Great bushwalks for kids on the Sunshine Coast

Enjoy bushwalking with the kids? We agree that there’s no better way of dusting off those lockdown cobwebs than getting out into nature, and the Sunshine Coast has plenty of bushwalks suitable for kids. From forests to waterfalls, there are plenty of great bushwalks for kids on the Sunshine Coast. Here are our favourites.

 

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Great bushwalks for kids on the Sunshine Coast

Baroon Lookout

Located between Maleny and Montville, this 4-kilometre return walk around the northern end of Baroon Pocket Dam winds its way through a lush forest to a scenic lookout.

Head for Montville and turn into Western Avenue (signposted) and then turn left into Narrows Road down to the dam. The car park is on the right just before the dam, which is also the start of the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

For a great family walk, go up the side of the gorge to the lookout out across Obi Obi Creek as it heads north from the Baroon Dam and into the Blackall Range to join the Mary River.

 

Buderim Forest Park

Buderim Forest Bushwalk for Kids
Source: Tourism and Events Queensland

This hidden gem is located on the northern side of Buderim, less than a kilometre from Buderim Village. Ease into the Buderim Forest Park with a 700m-long timber boardwalk and then begin the adventure through trickling streams, waterfalls and tall trees with an array of birdlife.

An excellent walking trail has been developed from two entry points. The lower entry point is off Lindsay Road via Harry’s Lane and the second entry point is via Quorn Close, which also runs off Lindsay Road at the top of Buderim. The lower entry point (via Harry’s Lane) has an elevated five-hundred-metre wooden boardwalk, ideal for disabled walkers and wheelchairs. It then switches to a rugged pathway that requires a reasonable level of fitness.

The Quorn Close entry point’s trail is through a reasonably steep path that will take you straight through to the Buderim Falls and the high arch bridge spanning the creek above the falls. To do the whole circuit, allow at least one hour.

 

Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway

This is an awesome 4km return walk through regrowth forest. A wheelchair or stroller-friendly ramp leads to the start of the moderate walking trail. Allow yourself at least an hour for the return walk and don’t forget to stop at the various markers to read interesting facts at the various historical locations. You can park in Telco Road, as the trail starts from the corner of Mons and Telco Roads.

 

EJ Foote Sanctuary

There are four lovely trails in this 9-hectare sanctuary on the eastern slopes of Buderim. At the Park Lane entrance, there’s a map of the walking paths, as well as information on how the area was donated by a local farming family in honour of their son who was killed during WWI.

The most popular of the bushwalks for kids is the 608m Botanic Track. This sealed loop path meanders through the rainforest with three bridge crossings over creeks and takes about 20 minutes return. If you’re with littlies, this is the easiest loop, with benches to sit and relax along the way. There are also picnic shelters, a playground, BBQ, and toilet facilities. Access is at the end of Park Lane.

 

Kondalilla National Park

With its spectacular waterfall and rock pools, this national park is an iconic visit for anyone growing up on the Sunshine Coast. The 2.4km walk requires reasonable fitness as there are more than 300 steps down to the falls but it’s still a family friendly excursion.

There are high and low paths that make a loop called Picnic Creek Circuit, with a diversion to the 100m-high falls and swimming hole below.

Head to Kondalilla Falls Road and travel another 700m to the car park. From there, visitors can access the picnic area and walking track entrance via a 150m downhill walk with multiple stairs.

 

Maleny Northern Wetlands Trail

Take a walk along this 1.8km path through wetlands to experience some fantastic views and burgeoning wildlife. Head to Porters Lane and drive past Pattemore House to the giant fig at the bottom of the road. Park and walk across the road to the entrance.

 

Mapleton Falls National Park

Mapleton Credit: Tourism and Source: Tourism and Events Queensland

Follow the 1.3km return walk around the Wompoo Circuit and you’ll be rewarded with views of the top of Mapleton Falls, with a refreshing dip in the water at the end.

Listen out for the Wompoo Fruit Dove high in the canopy and Peregrine Falcons at the lookout.

 

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Mary Cairncross Reserve Bushwalk for Kids

There are multiple ways to enjoy the 55ha of some of Australia’s best subtropical rainforest at this famous destination. The walks can be accessed through the discovery centre with a gold coin donation, and start with a common section and then a larger outer loop, which is 1.7km.

A path leads from about halfway around the loop, creating two smaller loops about 1.3km each. If you’re lucky, you’ll see or hear native birdlife including wrens, whipbirds, riflebirds, bowerbirds, bush turkeys, as well as Queensland native butterflies.

Once you’re done, enjoy the spectacular view of the Glass House Mountains across the road from the path’s entry. Then have a play and picnic in the stunning park and playground beside it.

 

 Mountain Creek Recreation Trail

A 2km network of broad walking tracks through the Mountain Creek Conservation Area, this makes great bushwalking for kids. You can access the trail through Coho Court via Glenfields Boulevard at Mountain Creek.

 

 Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park is a Simple Bushwalk for Kids

Noosa National Park is a simple bushwalk for kids

Credit: Tourism and Source: Tourism and Events Queensland

This popular path mixes the best of coastal views and the bush. A stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Hastings Street, this is a popular bushwalk for kids.

Park at the National Park car park and head towards the Main Beach boardwalk. You’ll walk through beautiful bushland teeming with wildlife — odds are you might spot a koala.

When the path pops back out to the ocean, visitors can spot dolphins, and when in season, a travelling whale or two.

 

Crayola free preschool activities

 Tunnel Track

This heritage-listed track is in Dularcha National Park. It’s a fun walk to view one of only two tunnels built along the old narrow-gauge North Coast Line between Brisbane and Gympie.

The area is home to koalas, goannas, echidnas, grey kangaroos and a variety of bird species.

Take a torch. The curved tunnel is 93.5m long and provides a very dark and protected site for a variety of small bats.


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Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

 

 

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By Angela Sutherland
After spending many years hustling stories on busy editorial desks around the world, Angela is now mum of two little ones and owner/editor at Kids on the Coast / Kids in the City. She is an atrocious cook and loves cutting shapes to 90s dance music. Angela is the editor of Kids on the Coast - a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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