distance:3-8 km/2-5 hours
Difficulty:Various
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat.
TheParramatta River Walkis a collection of walks stretching from far inland near Lake Parramatta all the way to Ryde Bridge, and follows some of the historical routes taken by Arthur Phillip, as well as featuring heritage buildings, and even the Arrunga Bardo Bush Food Garden. The wide range of tracks and start points has something to offer for every family.
Spotted Gums Trail
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Liverpool
Distance:3km/1 hour
Difficulty:Moderate
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat.
Spotted Gums Trail is a fun trail that combines easier gravel sections with the slightly more challenging fire trail areas. Visit the ponds with viewing platforms to get a glimpse of the aquatic wildlife, or simply lay back and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Heart Crossing Loop
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Blacktown
Distance:2.3 km/45 mins
Difficulty:Easy
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, picnic, dog.
The simple yet rewardingHeart Crossing Looptrail takes you through the stunning Bungarribee Park. Along the way you’ll pass picnic areas, wetlands, and even the Warrigal Dog Run, a great spot to let your dog off the lead for a run! Due to its wetland location, sections of this walk may be wet after rain.
Bellbird Walking Track
Location:Leaco*ck Regional Park, Casula
Distance:1.6 km/30 mins
Difficulty:Easy
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen.
A great option if you’re travelling by train, Bellbird Walking Track is found right next to Casula station, and is often used as a shortcut for commuters. Enjoy the songbirds singing in the canopy on this short walk, and visit the nearby Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre for another family friendly activity.
Simmo’s Beach Reserve Trails
Location:Fifth Avenue, Macquarie Fields
Distance:1-4 km/30-90 mins
Difficulty:Challenging
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, picnic, swimmers, fishing gear.
A local favourite of many generations,Simmo’s Beach Reserveis a lush riverside bushland reserve named in memory of notorious 1950’s sand miner Bob Simmonds.
It’s home to a number of rare and threatened species of Aussie flora and fauna including the Grey Haired Flying Fox, and offers a range of unique walking trails from the relaxed 800 metre riverside track to the more challenging 3.9km loop of the entire reserve.
With BBQ facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds and a kayak ramp, Simmo’s beach has everything you need for a fun packed family day out.
Binyang Matta Trail & Short Loop
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Blacktown
Distance: 2-6 km/30-90 mins
Difficulty: Easy
What to Bring: Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, bikes.
Named after the indigenous Dharug people’s term for Place of Birds, Binyang Matta Trail is a great choice for avian enthusiasts.
The relaxing trail with sealed pathways is perfect for cycling, and features a shorter loop path for any tired little legs. Be on the lookout for colourful parrots and soaring kingfishers amongst the grasslands and forest branches.
Pimelea Loop
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Fairfield
Distance:1.6 km/30 mins
Difficulty:Easy
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen.
The Pimelea Loopis home to the Cumberland Plain Woodland, an endangered native area which has been the subject of a bush regeneration program that began back in the 1990’s. An easy yet rewarding path that's perfect for getting back to nature, the track also links to lookouts, waterways, and a playground with a climbing wall.
Cumberland State Forest
Location:95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills
Distance:1-3 km/20-40 mins
Difficulty:Easy
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, picnic, ball games.
Australia’s only metropolitan state forest,Cumberland State Forestis home to 3 different bushwalking trails, as well as a High Rope course, multiple picnic areas, BBQ facilities, toilets, and more. Behold the strikingly tall Cabbage Tree Palms on the Forestry walk, or get educational on the short Sensory Walk.
Shale Hills Loop
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Liverpool
Distance:3.6 km/1 hour
Difficulty:Easy
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, bikes, dog.
The Shale Hills Loopis another ideal spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plain Woodland. The sealed track is great for cycling, as it leads you through tranquil wetland to the Badu Lookout viewing area, and also connects to a number of other tracks and trails.
Look to the skies for a chance to see the Little Eagles soar, spot the weather-changing colours of the Forest Red Gum, or visit the off-leash Shale Hills Dog Park with your four legged family member.
Bungarribee Trail
Location:Western Sydney Parklands, Blacktown
Distance:4-6 km/1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
What to Bring:Walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat.
The Bungarribee Trail is a laid back track that takes you through some of the Western Sydney Parklands' most beautiful countryside and scenery. The surrounding wetlands are teeming with birdlife, native flora, and if you look through the grass, you might just spot some friendly kangaroos and wallabies.
Book Your Western Sydney Accommodation
After a day of walking the trails, the most important thing is to get in some rest and relaxation. If you're visiting Western Sydney or if you want to enjoy a staycation while you try some of the local walking paths, make sure you book yourWestern Sydney accommodation to ensure a comfy bed and maybe even a pool or spa to relax in after a busy day on your feet.
