Here’s our selection of six family-friendly walks in the Southern Highlands – from flat and leisurely walking paths through to goin’ bush and exploring local waterfalls.
Let us know how you go!
1 :: Glow Worm Glen
After damage from the 2019-2020 bushfires, followed by floods, rain, high winds, and a pandemic, this popular local walk finally reopened in March 2023! It’s an easy trek for kids, but prams won’t work due to the stairs. Just remind the little ones to stay quiet on the viewing platforms – too much noise can scare off the glow worms.
It’s a good idea to start the walk down to the glen at sunset, so it will be dark by the time you arrive.
What you need to know about this walk.
Post walk refuel :: Sip on some cold drinks in the kid-friendly beer garden at the Bundanoon Hotel [the kids can even go for a swim in the hotel pool in the warmer months!]
2 :: Berrima River Walk
Exercise AND education – we’re so here for that. This walk winds it’s way along the Wingecarribee River through the original site of a World War 1 German Internment Camp –there’s plenty of informational signs along the way to learn about what life was like back then.
What you need to know about this walk.
Post walk refuel :: Pop into the Lolly Swagman for some old school sweets.
3 :: Griffith Loop Trail
We like all the different terrains and landscapes this trail takes you through. Oh, and the VIEWS…. it’s mostly flat so while it’s a long-ish walk, it’s a fairly easy one.
What you need to know about this walk.
Post walk refuel :: Pop into Robertson Public House + Kitchen for some cold drinks and a bite to eat – we recommend the little burger from the kid’s menu for hungry kids, and the sticky Korean fried chicken burger for hungry grown-ups!
4 :: Cherry Tree Walk
Starting at the Bowral Pool, this is a mostly flat pathway (perfect for scooters or roller skates!! – if little ones don’t want to walk) that winds around behind the main street of Bowral for 5 kilometres. It connects to the network of pathways beyond Old South Road into East Bowral too if you fancy a longer walk, but we peel off at Boolwey Street so the kids can hit Glebe Park playground to burn off even more energy!
What you need to know about this walk.
Post walk refuel :: Grab some takeaway coffees and milkshakes [for the kids] from Bradman Café and relax on the park benches at Glebe Park while the kids play.
5 :: Lover’s Walk
Another crackin’ walk in Morton National Park, Bundanoon that’s a bit hilly – you work your way down into a gully before working your way back up again – but has an easy fire trail finish. Lots of flora and fauna to be discovered on this one – you might even come across a family of roo’s like these guys!
What you need to know about this walk.
Post walk refuel :: Head up to the Bundanoon Club on Erith Street. Take a seat on the deck in the sunshine while the kids hit the playground less than 10 metres away. Or if it’s hot, take cossies and head to the Bundanoon Pool to cool off.
6 :: Bong Bong Common
A local favourite because of it’s flat and manicured terrain, you can access this walk from the Burradoo end – follow Railway Road down to the small car park on the left – or the Moss Vale end which has a bigger car park running off Argyle Street just before the bridge over the river [if you’re coming from Bowral]. Meandering along beside the Wingecarribee River, it’s about 5 kilometres each way and is popular with cyclists and dog walkers too.
What you need to know about this walk.
Post walk refuel :: It’s pretty hard to go past the recently refurbished Briars Inn up on the hill. Sit on the sun-dappled deck and have a glass of deliciously chilled wine while the kids go nuts in the playground.
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We love sharing our awesome outdoor adventures with The Fold readers and want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy when giving our walks and rides a crack for themselves. So, always check the weather forecast before you venture out. If you’re heading into a National Park, be sure to consult the National Parks website for up-to-date information about current alerts. Prepare yourself with the right equipment, clothing, safety items, with plenty to eat and drink if you’re going on longer hikes, and always let someone else know where you’re going and what time you are expected to be back. Have fun and stay safe!