Best Walks With Kids In The Outback
For families exploring the most remote parts of Australia, these kid-friendly walks are the perfect way to connect with nature. The Outback is known for its rugged scenery, and many travellers head here to take on epic road trips, hikes, and camping expeditions. But those travelling to the Outback with kids may need to modify their adventures to suit the little ones.
Though the Outback is full of challenging treks, there are also lots of leisurely walks that suit young children. Just remember that the Outback has sometimes extreme weather, so pack lots of drinking water, snacks, and sturdy shoes so the kids can stay happy, healthy, and comfortable!
12 Best Outback Walks For Kids
These 12 Outback walks are relatively short and easy, making them suitable for kids and families! A bushwalk or hike is one of the best activities to include in your family Outback trip. But every child is different, so parents can judge which walks will be doable for their kids depending on age and fitness level. These walks include some of the best national parks in the Outback across a variety of states as well!
Explore highlights of the Australian Outback with your family on one of these tours!
Mala Walk
- Distance: 2km
- Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
Most family trips to the Outback will include Uluru, the iconic sacred monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory. The most famous walk here is the Uluru Base Walk, but this is around 10km in total and therefore not ideal for small children. However, the Mala Walk is a gorgeous section of the Uluru Base Walk that is only 2km and perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels. Stroll along the side of Uluru and admire the rock art and desert landscape.
Liru Walk
- Distance: 4km
- Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
The Liru Walk is a hidden gem at Uluru that not many tourists know about. This track connects the Cultural Centre with the base of Uluru, so it's easily accessible for families visiting the famous monolith. At 4km long, it's a longer trail but it's easy and flat. It's also usually uncrowded and showcases beautiful wildflowers and forests that may intrigue kids!
Walpa Gorge Walk
- Distance: 2.7km
- Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
Another incredible walk in the Red Centre is the Walpa Gorge Walk near Yulara. This hike has a moderate level of difficulty so is better suited towards older or more active children. But the walk is stunning and only takes around 1 hour to complete. For adventurous families hoping to show their kids the dramatic scenery of Walpa Gorge, this is an amazing option!
Florence Creek Walk
- Distance: 3.2km
- Location: Litchfield National Park, NT
The national parks in Australia's Top End near Darwin are popular destinations for family trips to the Outback. This northern landscape offers more greenery and waterfalls in comparison to the Red Centre. Litchfield National Park is just about an hour from Darwin, so it makes a convenient day trip for families. The Florence Creek Walk is an easy stroll that trails along Florence Creek and connects two of the park's top attractions: Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. Take the kids for a refreshing swim after your scenic walk!
Bardedjilidji Walk
- Distance: 2.5km
- Location: Kakadu National Park, NT
Kakadu National Park is one of Australia's most legendary parks, and it's a popular Outback destination for all types of travellers. Many of the walks in Kakadu are challenging, but the Bardedjilidji Walk is an excellent option for kids. Families can walk along this diverse trail and admire ancient rock art, towering sandstone pillars, intriguing natural caves, and mystical monsoon rainforests in the heart of Kakadu.
Mamukala Wetlands Walk
- Distance: 3km
- Location: Kakadu National Park, NT
Another kid-friendly walk in Kakadu National Park is the Mamukala Wetlands Walk. Taking an average of 1.5 hours to complete, this easy walk takes visitors through the pristine wetlands of the Top End. Kids who love wildlife will have a blast spotting native birds, as this is one of the park's best birdwatching spots. If you're lucky, you may even spot other wildlife hanging out around the billabong, such as a wallaby or crocodile.
Spinifex Circuit
- Distance: 500m
- Location: Lark Quarry Conservation Park, QLD
Lark Quarry Conservation Park is a beloved destination in Outback Queensland because of its incredible dinosaur footprints and fossils! This site has evidence of a dinosaur stampede from 95 million years ago and has thousands of dinosaur footprints that will amaze people of all ages. Bring your kids along the Dinosaur Trackways and learn about the extinct giants from a local guide. Afterwards, stroll along the short Spinifex Circuit for panoramic views of the Outback desert.
Mickey Creek Gorge
- Distance: 3km
- Location: Carnarvon National Park, QLD
Another one of the best walks with kids in the Outback is Mickey Creek Gorge in Carnarvon National Park. This beautiful destination in the Central Highlands of Queensland showcases rugged natural wonders and wildlife. Mickey Creek Gorge is one of the most kid-friendly walks. It's an easy trail that includes a bit of rock hopping and is great for keeping adventurous, energetic kids entertained.
Knox Gorge Lookout Walk
- Distance: 200m
- Location: Karijini National Park, WA
Located in the remote deserts of Western Australia, Karijini National Park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Outback. Most hikes here are challenging treks along gorges, valleys, and mountains, but the Knox Gorge Lookout Walk is suitable for all ages. The walk only takes 15 minutes and brings you to Know Gorge Lookout where you can marvel at the jagged red cliff faces. Try the walk at sunrise or sunset for an extra special view!
Yardie Creek Nature Trail
- Distance: 2km
- Location: Cape Range National Park, WA
The Yardie Creek Nature Trail is one of the best walks with kids on Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast. This serene walk follows Yardie Creek through the otherworldly landscapes of Cape Range National Park. Admire the tranquil creek and gaze out to the vibrant sapphire waters of Ningaloo Reef. At the end of the Yardie Creek Nature Trail, the Yardie Gorge Trail begins. This is a short but difficult trail that is only recommended for fit hikers, so those with kids may want to skip this part.
Hills Homestead Walk
- Distance: 6.6km
- Location: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA
As the largest mountain range in South Australia, the Flinders Ranges are home to an abundance of Outback wonders. One of these is the Hills Homestead Walk, beginning at Wilpena Visitor Centre. Though the track is pretty long at over 6km in total, it's an easy walk that is great for kids. You'll walk through flourishing forests and possibly spot wildlife such as echidnas or kangaroos. You can also check out the Hills Homestead and learn about the historic Outback building and its original inhabitants.
Walls of China Walk
- Distance: 500m
- Location: Mungo National Park, NSW
The Walls of China in Mungo National Park is one of the coolest viewpoints in Outback New South Wales. Here you can view ancient rock formations known as lunettes, which are formed by wind and erosion in the midst of the desert. The easy, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk provides uninterrupted views of the Walls of China as well as other Mungo National Park highlights including ancient Aboriginal relics.
