Best family-friendly walking trails near Bonny Hills

Looking for family-friendly walking trails near Bonny Hills? From pram-friendly coastal paths to easy rainforest boardwalks and scenic bushwalks, the Mid North Coast is packed with outdoor adventures perfect for little legs. Whether you’re staying in Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie or nearby Port Macquarie, these easy walks combine ocean views, nature and plenty of spots to stop, play and explore along the way.

Rainbow Beach Reserve coastal stroll

Perfect for younger kids and prams, the coastal paths around Rainbow Beach Reserve offer an easy way to soak up Bonny Hills’ stunning ocean views without tackling rough bush tracks. Families can wander between lookout points, grassy picnic areas and beach access paths while keeping an eye out for dolphins and surfers offshore. The nearby playground and open reserve make it an easy choice for a relaxed family outing near Bonny Hills.

• Address: Beach Street, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Where to start and park: Start from Rainbow Beach Reserve, where there’s ample parking, picnic facilities and toilets nearby.
• Distance: Flexible short walk
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pram-friendly: Yes

Hot tip

Grab takeaway fish and chips nearby and time your walk for sunset over the coastline.

Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

Located within easy reach of Bonny Hills in nearby Port Macquarie, the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk is one of the best pram-friendly walks on the Mid North Coast. The elevated boardwalk winds through lush subtropical rainforest filled with giant vines, towering trees and native birdlife. Kids will love spotting brush turkeys along the path while parents can enjoy a peaceful walk beneath the rainforest canopy.

• Address: 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Where to start and park: Parking is available at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.
• Distance: 1.3km return
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pram-friendly: Yes

Hot tip

Visit earlier in the morning for cooler temperatures and a quieter rainforest experience.

Lake Cathie foreshore walk

Just south of Bonny Hills, the Lake Cathie foreshore walk is a flat and easy pathway perfect for prams, scooters and younger children. Following the edge of the lake, the walk offers calm water views, birdlife spotting and plenty of grassy areas for picnic breaks. Kids will love watching pelicans glide across the lake while parents can enjoy a relaxed, stress-free stroll.

• Address: Chepana Street, Lake Cathie NSW 2445
• Where to park and start: Start near Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve, where parking is available nearby.
• Distance: Flexible walk
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pram-friendly: Yes

Hot tip

Bring scooters or balance bikes; the shared pathways are ideal for younger riders. There is also a great playground and coffee van across the road called Sunshine's at Lake Cathie

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is one of the most scenic family walks on the Mid North Coast, with several flat and pram-friendly sections perfect for younger kids. Families can choose shorter stretches between beaches and parks, stopping for playgrounds, cafés, whale watching and ocean views along the way. The Town Beach to Oxley Beach section is especially popular for families thanks to its easy pathways and beautiful coastal scenery.

• Address: Town Beach, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Where to park and start: Town Beach and Westport Park both offer easy parking and good access to family-friendly sections of the walk.
• Distance: Flexible sections
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Pram-friendly: Partially

Hot tip

Start early and stop for breakfast at one of the beachfront cafés along the route.

Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park

Tucked close to the centre of Port Macquarie, Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park is a hidden gem for families looking for an easy nature walk. Boardwalks and flat pathways wind through peaceful wetlands filled with native birds, turtles and shady trees. It’s a great, shorter walk for toddlers and younger children who enjoy spotting wildlife along the way.

• Address: Gordon Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Where to park and start: Parking is available near Gordon Street and the surrounding town centre streets.
• Distance: Around 1km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pram-friendly: Mostly

Hot tip

Bring binoculars for birdwatching — this area is home to plenty of native waterbirds.

Tacking Point Lighthouse walk

For families with older kids, the short walk around Tacking Point Lighthouse offers spectacular ocean views and one of the best whale watching spots near Bonny Hills. While the incline can be steep in sections, the paved pathways and dramatic coastal scenery make it well worth the effort.

• Address: Lighthouse Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Where to park and start: Parking is available at the lighthouse precinct.
• Distance: Short lookout walk
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pram-friendly: Partially

Hot tip

Visit during whale migration season between May and November for the best chance of spotting humpbacks offshore.

Explore more of the Mid North Coast on foot

From peaceful rainforest boardwalks to easy coastal strolls and lakeside paths, there’s no shortage of family-friendly walking trails near Bonny Hills. Whether you’re exploring with toddlers in tow, packing the pram for a relaxed morning walk or heading out with older kids for a coastal adventure, the Mid North Coast makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the outdoors together.

After a day exploring the region’s best walks, return to the comfort of Reflections Bonny Hills and unwind just moments from the beach, nature and some of the Mid North Coast’s most scenic family adventures.

Looking for something more challenging with older kids or adults? Explore our full guide to walks and hikes near Bonny Hills for longer coastal trails, bushwalks and scenic lookouts across the region.