The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Arakwal National Park
4.4
(86)
1,776
hikers
22
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Arakwal National Park traverse diverse coastal landscapes along the New South Wales coast. The park is characterized by golden sands, expansive coastal heathland, and sand dunes, with routes winding through lush forests. Hikers can experience ocean views, particularly along Tallow Beach and near Cape Byron, which forms the northern boundary. This area provides a mix of coastal and bushland environments for exploration.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Arakwal National Park
- The most popular family…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.8
(48)
364
hikers
3.95km
01:07
80m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
61
hikers
4.15km
01:08
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
16
hikers
2.78km
00:47
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
1.61km
00:27
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(20)
709
hikers
7.47km
02:01
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Marked along the headland, this is the most easterly point of mainland Australia. From here, you’re looking straight out across the Pacific, with uninterrupted ocean stretching to the horizon. It’s a popular spot at sunrise, as one of the first places in the country to catch the light. It can get busy at that time, but the changing colours over the water make it worth timing your visit.
0
0
This lookout sits along the Cape Byron headland, with wide views over the coastline and open ocean from Australia’s easternmost point. From here, you’re looking out across steep cliffs and rolling surf, with regular dolphin sightings and, during migration season, whales passing offshore.
0
0
Cape Byron State Conservation Area covers the headland just east of Byron Bay, protecting a mix of coastal rainforest, open grassland, and exposed cliffs along Australia’s easternmost point. The area is known for its ocean views, with regular sightings of dolphins and, in season, migrating whales offshore. There’s no entry fee to access the park itself, though parking fees may apply near the lighthouse. It’s a well-managed area with clear paths, lookouts, and facilities, but it can get busy, especially around the main viewpoints.
0
0
Cape Byron Lighthouse is a heritage-listed lighthouse built in 1901, standing on the headland at Australia’s easternmost point. The white concrete tower and surrounding keeper’s cottages are characteristic of the region’s coastal navigation history. It remains an active aid to navigation and is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the New South Wales coast.
1
0
Cape Byron is the easternmost headland on mainland Australia and a standout section of the Cape Byron Walking Track Circuit. From here, there are sweeping views across coastal cliffs and open ocean, making it a perfect place to pause to take in expansive seascapes as the track rounds the exposed headland.
0
0
Great view of Byron Bay. If you're lucky, you can spot whales passing by.
0
0
We went up to the lighthouse at 5am for the sunrise at 6am. Better to stay ok the street because of animals in the dark… we started at Backpackers Inn, so depending on where you are staying at, it might take longer.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Arakwal National Park?
Arakwal National Park offers a wonderful selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 25 routes suitable for families, with the majority being easy to moderate in difficulty, perfect for exploring with children.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Arakwal National Park?
The trails in Arakwal National Park offer a diverse and engaging experience for families. You can expect to walk along stunning golden sands of beaches like Tallow Beach, traverse coastal heathland, and explore paths winding through sand dunes and lush forests. Many routes also provide breathtaking ocean views of the Pacific.
Are there any easy loop trails suitable for families?
Yes, Arakwal National Park features several easy loop trails perfect for families. For a scenic coastal experience, consider the Cape Byron Walking Track Circuit, which is an easy 4 km route offering views of the iconic lighthouse and ocean. Another great option is the Wategos Beach – Sunset view at Byron Bay loop, an easy 4.1 km path showcasing beautiful coastal scenery.
What are the best times of year for family hiking in Arakwal National Park?
Arakwal National Park is enjoyable year-round, but spring and winter are particularly special for families. During these seasons, you have the added bonus of humpback whale watching as they migrate along the coast. The weather is generally milder, making for comfortable hiking conditions.
What kind of wildlife can we spot on the trails?
The park is a fantastic place for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including pied oystercatchers, white-bellied sea eagles, and osprey, especially near the coast. Woodland birds can also be seen among the paperbark trees. As mentioned, during spring and winter, humpback whales are a common sight from coastal viewpoints.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the family trails?
Absolutely! The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse is a prominent landmark visible from many trails, including the Tallow Beach Lookout – Cape Byron Lighthouse loop. Various lookouts, such as the Cape Byron Lookout and Tallow Beach Lookout, provide expansive views of the coastline and ocean, perfect for family photos.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Arakwal National Park?
The family-friendly trails in Arakwal National Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal scenery, the accessibility of the paths for various ages, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Are there any shorter, easy walks for very young children?
For very young children or shorter outings, the Byron Bay Lookout walk is an excellent choice. It's an easy 1.6 km route with minimal elevation gain, offering pleasant views without being too strenuous for little legs.
Can we combine hiking with beach activities?
Yes, many trails in Arakwal National Park offer direct access to beaches, allowing you to easily combine hiking with beach activities. Tallow Beach, a prominent feature of the park, is ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply enjoying the sand after a walk. Routes like the Wategos Beach – Cape Byron Lighthouse loop provide opportunities to experience both coastal paths and beautiful beaches.
Is parking available near the trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points to Arakwal National Park trails. Specific parking information can often be found on the individual route pages on komoot or by checking the official NSW National Parks website for detailed visitor information.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly trails?
Arakwal National Park is a protected area, and generally, dogs are not permitted on walking tracks or in park areas to protect native wildlife. It's always best to check the latest regulations on the NSW National Parks website before planning your visit with pets.
Most popular routes in Arakwal National Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
