10 fun Kid-Friendly Bushwalks on the Central Coast

Need to get the kids outside and burn off some of that endless energy? Luckily, the Central Coast has plenty of little adventures waiting for you, and bushwalks have got to be some of our favourites. We’ve rounded up kid-friendly bushwalks, plus a couple of easy waterfront strolls for days when a proper bush track feels a bit ambitious.

Have you got tiny explorers who stop to inspect every stick along the way? Or bigger kids ready to tackle a proper trail? We’ve included distances and estimated walking times to help you plan, but allow a little extra for snack breaks and exploring. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and leave room for detours because the best family adventures rarely go exactly to plan.

Here are 10 kid-friendly bushwalks and outdoor adventures on the Central Coast to add to your next day out.

Kid-Friendly Bushwalks and Nature Trails 

1. The Coast Walking Track

For families keen to really stretch their legs, the coastal track between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach offers a lovely mix of bushland and ocean views, with a decent helping of fresh sea air. There’s plenty to look at along the way, from rocky coastline to native wildflowers and gorgeous birdlife, with a stop at Crackneck to take it all in.

Start at Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and follow the track through Wyrrabalong National Park. There are stairs and some uphill sections, so this one’s better suited to confident walkers. You can tackle a shorter section and turn back when you’re ready – just remember to save some energy for the return trip!

Take your time, keep an eye on the little ones around exposed edges and rocky sections, and remember that the goal isn’t to break any walking records. It’s about enjoying the time together, preferably with a snack stop somewhere along the way.

Best for: Families with kids who are happy to walk a little further.

Distance and time: 3km one way | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes

2. Crackneck Lookout and Surrounds

Like the sound of those big views, but without a big trek? You can drive straight up to Crackneck Lookout for a shorter outing. Perched above the coastline near Bateau Bay, the sweeping ocean views make the trip worthwhile, even if your crew isn’t quite ready for a long bushwalk.

It’s a great spot to roll out a picnic rug, watch the waves and see if you can spot migrating humpbacks during the whale migration. It’s a great excuse to get outside, stretch little legs and enjoy a change of scenery without committing to a full-day adventure.

Best for: A quick nature fix with a spectacular view.

3. Norah Head Lighthouse

A visit to Norah Head Lighthouse is an easy way to turn a family outing into a little coastal adventure. The historic lighthouse makes a great starting point for exploring the headland, taking in the ocean views and watching the waves below.

From the lighthouse car park, follow the paths past the merchant mariners memorial and lighthouse cottages to the lighthouse and lookout. Let the kids imagine what life was like for lighthouse keepers before phones, tablets and streaming services were a thing. You can keep this outing short, or take the stairs down to the beach if you want to keep going – the rockpools are a hit for all ages.

Best for: Curious kids, ocean views and a little local history.

Distance and time: 0.8km return for the short lighthouse walk | Allow 30 minutes

4. Kincumba Mountain Reserve

Kincumba Mountain Reserve is a great option for families looking for a bush adventure with a few interesting things to discover along the way. Its network of trails winds through native bushland, with sandstone formations that give kids plenty to investigate.

For a shorter outing, try the Kanning Walk from the picnic area near the mudbrick building. The circuit passes sandstone overhangs and a tucked-away cave, with some steps along the way. Leave time for the inevitable stops to investigate a rock, admire a tree or ask approximately 47 questions about something spotted on the ground.

Best for: Curious explorers who like a few discoveries along the way.

Distance and time: 1.3km circuit on the Kanning Walk | Allow 45-60 minutes with exploring stops.

5. Somersby Falls

Waterfalls have a way of making even a short outing feel like an adventure, and Somersby Falls is a favourite for a reason. Tucked into Brisbane Water National Park, this beautiful spot brings together lush bushland, cascading water and the kind of scenery that makes everyone slow down.

There are steps and uneven surfaces along the walking track, so it’s best suited to families who are comfortable with a bit of climbing. Keep little hands close and stick to marked paths, as the rocks can be slippery, even when they look perfectly manageable.

Best for: Nature-loving families who don’t mind a few stairs.

Distance and time: 0.8km return | Approximately 30-40 minutes, plus time to stop at the falls.

6. Girrakool Loop Track

If your family enjoys exploring the bush together, the Girrakool Loop Track near Somersby is well worth adding to the list. The walking track winds through bushland past waterfalls and shady creeks, with plenty of spots to stop and explore.

Near the start, you’ll find an Aboriginal rock engraving site – take a look, but be careful not to walk over the engravings. There are uneven surfaces and sections near steep edges along the track, so keep younger children close. Back at the picnic area, there’s room to settle in for lunch if everyone’s still happy to hang around.

Best for: Families with confident little walkers who enjoy exploring nature.

Distance and time: 2km loop | Approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour.

7. Strickland State Forest

For a kid-friendly bushwalk that feels like stepping into another world, head to Strickland State Forest. With towering trees, fern-filled gullies and shady trails, it’s a beautiful place to introduce kids to the magic of the bush without travelling far. It’s also one of the few dog-friendly bushwalks on the Central Coast, so bring your best mate along!

The Arboretum Track is a good place to start. This loop from Stoney Creek car park takes you past giant trees and across a suspension bridge, giving the kids something to look forward to along the way. Make a game of spotting different leaves and listening for birds, or find some sturdy vines to swing on. You don’t need to turn the outing into a race to the finish line. Sometimes the best part is simply wandering beneath the canopy and seeing what catches everyone’s attention.

Best for: Little nature detectives and families who love a shady walk.

Distance and time: 2.3km loop on the Arboretum Track | Allow approximately 1-1½ hours with kids.

8. Mount Ettalong Lookout Walk

An easy choice for a proper kid-friendly bushwalk without covering too much ground. The mostly shaded trail leads to two fenced lookouts, with views over Pearl Beach at the first and Umina Beach and Brisbane Water when you get to the end. Plenty to reward those little legs!

Start from the small car park beside the water tank on Patonga Drive, between Umina and Pearl Beach. There are gentle hills along the way, plus a picnic table among the trees near the lookouts if the snacks can wait that long. Keep younger kids close, as there are unfenced rocky edges outside the main viewing platforms.

Best for: Families after a short bushwalk with big coastal views.

Distance and time: Approximately 1.3km return | Allow 30-60 minutes with lookout stops.

Central Coast Waterfront Walks for Little Legs

Not every kid-friendly bushwalk on the Central Coast needs hiking boots, a trail map and a bag full of emergency snacks. Sometimes a flat path, a beautiful view and somewhere to stop for a treat are more than enough.

9. Terrigal Boardwalk and The Haven

For a gentler outing, take a stroll along Terrigal’s boardwalk and over to The Haven. With boats bobbing in the water and plenty to watch along the way, it’s an easy way to get the kids outdoors without tackling a full bushwalk.

The boardwalk links Terrigal beach with The Haven, so you can keep it short or wander further – trek to the top of the Skillion if you’re keen. Make a morning of it with a snack or ice cream afterwards. It’s also a handy option for prams and little ones who are still building up their walking stamina.

Best for: A relaxed family stroll with plenty of places to pause.

Distance and time: 0.55km return for the boardwalk | Allow 10-20 minutes

10. Long Jetty Foreshore Paths

Long Jetty is made for a leisurely wander. Follow the shared path along Tuggerah Lake, watch the waterbirds and let the kids enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors by the water. There’s no set finish line here, so it’s easy to keep the walk manageable for little legs.

Start near The Long Jetty at Archbold Road and head along the foreshore, turning back whenever you’re ready. It’s especially lovely when the weather is mild – bring a ball if you’d like to turn your stroll into a longer play session, or pick up something from a local cafe and claim a spot on the grass. Just keep an ear out for bikes along the shared path. And if you’re there for golden hour, get your camera ready for that iconic Long Jetty sunset.

Best for: Little legs, prams and families after an easy lakeside outing.

Distance and time: Choose your distance | A 500m wander along the path and back makes an approximately 1km return outing. Allow 20-30 minutes.

Tips for kid-friendly bushwalking on the Central Coast

A little planning goes a long way when you’re going for a kid-friendly bushwalk. Before heading out, check the latest track conditions, access information and park alerts, as weather and maintenance can affect some walking routes.

• Pack plenty of water and snacks. As any parent knows, a hungry little hiker can change the mood of an entire expedition.
• Wear suitable shoes. Even short tracks can have slippery steps, loose rocks or uneven ground.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Rain can make waterfall tracks and forest trails slippery, while exposed coastal walks can get hot quickly.
• Know your limits. Check the distance, difficulty and return route before setting off, especially with younger children.
• Leave nature as you found it. Take rubbish home, stick to marked paths and give wildlife plenty of space.

You don’t need to travel far or fill the whole day to make memories. Sometimes all it takes is a short wander and a coastal view. And with this much on our doorstep, there’s nothing better than exploring this beautiful place we get to call home.

Before you head out for a kid-friendly bushwalk with the fam, check NSW National Parks for park information and track updates.

Happy wandering, Coasties!