Whist we attended the amazing Rainforest World Music Festival we took a day to visit the nearby Bako National Park.

This wonderfully remote, wildlife-rich National Park is a truly incredible place to visit and offers diverse flora and fauna, including amazingly close sightings of rare and endangered Borneo monkeys.

How do you get to Bako National Park?

There are no direct roads to Bako National Park so you must pay for a boat ride (or inclusive tour) to get there. You can pre-book a Bako National Park with Sea Stacks tour or Bako National Park from Kuching City tour on Trip Advisor, or alternatively make your own way there and book a boat (and a guide if you wish) when you get there.

Watch our Bako Boat ride video to see what it’s like!

Watch the video of our boat ride to Bako National Park…

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Bako National Park Day Tour

We went to Bako National Park on a day tour with everything included. We had a picturesque and informative coach ride with a tour guide. The coach ride took less than an hour from Damai Beach Resort and brought us to the Bako Jetty Terminal at the charming traditional Bako fishing village.

It’s here you catch a boat to Bako NP.

National Park entrance at Bako Jetty Terminal

Inside the Bako Jetty Terminal is a kiosk, a registration area to pay for your Bako National Park entry fee (10RM per adult for Malaysian nationals and 20RM for non-Malaysians) and a boat booking service. You can also get information about the park and also hire park guides if you would like one. You will need some cash to pay for any kiosk purchases such as water here and at the Visitor Center inside the Bako National Park.

How much does a boat ride to Bako National Park cost?

Tourists from outside of Borneo are charged about 40RM, Malaysians 30RM for a boat ride from the fishing village to Bako National Park return. For around 200RM you can opt to charter a boat privately.

At the Bako Jetty we boarded local motor boats along with an experienced guide and pilot for an exciting ride up the river to the sea, and the entrance to this very special Borneo national park.

How long is the boat ride to Bako National Park?

It takes around twenty minutes to motor boat from the Bako Jetty to the Bako National Park entrance jetty. We soon arrived and disembarked at the jetty for the short walk to the Bako National Park Visitor’s Centre.

During our walk to the Bako National Park Visitor’s Center our guide pointed out a native green viper snake in a tree, just an arm’s reach away!

I have limited mobility – how accessible is Bako National Park?

A trip to Bako National Park is not wheelchair accessible.

The motor boats carry around half a dozen people and are small but steady. There are some scrambling steps and some balancing mobility required to board and alight from the boats, plus some steps up and down at the jetties. You are given a hand in and out of the boats.

At the National Park there is a ten minute, level dirt path walk to the Visitor’s Center which is located next to a beach.

The Jungle Hikes do require good mobility and reasonable fitness due to them being uneven and slippery in places with some small, steep climbs.

Do you need to go for a jungle trek to see wildlife at Bako?

No. You can see a lot of wildlife in the Visitor’s Center area without going for any additional walks, including wild boars (that are actually quite quiet) and all kinds of monkeys.

See Proboscis Monkeys in the wild

We were privileged to witness all three resident Bako monkey breeds at very close proximity near the Bako National Park Visitor Center.

Long Tailed Macaques, Silvered Langur (Silvered Leaf) Monkeys and the endangered Proboscis Monkeys with their distinctive long noses were all around the Visitor’s Center, plus we saw more Proboscis Monkeys later on our hiking trail in the rainforests.

Our expert guide made sure that we got very close to wildlife without disturbing them, and the feeling of seeing these beautiful, rare animals in the wild was incredible! Every body there was thrilled to have actually seen them close-up. It was more than we could have ever wished for!

Bearded Pigs at Bako Visitor Center

A family of Bearded Pigs were also snuffling around at the Bako National Park Visitors Centre and looked very cute! It was exciting to see them at such comfortable close range, they barely seemed to notice us at all!

Lunch at the Bako National Park Visitor’s Center

We enjoyed a filling lunch at the Bako Visitor’s Center.

The Visitor’s Center was a great place to enjoy lunch and obtain extra information on the various species of animals at the park, use the restrooms and to buy more water, snacks and other refreshments.

A jungle trek at Bako National Park

After lunch we went on a beautiful hike through stunning rainforest.

The jungle trek started out with raised walkways and soon diverged into narrow jungle trail. The going was quite good underfoot with some slippery wet patches and short, steep up and downs. There were exposed tree roots to navigate, but overall the trail was clear and easy to follow.

There was lots to learn from our knowledgeable guide along the way as he pointed out a random hermit crab on a high section of the trail, and showed us how locals utilised native plants.

Within half an hour we had emerged onto a beautiful palm-fringed beach. There we had the convenience of being picked up by our motor boats to continue our Bako National Park adventure!

Exploring the Bako National Park Sea Stacks by boat

Our motor boats continued on up the coast to the nearby sea stacks. These famous rock formations were amazing to see close-up, and we were given some time to cruise around them slowly and take them all in.

After we had seen our fill our boats turned for home, back to the fishing village and Bako Jetty.

Before we knew it we were saying goodbye to our Bako National Park guide and once again boarding our coach to return to the Damai Beach Resort and the Rainforest World Music Festival, ready for the night’s entertainment.

What an adventurous day we had at the wonderful Bako National Park!

Watch our Bako National Park Day Trip videos to see what it’s like!

Watch these videos of our wonderful day trip to Bako National Park…

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

For more information about accessing and visiting the Bako National Park you can visit the official website here.

Are you visiting the Rainforest World Music Festival? Buy your tickets on Klook

We always buy our online tickets using Klook – an official ticket reseller of Rainforest Music Festival tickets! Tickets for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 will go on sale around April 2024.

Go to Klook to buy discounted Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 tickets online

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about attending the Bako National Park? Ask me in the comments below!

You may also like to read the following family travel blogs for Kuching, Malaysia…

Damai Beach Resort review – Kuching accommodation

Rainforest World Music Festival review, Kuching, Malaysia

Disclaimers: This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!
The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Sarawak Tourism for this trip to Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo, including our day trip to the Bako National Park in Kuching, Sarawak.  As always, all opinions are our own.
All prices and times quoted were correct at October 2023, the time of publishing this article, but can change frequently. Please always re-check for current prices.

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The National Pass bushwalk

Without a doubt, the National Pass trail has to be one of the most incredible bushwalks in Australia.

Traversing and descending stunning, jagged cliffs in the beautiful Blue Mountains, this challenging bushwalk eventually leads down into lush rainforest to the base of a 100 metre cascading waterfall.

During this bushwalk you’ll cross the top of the magnificent Wentworth Falls and walk along a trail steeped in history. First opened in 1908, the National Pass was the winner of a Blue Mountains tourism attraction competition. The upper section was built directly into the side of a sheer cliff, and towers 100 metres above the valley floor. The National Pass trail was restored in 2008.

There are interesting historical and flora and fauna information signs along the way. There are incredible views across the Jamison Valley, both along the way via a series of lookouts, and straight from the trail itself.

No time to read? Watch our National Pass bushwalking video

No time to read? Watch our video tour of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel here.

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Where is the start of the National Pass trail?

The National Pass trail is located in the Blue Mountains National Park at Wentworth Falls, a small town located in the Blue Mountains of NSW.

Directions to the National Pass hike

By car

Tip: Put “Wentworth Falls” into your phone or car’s navigation system – “Wentworth Falls Picnic Area” is not recognised by Apple Maps.

To get to the start of the National Pass trail by car, from Sydney drive up the M4 Motorway towards Penrith. Passing Penrith, continue up into the Blue Mountains onto the Great Western Highway. Continue on to the town of Wentworth Falls, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from Penrith.

At the town of Wentworth Falls turn left into Falls Road and follow it to the end. At the end turn to the right, following the signs to the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area carpark and park your car. You’ll need to walk from here.

This is also a nice place to stop for a picnic, and there is a public toilet block here too. Below is a detailed map of Wentworth Falls to the carpark (marked as B) from the NSW National Parks website.

From the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area Carpark walk past the Jamison Lookout and 300 metres along Sir H Burrell Drive to the Wentworth Falls Lookout. There is a hard paved footpath alongside of the road, making both the upper Lookouts wheelchair accessible.

Directly next to the Wentworth Falls Lookout is the start of the Wentworth Falls Track bushwalking trails. There is an excellent signage system to direct you all the way to the start of the National Pass trail via the Wentworth Track.

By train

Currently closed From Sydney, catch a train on the Main Western Sydney rail line to Wentworth Falls station and proceed to the Charles Darwin Walk across the Great Western Highway to bush walk and meet with the National Pass trail. (2.5km).

How hard is it to walk the National Pass bushwalk?

It will take you around 30 minutes of good underfoot bushwalking down a dirt, descending path – the Wentworth Falls Track – to make your way to the head of the Wentworth Falls waterfall crossing leading to the entry and upper cliff section of the National Pass trail. Some parts of the trail can be wet and slippery after rain and around the waterfall.

The spectacular built-in upper cliff section of the National Pass trail is solid rock underfoot, wide and easy to walk along. It leads to the hardest part of the National Pass walk – the descent into the valley, and the base of the Wentworth Falls. If you are worried about the steep staircases, or have very young children, it may be best to turn around before you get to this point. After all, you’ve already completed a beautiful bushwalk, and viewed the waterfall from above and alongside!

Steep stone staircases

Three very long, steep stone stairs lead down the cliffside. It takes firm, steady hands and a slow descent to make your way down safely. Children would need to be closely supervised. Cables are attached to the cliff side of the stairs, and sturdy metal handrails are on the outer edge of the stairs to give you something to hold onto. Taken slowly and surely with rest stops in between each flight, for the reasonably fit individual, this descent – and ascent – is absolutely manageable.

What is at the bottom of the National Pass cliff descent?

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you are met with lush rainforest and the simply stunning Wentworth Falls raining down into pools and rivulets. Huge plumes of mist float through the air, and towering cliffs provide a spectacular backdrop.

This beautiful oasis is a fitting reward for your hard work to get down to the bottom of such high cliffs! Sit and take it in, enjoy the beautiful surroundings. When you’re ready, it’s time to retrace your steps back to the car!

The lower half of the National Pass Blue Mountains trail is currently closed

The complete National Pass Trail loop can’t be walked at the moment due to a long section of the trail along the valley floor (heading to the Valley Of The Waters) being closed due to rockfalls and landslides (current at Winter 2022). It’s anticipated that this is a temporary closure. This does mean that your National Park bushwalk needs to be a turnaround walk, retracing your steps back up the cliffs the way you came – at least until the trail is reopened.

The perfect Blue Mountains Instagram location

The sheer cliff section of National Pass before starting to descend to the base of the valley also happens to be the perfect spot for a unique photo or Instagram shot. Rounding a blind corner and seemingly suspended over thin air, this is a photo that never fails to amaze! Ask fellow bushwalkers to take a photo of you from the top of the staircase leading towards the cliff corner for a the perfect photo. You don’t even have to do the most difficult part of the trail if you don’t want to, because it is AFTER the dramatic cliffside location!

How long does it take to do the National Pass bushwalk?

It took myself and my teenage girls three hours return to walk all the way to the bottom and return the same way. We walked at a leisurely pace, stopping for rests and to enjoy the various lookouts and vistas, and took a little time at the base of the waterfall too. It was a truly hike and made some more lovely family memories together for us to treasure.

National Pass handy information

What to wear: Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and water.
In winter: Wear warm clothes and take extra layers – it gets very cold and even snows in the Blue Mountains on occasion.
Is it safe for families?:  Closely supervise children capable of descending long flights of stairs – I wouldn’t recommend taking small children, as you will be supporting yourself on the staircases and so it would be difficult to carry or support them safely too.
Stay on the trail: This is a cliffside bushwalk. Don’t attempt to climb any barriers or stray from the clearly marked trail to preserve flora and fauna and stay safe.
Find out more:  Find out more about the National Pass, including trail updates and closures at the NSW National Parks official website here.

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The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a must-see when visiting Canberra. It’s full of native wildlife, has a great adventure playground and plays host to numerous beautiful Canberra bushwalks.

One of the top-ten things to do in Canberra

An incredibly beautiful corner of Australia, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is nestled in a valley surrounded by the stunning Tidbinbilla ranges. Huge, eucalypt-covered mountains contain a vast array of Australian native flora and fauna. All yours to see and explore via a network of well-maintained mountain and valley trails.

Access within Tidbinbilla is simple via a central “Ring Road” with several carparks branching off it. These areas often have attached picnic table areas and public toilets.

It’s almost impossible to visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and NOT see Australian wildlife here. On the open plains which the ring road passes through, Kangaroos graze and rest in groups. Rare Rock Wallabies have a special habitat too, hopping about in the foothills. A koala area is a mere stroll from a nearby carpark. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve truly is a mecca for Australian wildlife and nature lovers.

Our list of favourite things to do at Tidbinbilla

My family has been lucky enough to have visited Tidbinbilla many times over the years, Whilst I have enjoyed all of these with my kids, most of these activities will suit everyone – whether you are bushwalking alone, as a couple, with friends or family. Whether you live in Canberra and have an annual pass, or are visiting Canberra and visiting just for the day. In no particular order, here are my Tidbinbilla highlights for visitors:

Go on a Canberra picnic with kangaroos

There are several picnic areas scattered around Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where you can sit and picnic whilst watching wild kangaroos graze nearby. There is no wild animal feeding at Tidbinbilla to keep both animals and humans safe in the reserve.

A couple of these picnic areas you will come across almost immediately upon entering the reserve are Dalsetta on the right, and Flints on the left (all marked on the free Tidbinbilla map available from the front entrance). They are also trail setting-off points.

(It’s also very possible to spot kangaroos around the Visitors Centre before even entering the park if you’re super-short on time!)

Do the wheelchair accessible Koala Path walk

For a sure-thing sighting of koalas, go for a walk along the Koala Path at Eucalypt Forest. There is a Koala enclosure at the start where you can see koalas close up, and at only 700 metres, this level, wheel chair accessible loop trail is a must-do at Tidbinbilla – particularly if you love seeing koalas (and surely that’s everyone, right?!).

Do the wheel chair accessible Sanctuary walk – see Platypus and more!

Another wheel chair friendly trail loop around huge and beautiful water ponds, pools and dams is the Sanctuary. This gorgeous, level and peaceful walk incorporates hard, wide paths with long bridges spanning peaceful waterways chock-full of water birds and other native animals.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to see a lot of native wildlife that you’ll rarely get the opportunity to see anywhere else in Australia in such a natural setting, like the small but industrious Platypus. Don’t miss this one!

Take the kids to the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground

A favourite Canberra adventure playground of many Canberran parents is the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground, which is fantastic for kids of all ages. It includes a tiny tots play area, plus a big climbing frame, a huge twin slide and flying fox – all big enough for primary school aged children right up to teenagers.

There are a couple of shaded picnic tables at the top of the playground, and also large picnic grounds featuring covered areas and a toilet block just below the playground at Sheedys.

Watch our video of the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground

Watch this video to see what visiting the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground is like…

Bushwalks for beginners to advanced

A big highlight of visiting Tidbinbilla is going for a walk. From the long and difficult Gibraltar Peak hike to the gentle, flat Sanctuary stroll, there are a myriad of great walks and bushwalks at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, all well-signposted. This includes wheel chair accessible trails to makes sure everyone can get out there to enjoy the beautiful scenery and animals.

Tidbinbilla Hanging Rock short, easy bushwalk

The Hanging Rock bushwalk trail leads you through towering gum trees to a large, rocky outcrop which local Aboriginal people once used for shelter. Only 500 metres return, Hanging Rock is a short, gentle bushwalk suitable for those who are short on time, or perhaps aren’t able to walk very far, but still want to enjoy a walk through the beautiful Tidbinbilla bushland. It also makes a great introductory family-friendly bushwalk for those with toddlers who may tire more quickly. With it’s level, short path, it’s great for little ones to run along without coming to any harm.

Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop moderate bushwalk

One of our favourite bush walks at Tidbinbilla is only 1.8km long. The Cascades Loop is classed as “moderate” in difficulty, however it is big on beauty. It takes my family about one hour to complete this trail at a very gentle pace. My kids have been hiking the Cascades Loop since my youngest was about 6 years old, so it’s definitely do-able with school-age kids.

The Cascades Loop bushwalk encircles a very small and beautiful waterfall cascade and stream. Along the way it takes you up the foothills into the eucalypts, across quaint bridges spanning bubbling streams, and passes by huge boulders set deep in ferny gullies. There is a bit of uphill walking involved including rock stairs, but you don’t need to be a super-fit hiker.

The trail is wide dirt and mostly good underfoot, with a few short rocky sections or inclines. This is also a great trail for a hot day, as there’s plenty of shade. If you’re still wanting more at the end of the Cascades loop, you continue on to the Lyrebird loop and double the distance – and the fun!

To get to the Cascades trail start, head along the Tidbinbilla Ring Road until you reach the right-hand Mountain Creek turn off. Follow the road to the carpark at the end and follow the signs.

Watch our video of the Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop bushwalk

Watch this video to see what hiking the Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop bushwalk is like…

Important info and tips

• Bring your sunscreen, hat, drinking water and walking shoes
• Drinking water & free maps are available from the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre
• Don’t feed or pet the animals – this can be threatening to both animals and humans
• Don’t stray off the walking trails and do walk within your physical limits
• Sign the bushwalk registration book at the start of each trail (where provided)
• Be aware that there is little or no mobile phone coverage at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Where is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve?

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located off Paddy’s Road/Tidbinbilla Road, approximately 40 minutes drive from Canberra’s city centre in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

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We were lucky to spend some time in Lakes Entrance recently, and discovered a fantastic beach and bush walk which is very family-friendly. Full of stunning scenic views, historic buildings and a lovely formed path to return along.

No time to read about it? Check out the video of our own walk with everything you need to know, here!

To get to the start of the walk, when you arrive at Lakes Entrance, cross the long footbridge across to the surf lifesaving club and 90 Mile Beach. Here you can choose whether to walk up the beach, or take the formed path.

We decided to walk up the beach, and return via the path. The path is easier going, which works well with children who may be tiring towards the end of the 4.7km walk – that’s around 2 to 2.5 hours at a kid’s pace.

Turn right to follow the beach all the way along to the end. The beach itself is stunning. Gorgeous white sand, rolling crystal-blue waves crashing against the shore and views for miles. If the tide is high, you may find you need to walk through the parallel sand dunes in some places.

Eventually, this will bring you around to the actual man-made “Entrance” to the Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes. Here you’ll find stone break-walls, surging tides and lots of seals playing in the rock-edged passage of the entrance, too. They are lots of fun to watch for a while, as they dive and play in the waves!

As if that wasn’t enough to see, continue around the head to find a look-out hill to climb, then back down and onward to an operational boat jetty, the antique Lady Harriet’s barge and several historical cottages to poke around.

This is the perfect spot for a sheltered picnic or barbeque. A bush toilet block is also conveniently located here, but bring your own drinking water along.

For your return-trip, follow the signs to follow the formed, sign-posted path all the way back. This is a charming bush walk which is easy-going and features many picturesque forest and rainforest-type ferns and plants along the way. It also offers lovely views across the inner Lake.

Follow the path all the way back to the footbridge to cross back over to the town of Lakes Entrance. Time to buy everyone an ice cream – you deserve it!

How to get to Lakes Entrance

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The girls and I have been on a lot of bushwalks together – it’s a great way to escape the everyday, relax and have fun together in the great outdoors.

You don’t need any special equipment, fitness or know-how to go for a family bushwalk – just pack the essentials (which you probably already have – see our 5 essentials for a fun family bushwalk infographic here), grab the kids and go!

That’s just what I did when we were lucky enough to be invited to spend some time at Wombeyan Caves recently – and experienced an extra-special bushwalk which we want to share with you!

Read all about how to get there, where to stay and what to do in our Wombeyan Caves feature article here

Our chosen hike, the Mares Forest Creek Track, is one of the best bushwalks we’ve ever done. It has everything a great bushwalk should – plus three special reasons that set this bushwalk apart from all the others.  So without further ado, here are our top three reasons why you need to take your kids on the Wombeyan Caves Mares Forest Creek bushwalk!

1 – Native animals are everywhere at Wombeyan

Kangaroos and wallabies and lyrebirds….oh my! You are going to see so much native wildlife in and around Wombeyan you simply won’t believe it – and most of them are really quiet!

We started out on our hike fairly early in the morning – be sure to grab a free map of the walk from the Wombeyan Caves information centre before you go. The complete bushwalk is 3.2kms long, and  takes around one and a half hours return, which is the perfect amount of time for the whole family to enjoy themselves and not get too tired or worn-out.

Leaving from the Wombeyan Caves Visitors Information Centre, by now you will have already seen a lot of kangaroos – they are all around the camping and cabin areas, near the visitors centre…even as you cross the footbridge and head up the wide hillside path (which also leads to all of the Wombeyan Caves entrances – buy a ticket before you leave to see these magnificent caves).

As well as kangaroos and wallabies, there are some really wonderful views back over the valley from this hill path, and a lookout with seats part of the way up.

From the top of the hill, follow the sign to the Mares bushwalk. The track is easy to follow, clear and good underfoot. There are some ups and downs, but mostly the path is undulating with beautiful sweeping valley views.

As you approach the end of the track, the going ranges from easy to moderately steep, but with a helping hand and close supervision, school age kids can manage perfectly well.

2 – The Tinted Cave

The Tinted Cave is a beautiful family-friendly cave close to the end of the Mares Forest Creek bushwalk track. This lovely little cave is open to the public and requires no admission ticket or token to enter.

The cave has push-button timed lighting installed, hand rails or cables, and is easy to navigate. It can be handy to have your smart phone along to use as a torch for the darkest sections, but it’s really not essential.

An important note – if you see any “wild”, or unlit, caves in the Wombeyan Caves Karst Reserve area they are not open to the public – for your own safety and the cave’s preservation, please keep out!

There are some lovely, illuminated stalactite and stalagmite formations in the Tinted Cave, but perhaps it’s biggest feature is that when you emerge from the other end, it opens out onto a natural rock balcony which overlooks the Limestone Gorge (otherwise known as the Marble Canyon).

Once you catch sight of the Marble Canyon, you’re probably going to want to get down there as quickly as possible – because it is just spectacular! You’ll need to retrace your steps back through the Tinted Cave to continue on down to what has to be one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in New South Wales.

3 – A stunning natural swimming spot

When you have finished exploring the Tinted Cave (it’s so much fun, we went back into the cave on the way back up, too!), continue on down the path to access the river and the Marble Canyon.

The trail down involves a steep-ish descent. Take care with your younger children here, as there are no hand-rails. There is a flight of concrete stairs situated at the bottom section of the trail to help you negotiate your way down and back up more easily.

Once you reach the bottom, there is a raised metal walk way running alongside the river for a short distance.

The Marble Canyon is such a beautiful place – a tumbling, bubbling river strewn with large boulders – very wide and shallow in some parts, narrow and rocky in others with crystal-clear, clean water. Soaring rock walls on either side make this a particularly spectacular bushland swimming spot – don’t forget your lilo in summer!

The kids can climb and explore to their hearts content at the Marble Canyon

The return bushwalk

When it’s time to set off back, you can either return back along the same bushwalk trail, or add a bit of variety and turn right at the sign post to hike across the valley and join up with the Junction Cave Track which runs along the other side of the valley. This effectively turns your bushwalk into a loop.

Returning via this linking trail is very scenic and doesn’t add much distance on at all, however it does involve another short but steep-ish descent/ascent through a dry river bed. Therefore, parents carrying or assisting very young children at this point may perhaps prefer to return using the same bush track they came along, as it is easier going.

Oh, and one extra reason that mum and dad are going to love – this bushwalk doesn’t cost a cent. It’s absolutely free!

The Mares Forest Creek Track is a really enjoyable bushwalk with the reward of a fun cave to explore at the end and a fantastic swimming canyon river – your family is going to love it!

Wombeyan Caves is located in rural NSW, Australia – a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney or 2.5 hour drive from Canberra. You can do this one-and-a-half hour bushwalk easily during a day trip, but I recommend you consider making a weekend of it – not just so that you can take it easy, but also because there’s so much to see and do at Wombeyan – 3 big caves to tour, 3 separate bushwalks and beautiful camping grounds or cabins to stay in (You can read more about Wombeyan Caves accommodation and activities in our feature here).

The Let’s Go Mum family were invited guests at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. As always, all opinions are our own.

Do you like to go bushwalking with the kids? Tell us your best spots in the comments below…

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We’ve just spent a wonderful few days at Wombeyan Caves, located in NSW. Run by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, this gorgeous little valley is truly a secret treasure for Sydney, Canberra and surrounds families to discover – it’s the perfect place to go play with the family exploring caves, bushwalking and swimming, or just kick-back and relax surrounded by beauty!

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve

As we drove down the windy little road into the valley that is the Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve, we were struck by its astounding beauty. Tall poplars (amazing right now, as they turn golden in autumn) and old gum trees combine with rolling green plains for a stunning effect.

Among the trees, cosy campsites are scattered about. Not only does Wombeyan feature caves and bushwalks, it also has beautiful campgrounds for tents and caravans, plus on-site cabins to stay in. All of this makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Sydney or Canberra.

Kids play, ride bikes and wander about unhindered. This is family holidaying at its best – far away from civilisation, and in its own little world of nature – plus caving and bushwalking adventures to be had!

One of the best places to see wild Kangaroos in Australia

If you’ve always wanted to see, or show your children kangaroos in the wild, this has to be one of the best locations in Australia to see them. Quiet, almost tame family mobs of kangaroos, and even wallabies, graze around the edges of the idyllic camping area. You can literally stroll right up to them and watch them at close-quarters. They are always there, rain or shine, grazing, sleeping and…well, hopping about! It’s a real treat to have these furry neighbours living right alongside of the campers!

The Wombeyan Caves

Without a doubt, the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is most famous for its incredible caves. The limestone and marble Wombeyan Caves system is a natural marvel, and you can walk and climb right through the three caves which are open to the public for admission price.

An important point to mention here, is that entry to any wild (unlit) caves at Wombeyan is illegal and highly dangerous without an experienced guide  – both to the trespassers and also the caves. So make sure that you buy an admission ticket, and only stick to the official caves!

It’s historically known that the outer areas of the caves (at least) were frequented by local Aborigines for thousands of years, and the caves were first European-discovered by John Oxley in 1828. In the early days, cave tours were done by candle-light!

To access any of the Wombeyan Caves, it’s a ten minute walk from the Visitor Information Centre to the top of the hill where the guided tours meet, or in the case of the Fig Tree Cave, another five minute stroll over the hill and down to the cave entrance. As you walk up, you may be lucky enough to hear the bellbirds like we did – here is a short video so that you can have a listen…

The path up the hill features spectacular views back over the valley. As with any of the high paths, it’s a good idea to closely supervision younger children as you walk up, due to the steep sides.

Native wildlife is everywhere at Wombeyan, and the path up to the top of the hill is no exception. Bell Birds call to each other in the trees. Kangaroos pop up everywhere. Lyrebirds rustle through the undergrowth. We even came across a pair of Red Necked Wallabies right next to the path. The best of it is that the wildlife is all so quiet and accepting of people – you can get quite close before they even think about moving away.

At the top of the hill is the meeting spot for the two-guided tour caves.

Three caves are currently open to the general public to view and explore, and we test-ran all three of them for you so that you can choose which cave best-suits your family.

Cave no. 1 – The Fig Tree Cave – allow about one hour – self-guided

Difficulty: Easy
Cave Ladders: 0

Especially suits: families with very young children or visitors with limited time at Wombeyan

The Fig Tree Cave is the only Wombeyan Cave which visitors explore via a self-guided tour. This means you pay admission at the Wombeyan Caves Visitors Centre first ($20 adult/$13 concession-child) and are given an access token. You then walk up and over the hill to the cave entrance, located approximately 15 minutes walk away, where you can access and explore the cave unaccompanied by a guide.

The cave entrance is an iron door with a token slot – insert your token, and pull open the door, and you’re presented with a narrow, rocky set of stairs descending into the cave!

The children were just astounded with this disappearing-into-the-side-of-a-hill act. They couldn’t believe they were actually going to walk inside a hill – just like an adventure story! It was wonderful fun to watch their reactions and excitement.

Inside this beautiful cave are several chambers containing well-lit spectacles of limestone splendour. Enormous stalactites, stalagmites and columns are all the way along.

Being a self-guided tour, there are points to stop and listen to an audio commentary. This coordinates with a clever lighting system which highlights special features – and reveals amazing spaces, such as the “Opera House Cavern”. In the Fig Tree Cave you’ll also find amazing stone formations such as the Colonnades, the Galleries and the Marble Way.

The trick of the whole adventure is getting the kids to slow-down and actually listen to the fascinating audio – we probably achieved this…well, maybe half the time!

The cave is brilliant for families with young children because it is so easy to navigate, and feels very safe. Walkways are well-lit, smooth and even, and are lined with continuous chrome-metal handrails.

The handrails also help with negotiating several short flights of rock/cement stairs, and narrow – sometimes low-hanging – rock passages. The constantly winding, climbing and descending passageway is actually a lot of fun!Eventually – perhaps 45 minutes after entering the cave – we reached the bottom to emerge inside of the magnificent Victoria Arch – a natural rock arch of astounding size and beauty. We were initially all struck speechless at its wonder!

From Victoria Arch and the cave exit, it is a mere two-minute, level walk back to the car park. The funny thing is, once you emerge from the Figtree Cave, you feel like turning around and going back in – it’s that fascinating!

Cave no. 2: The Wollondilly Cave – 1½ hour guided tour

Difficulty: Moderate
Cave Ladders: 5

A little about cave ladders and kids

Cave no. 3: The Junction Cave – 1½ hour guided tour

Difficulty: Moderate
Cave Ladders: 4

Especially suits: families with school aged children, up – visitors with more time (due to cave’s slightly farther-away location)

Bushwalking trails

The caves aren’t the only fun family activity to do together at Wombeyan – there are also several bushwalks! There are three marked walking trails radiating out from the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve – the Waterfall Walk (4kms, 2 hours), Mares Forest Creek Walk (3.2km, 1.5 hours – includes a crystal-clear river swimming area, which is great for the summer months) and the Karst Walk (a shorter loop near the valley).

To learn more about bushwalking safely with children, see our 5 essentials for a fun family bushwalk in Australia article here

We decided on bushwalking the Mares Forest Creek Walk – and it would have to be one of the best family bushwalks in NSW, if not Australia. This picturesque bush walk took us through beautiful bushland along well-formed trails with stunning views, all the way to the fascinating Tinted Cave and the Limestone Gorge (otherwise known as the Marble Canyon). The river running through the Canyon makes an amazing natural Summer swimming spot. (You can read all about our Wombeyan Caves Mares Forest Bushwalk in our up-coming special feature).

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve Accommodation

Wombeyan Caves Reserve is a simply beautiful place to stay, and there are several accommodation options to choose from. The perfect weekend getaway from Sydney or Canberra, staying a night or two at Wombeyan Karst Reserve is the perfect way to see the caves and do one or two bushwalks as well. Plus you’ll have some time to take it easy and just enjoy being there. Huge trees, masses of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and lyrebirds to name just a few – this is a hidden paradise, unspoiled by modern times. As in all National Parks, no pets and no smoking are allowed.

The Wombeyan Caves Caravan and Cabin Park

Our two-bedroom cabin

Wombeyan Caves budget accommodation – the campground camping area

The Wombeyan Caves camping area is just a little farther down the road from the caravan park. Tent and caravan campsites are located next to a large clearing where families of kangaroos and wallabies graze day and night.

There are limited powered sites at the campground which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whilst you don’t need to book for unpowered tent sites, you do need to book if you are bringing a caravan or camper trailer – particularly in the school holidays (see the telephone number in info at the end of this article for bookings).

There are formed campfire sites to sit around and toast your marshmallows over too, but you do need to bring your own firewood in with you.

The Camp Kitchen

Wombeyan Caves Campground is very well serviced. There is an attractive stone camp kitchen and dining room building available to all. The communal kitchen contains large ovens, cook-top stoves, kitchen sinks, a hot water urn, jug and a fridge. The large dining room next door features a large wood-fire, and provides a place to eat and relax out of the weather.

No, or limited mobile phone service – welcome to a genuine holiday getaway!

As we drove up, out of the valley, campfires were springing to life as the evening closed in, their hazy smoke snaking up into the valley sky. Kangaroos peacefully grazed in the twilight. It was a surreal scene of family camping bliss which we were very sorry to be leaving. We certainly look forward to our next visit to Wombeyan Caves.

Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve useful info

Wombeyan Caves is an excellent New South Wales destination for a day-trip, weekend getaway or  relaxing holiday where you can escape the rat-race and get back to nature – with some fun adventurous exploring on the side. The Caves, wildlife and bushwalks will keep you and the family as busy as you want to be – or just take it easy and soak up the peacefulness and beauty of this magical location. You can choose your own family adventure!

Run by NSW National Parks, Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve is open year-round, weather permitting (with the exception of Christmas Day for the Visitors Centre).

Accommodation booking and price information

Camping fees information
Unpowered camp sites for tents and caravans (no prior booking necessary) are from *$15 per adult or *$39 per family per night.

Cabins pricing information
Standard cabin 2-night school holidays or weekend stay: *$272 for 2 adults, *$289 per family (2 adults, children up to age 16). *$103 per extra night. Cheaper off-peak.

Caves information

Fig Tree Cave self-guided tour prices
$50 per family
or
$20 per adult
$13 per child/concession
$17 seniors

Junction Cave and Wollondilly Cave guided tours prices
$60 per family
or
$24 per adult
$19 per child/concession
$22 seniors

Wombeyan Passes for discounted multiple entries are also available.

*All prices are correct as at May 2017

For information and bookings
Wombeyan Caves Visitors Centre
Tel: +61 (02) 48 43 5976
Email: wombeyan.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au
You’ll find more information at the official NSW National Parks website here

How to get to Wombeyan Caves

Wombeyan Caves Reserve is located inland, in-between Sydney and Goulburn.

We approached Wombeyan Caves from the direction of Goulburn, NSW, taking a sealed bitumen road to just past Taralga, then turning right onto Wombeyan Caves Road. Only the last 15kms or so of the trip being dirt/gravel unsealed road. The last couple of kilometres do return to bitumen for a steep-ish, narrow descent into the valley where the caves are located. Normal 2 wheel drive cars can easily access Wombeyan Caves.

Access from Sydney also includes unsealed road, and takes around 3 and a half hours from the Sydney CBD, via the Hume Highway to Mittagong, then turning right onto the Old Hume Highway which becomes the Wombeyan Caves Road. Progress along the Wombeyan Caves Road (from the Mittagong end) is winding and slow, and at one point passes through a historic sandstone tunnel.

The Let’s Go Mum family were invited guests at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. As always, all opinions are our own.

Do you like to go camping with your family? Tell us in the comments below…

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Spending time together as a family in the beautiful Australian countryside is a fantastic way to reconnect with each other whilst have fun – and getting some healthy exercise at the same time! You don’t need to be super fit – many bushwalks can be as short as fifteen minutes, which you can easily do with younger children before or after a picnic.

Bushwalking usually doesn’t cost anymore than your transport to get there, plus a small National Parks entrance fee – it’s even free in many areas! You don’t need to buy anything to do it, either – you probably already have everything you need at home right now.

Bushwalking with the kids can be an opportunity to discover new places, spot native wildlife and enjoy amazing views together – whether you are walking in the bush block out the back or circumnavigating Uluru!

First things first – plan ahead

Google your bushwalking area before you go – spare ten minutes to check out where you are going in advance to make sure that it is family friendly – you don’t want to end up scaling the side of a cliff with toddlers! Most bushwalking areas in Australia are well documented, well mapped and sign posted along the way. Don’t forget to pick up a map from visitor information, or print out a map off the internet to carry with you on your bushwalk. Also, consider telling a friend where you’re going – or even post your intentions on Facebook in advance -just so someone knows where you are, just in case!

Bushwalking is a budget family activity

Bushwalking usually doesn’t cost anymore than your transport to get there, plus a small National Parks or Nature Reserve entrance fee – it’s even free in many areas! Plus you don’t need special equipment – probably already have everything you need at home right now. Take a picnic – there are usually picnic spots or even barbeque areas. You were going to have lunch anyhow, just pop it into a supermarket insulation bag – and throw in some sweet treats for afters.

Keep your family safe

With the help of common sense, bushwalking doesn’t have to be dangerous.

• Some bushwalks have a sign in/sign out book at the start of the trail to record you are there – use it!
• Stick to the marked paths to avoid getting lost.
• Don’t attempt to feed or approach native wildlife – especially any snakes that may cross your path in summer – they usually want to avoid you just as much as you wish to avoid them!
• Discourage children from racing ahead – or at least keep them in sight – particularly in snake-prone or steep country.
• Treat any swimming areas with ultra-vigilance – watch for strong currents, deep water and unseen obstacles.
• Avoid going far in the hottest months of the year – National Parks may close due to high bushfire danger, plus summer is snake season. If you do walk in summer, walk early in the day when it is cooler. Don’t leave late in the day- it’s far easier to get lost in the dark, plus many National Parks and Reserves close at sunset.

Wear comfortable, sensible clothes

Dress appropriately. You don’t need a heap of specialist gear – just some comfy, sensible clothes and shoes. Wearing or carrying hats is a must, and we’ve found it’s really helpful to carry a light jacket for everyone, no matter what the season – sudden weather changes happen often in Australia. Of course, don’t forget to slip-slop-slap for sun protection. Sunscreen and/or insect repellent is always great to have along.

Tip!

Keep a change of clothes and shoes in the car – my kids nearly always get covered in mud from climbing, sitting in the dirt – or falling in small creeks when rock-hopping! You don’t want uncomfortable, unhappy kids for the trip home, trust me!

Carry water – and snacks!

Carrying water with you is essential – and as with travelling with kids anywhere, take along the snacks – trail mix usually has something for everyone – a piece of fruit can fill up a little tummy if they were too excited to eat during your picnic – even a vegemite sandwich in a zip lock bag can taste like heaven when your half an hour away from the car – or civilisation!

Take it easy – you’re meant to be having fun!

Wander along – don’t power-walk. This is nature at its finest. Look around, soak it up – let the kids adventure and discover at their own pace. This way, everyone will be eager to do it again – and you can all relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of every day life at the same time.

Above all, don’t forget the mantra, leave only footsteps, take only memories – and family photos – lots of ’em – have fun!

Here is a printable infographic to help you prepare your fun bushwalking day out – the Let’s go Mum! Top 5 essential must-haves for a fun family bushwalk in Australia!

Click on the infographic to download and save or print it

What are your essential family bushwalking must-haves, or tips? Tell us in the comments below…

The post The 5 essentials for a fun family bushwalk in Australia appeared first on Let's go Mum.