Family-friendly walking trails near Hawks Nest

Hawks Nest is one of those coastal destinations where slowing down comes naturally. With calm beaches, bushland and wide open skies, it’s a wonderful place for families to stretch their legs and explore together. Whether you’ve got little walkers just finding their feet or older kids keen for a bit of adventure, there are plenty of family-friendly walking trails nearby that combine fresh air, beautiful scenery and manageable distances.

Here are some of the best walking tracks near Hawks Nest, with difficulty levels, distances and time frames to help you plan your day.

Winda Woppa Beach Circuit

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approx. 1.5km loop
Time: 30–45 minutes

Perfect for families with younger children, the Winda Woppa Beach Circuit is flat, short and full of variety. The loop takes you between the calm waters of the Myall River and the open coastline, with plenty of space for kids to explore without straying too far.

Where it starts & parking:

The circuit starts at Winda Woppa Reserve, at the southern end of Hawks Nest. There’s free parking at the reserve, along with picnic tables, toilets and a nearby playground, making it an easy and convenient place to begin.

Dark Point Walking Track (Little Gibber)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: Approx. 2km return
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

This scenic coastal walk is a great introduction to longer bush and beach walks for families with older kids. The Dark Point Walking Track winds through sand dunes and coastal vegetation before opening up to ocean views towards Broughton Island.

Where it starts & parking:

The walk begins at Dark Point car park, accessed via Mungo Brush Road in Myall Lakes National Park. Parking is available at the trailhead, and the track is clearly signposted from the car park.

Tamboi Headland and Neranie Headland Tracks

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Distance: Approx. 1.4–2km
• Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

These short headland walks are ideal if you’re after big views without a long time commitment. The Tamboi Headland Track and Neranie Headland Track are gently undulating and offer lookouts across the Myall Lakes, river mouth and coastline.

Where they start & parking:

Both tracks can be accessed from local streets near the Hawks Nest foreshore, with street parking available close to the trail entrances. They’re easy to combine with a visit to the beach or a stroll through town.

Yacaaba Headland Walking Track

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approx. 3.5km each way
Time: 2–3 hours return

For families with confident walkers, the Yacaaba Headland Track is a rewarding adventure. Starting near Bennetts Beach, the trail climbs steadily through coastal bushland to the top of the headland, where sweeping views stretch along the coast and over the Myall River entrance.

Where it starts & parking

The track starts at the southern end of Bennetts Beach, near the Yacaaba Headland car park. Parking is available close to the beach access point, with signage marking the start of the walking track.

Mungo Walking Track (Short Sections)

Difficulty: Moderate to hard (full track)
Distance: Up to 21km one way
Time: Varies

While the full Mungo Walking Track is a long, all-day hike, families can enjoy shorter sections of it for a taste of the surrounding bushland. Even walking a small portion gives you a sense of the area’s diverse landscapes, from sandy trails to shaded forest.

Where it starts & parking:
The track begins near Hawks Nest Golf Club and continues through Myall Lakes National Park to Mungo Brush. Limited parking is available near access points, and many families choose to walk out-and-back sections rather than the full distance.

Tips for walking with kids in Hawks Nest

• Choose shorter loops for younger children and build up to longer walks gradually
• Pack water, hats and sunscreen, even on cooler days
• Wear comfortable shoes — some tracks include sand or uneven surfaces
• Take your time and plan stops for snacks, wildlife spotting or a beach break

With its mix of gentle coastal paths and more adventurous headland walks, Hawks Nest makes it easy for families to enjoy the outdoors together.