The Top 10 Family Friendly Bushwalks near Melbourne (2023)

1. Sherbrooke Falls Trail - 2.5km return. This popular trail in the Dandenong Ranges features stunning views of Sherbrooke Falls and a variety of plant and animal life. Helpful tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Be sure to follow the signs and stay on the designated paths to protect the natural environment.

2. Dandenong Ranges National Park - Varies. This beautiful area just outside of Melbourne offers a variety of bushwalks to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Helpful tip: Be sure to check the weather before you go, as some of the walks can be slippery and muddy after rain. Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the many trails, and pack plenty of water and snacks.

3. Lysterfield Park - Varies. This park in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne offers plenty of walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. Helpful tip: Bring along a map or download a trail guide from the park's website to help navigate the many trails. Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.

4. Werribee Gorge State Park - Varies. This park is located about an hour west of Melbourne and offers some of the most challenging and scenic bushwalks in the region. Helpful tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as some of the walks can be steep and rocky. Pack a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

5. Organ Pipes National Park - 1.6km return. This unique park is located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and features stunning rock formations known as the Organ Pipes. Helpful tip: Be sure to bring a camera to capture the unique scenery, and wear sturdy shoes as some of the tracks can be uneven. Pack plenty of water and snacks.

6. Cape Schanck Boardwalk - 3.5km return. This scenic boardwalk on the Mornington Peninsula offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Helpful tip: Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the area can be quite exposed. Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack plenty of water and snacks.

7. Braeside Park - Varies. This park in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne offers a variety of walking and cycling tracks, as well as opportunities for bird watching and picnicking. Helpful tip: Be sure to bring binoculars if you're interested in bird watching, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Pack plenty of water and snacks.

8. Williamstown Botanic Gardens - Varies. This beautiful botanical garden in the western suburbs of Melbourne offers a variety of walking tracks and scenic views. Helpful tip: Take your time and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning flora and fauna. Pack plenty of water and snacks.

9. Banksia Park to Westerfolds Park - Varies. This scenic trail along the Yarra River offers a variety of walking and cycling tracks, as well as opportunities for picnicking and wildlife spotting. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen.

10. Yarra Bend Park - Varies. This park is located just a few kilometers from Melbourne's CBD and offers a variety of walking tracks, as well as scenic views of the Yarra River. Helpful tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on one of the many picnic tables or grassy areas. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Look out for the Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and explore the fascinating history of the area.

Are you ready to get out and explore the great outdoors with your little ones? These 10 family-friendly bushwalks near Melbourne are the perfect way to do just that. So grab your water bottles and sunscreen, and hit the trails!