7 Best Kid-friendly Bush Walks Around Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, with its stunning coastal views and lush hinterland, offers an abundance of opportunities to introduce your kids to the wonders of the Australian bush. It’s a place where the urban world seamlessly blends with the wild, providing families with the perfect playground for outdoor adventures. In this guide, we’ll take you through seven remarkable bushwalks that cater to the whole family. These trails aren’t just about physical activity; they’re an invitation to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world.

From lush rainforests where you’ll find hidden treasures to paths leading to cascading waterfalls that will leave your little explorers with a thrill, each of these destinations promises unforgettable moments. So, lace up your boots, grab your water bottles, and get ready to embark on a journey through the natural beauty of the Gold Coast. It’s a journey where the little ones can not only exercise their bodies but also exercise their curiosity, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Google Review- “We did the Dave’s Creek Circuit off Border track from Binna Burra and it was amazing! So interesting with rainforest first but then along spectacular cliffs with stunning views, and as it was super windy we had waterfalls blowing upwards. It was fantastic 😊” – Djamila Al

The Paperbark Trail in Daisy Hill Conservation Park is a great option for families looking for an easy bushwalk on the Gold Coast. The trail is just over 1 kilometre long and perfect for kids. Children will enjoy exploring the paperbark canopy, listening to the songs of native birds, and walking on the soft forest floor.

As you explore the Paperbark Trail, keep an eye out for colourful lorikeets, kookaburras, and even eastern water dragons near the creek. Informative signs along the trail engage young minds, providing insights into the park’s unique flora and fauna, turning the hike into an educational outdoor adventure. You can enjoy a wonderful opportunity to make enduring memories while connecting with the natural beauty of the Gold Coast by packing a picnic, donning your walking shoes, and going on a family-friendly hike around Daisy Hill Conservation Park’s Paperbark Trail.

Google Review- “A wonderful place in Logan to escape. BBQ areas, mowed lawns and cement foot paths. Clean well kept WCs. Footpaths are great for anyone needing mobility aids and prams. BBQ areas are in the open or underneath shaded shed. Bush walking trails are clear and natural. Follow the signs and plan your trip. Take some snacks and water with you. On our walk we had a snake startle us or we startled it, birds, wallabies and a pretty big lizard. Lots of parking too.” – Jay Kay

Cascades Track is a fantastic bushwalking spot, situated in the picturesque Mount Cougal area of Springbrook National Park. It’s a perfect place for families with older kids who are looking for a bit of adventure and love to explore and appreciate nature. The trail is around 2.6 kilometres long, which makes it a bit longer than some other trails in the park, but it’s definitely worth it. The extra length offers a bit more of a challenge and a sense of accomplishment once completed.

You can even take a dip in the water or have a picnic by the stream. The trees and plants are very old and make a nice shady roof, like a big green umbrella. Keep your eyes open for colourful birds and friendly possums that might visit in the evening. There are signs along the trail that tell you interesting things about the rainforest, so you can learn while you explore. So, get ready with your hiking gear, pack some snacks and water, and start your family adventure on the Cascades Track at Springbrook National Park. It’s a chance for your kids to enjoy the beautiful rainforest of the Gold Coast while having lots of fun and learning about nature.

Google Review- “Absolutely beautiful national park. It’s one of my favourite places to visit. There are a variety of tracks available for all fitness levels and all ages. I really enjoy visiting here during winter or spring.I always prefer to visit the park early (6-7am) because it can get very busy later in the day between 9am – 3pm. Please wear strong grippy hiking shoes as the tracks can be slippery, wet and filled with loose rocks.” – Lavish Lalwani

Burleigh Head National Park, situated on the beautiful Gold Coast, is a great place for families with young children to explore. Kids of all ages can walk the Oceanview Track, which is about 1.2 kilometres long, and discover the coastal beauty and native wildlife of the area. The trail offers stunning views of the sea and the gentle ocean breeze, and you might even spot friendly local wildlife like colourful lorikeets and coastal lizards. The trail leads to Tumgun Lookout, where you can take in sweeping views of the coastline and snap some family photos as a keepsake.

If your little ones need a break, you can relax on The Cove’s viewing platform. When it’s time to head back, you can choose to return along the same path or take a different route through the lush and shady Rainforest circuit, making it a versatile and enjoyable adventure for the whole family. So, pack a picnic, bring your water bottles, and set off for a kid-friendly expedition along the Oceanview Track at Burleigh Head National Park—a chance for your children to connect with the Gold Coast’s coastal beauty and create lasting memories in nature’s playground.

Google Review- “This place is fantastic. There is a nice path so even if it rains you will have no problem getting up there. The views are amazing and walk is not to long.” – Zbigniew Lysakowski

Nerang National Park provides families with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and go on family-friendly experiences. It is located in the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Families looking to get outdoors can enjoy the park’s Shared Trails, which provide a variety of alternatives ideal for different ages and fitness levels. These shared trails wind their way through the lush Australian bush, and while the total length of the trail network is around 30 kilometres, you can choose from shorter and easier routes, ideal for little explorers with short legs, as well as longer paths for older kids and adults who are up for more of a challenge.

As you walk along these trails, the serene forest envelops you with its sights and sounds. Keep an eye out for colourful birds and friendly wallabies that might make a surprise appearance, offering opportunities for your kids to learn about the native wildlife. For an extra special family day out, pack a delicious picnic and relax in one of the beautiful spots along the trail. You can also bring along your bicycles for a leisurely ride through the park, or if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, consider trying out horseback riding.

Google Review- “This is a beautiful area for walking or mountain biking. The trails are very clearly marked and it’s very easy to follow. There are easy and wide paths like the one in the picture, and also smaller walking trails around the main paths for those who are a little more adventurous. If you like quiet walks in nature away from the touristic sites, this area would not disappoint” – Bei Wiley

The Three Sisters Walking Track is a stunning location near Broken Head on the Gold Coast, perfect for families looking for an outdoor adventure by the sea. This short and easy trail, which spans about 1.6 kilometres, is ideal for families with children of all ages who want to explore nature and discover the beauty of the coast. The path is well-marked and takes you through a coastal rainforest, giving you an opportunity to observe native plants and wildlife. As you venture along this family-friendly track, the soothing sounds of the ocean and the refreshing sea breeze will accompany you.

The highlight of the walk is reaching the Three Sisters rock formations, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean. The track also offers opportunities for picnics, swimming, birdwatching, and exploring rock pools, making it a delightful adventure that allows families to bond and create cherished memories amidst the natural beauty of the Gold Coast’s shoreline. It is a perfect spot for your children to connect with the coastal wonder of the Gold Coast while making unforgettable memories in nature’s playground.

Google Review- “With this Amazing short and easy trail, you can get to a wonderful and quiet beaches (good for surfing), in the while look out for the humpback whales and dolphins (I saw many whales during the morning) coz in this period from May to October, these animals emigrate in the ocean and there are plenty spots for looking out” – Omar Bucelli

Located in the magical Springbrook National Park, the Natural Bridge Circuit is a family-friendly bush walk that promises fun and exploration. This short and easy trail, about 1 kilometre long, is tailor-made for families with kids of all ages. As you wander through the lush rainforest, the canopy of green provides a natural shade, and the songs of native birds accompany your journey. The highlight of the walk is the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge, where a waterfall flows through a naturally formed rock arch, creating a breathtaking sight that will leave both kids and adults in wonder.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the Natural Bridge Walk offers a fantastic opportunity for young minds to learn about the rainforest’s fascinating biodiversity. Along the trail, informative signs introduce children to the creatures that call this place home, including the mesmerising glow worms that illuminate the cave at night. It’s not just a walk in nature; it’s a captivating outdoor classroom where families can bond, explore, and create lasting memories amidst the wonders of the Gold Coast’s rainforest.

Google Review- “Very beautiful and spectacular view. You will be admire the power natural and the beauty of the water fall through the rock. The trail is very easy and kids friendly suitable for the whole family. The rainforest area and trail are clean and well maintained. Restrooms: 6x new unisex toilets just finished.  It’s clean and well maintained.” – Phil Chen

The Gold Coast’s kid-friendly bushwalks are like magical doors to nature adventures that families and young explorers will absolutely love. From the cool rainforests of Springbrook National Park to the beautiful coast at Burleigh Head National Park and the wonder of Natural Bridge, these walks let you have fun, learn about nature, and make special memories with your family. You can witness beautiful birds, cute creatures, and interesting environmental facts. So put on your hiking boots and let’s explore the beautiful Gold Coast bush walks that will allow your child to enjoy nature and have a great time with the family.