The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Kinglake National Park
4.8
(29)
291
hikers
6
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Kinglake National Park are situated on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering diverse landscapes. The park features tall forests with majestic Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies. Varied eucalypt forests and waterfalls like Masons Falls and Wombelano Falls characterize the terrain. Key viewpoints provide vistas of the Melbourne skyline and the Yarra Valley.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Kinglake National Park
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Masons Falls…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
5.0
(1)
28
hikers
5.13km
01:28
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
4.78km
01:23
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
6
hikers
3.43km
00:59
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
96
hikers
15.1km
04:02
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
7.24km
01:54
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Boundary Track in Kinglake National Park runs just under 2 ½ kilometres, following the park boundary through tall eucalypt forest and regenerating bushland. The route is flat and relatively easy, and connects with other nearby tracks for short or longer treks through the park. Along the way, it offers a quieter forest experience with chances to see native wildlife, while also providing access to Masons Falls and surrounding picnic areas.
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Set within Kinglake National Park, Masons Falls Picnic Area is a spacious, open picnic ground surrounded by towering eucalypt forest, with shelters, tables, toilets, and free gas barbecues for day visitors. From the picnic area, a network of short walking tracks leads through fern gullies and tall forest to a viewing platform overlooking Masons Falls, where water cascades into a steep, forested gorge below. The setting combines accessible facilities with immersive bushland, making it a popular base for picnicking, wildlife spotting and exploring one of the closest national park landscapes to Melbourne.
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The Chris Phillips Walking Track follows the edge of Sugarloaf Reservoir, linking open shoreline sections with stretches through bushland. The path is well formed, with wide gravel surfaces and mostly level terrain, making it an easy, steady walk. Wildlife is a standout here. It’s worth keeping an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles overhead, along with kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas in the surrounding bush. You’ll get regular views across the reservoir as you move between more open and sheltered sections.
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Sugarloaf Reservoir is a large water storage reservoir supplying Melbourne, set within low hills and bushland. The shoreline curves through inlets and open stretches, giving it a more varied shape than a typical lake. Recreation is limited to protect water quality, but shoreline fishing is allowed in designated areas with a valid licence. You’ll often see people casting from the edges, especially in quieter sections away from the main picnic areas.
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From the lookouts around Sugarloaf Reservoir, you get wide views across the water framed by low hills and scattered bushland. Spots like this one sit slightly elevated, giving a clearer sense of the reservoir’s scale as it stretches across the valley.
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Masons Falls has an awesome viewing platform, with safety rails and an unobstructed view of the waterfall. These falls drop 45 meters but can run dry during droughts or hot parts of the summer.
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This loop can be hiked in either direction and is generally an easy walk, though there are some downed trees and a few large rocks to navigate over and around. Also, it can be overgrown in parts and muddy after a rain so long pants and sturdy footwear are a must.
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In addition to being a nice place to stop for lunch, Blairs Hut Picnic Area is also the starting point for the hike to the summit of Mount Disappointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there in Kinglake National Park?
You'll find several family-friendly hiking trails in Kinglake National Park, with a total of 7 routes specifically curated for families. Most of these are rated as easy, making them suitable for various ages and fitness levels.
What kind of views can we expect on family hikes in Kinglake National Park?
Kinglake National Park offers stunning panoramic views from various points. From lookouts like Mount Sugarloaf, you can often see the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Yarra Valley. The trails also wind through majestic Mountain Ash forests and lush fern gullies, providing beautiful natural scenery.
Are there any waterfalls suitable for families to visit in Kinglake National Park?
Yes, Kinglake National Park is home to beautiful waterfalls that are easily accessible for families. Masons Falls is a popular choice, with a short, easy walk leading to a viewing platform. Another option is the Wombelano Falls Short Walk, a 1.5km loop through the forest to a viewpoint.
Are there any circular routes for families in Kinglake National Park?
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Kinglake National Park are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Masons Falls – Running Creek Access loop from Mason's Falls is an easy 5.2 km circular hike that's great for families.
What is the best time of year to visit Kinglake National Park with family?
Kinglake National Park is beautiful year-round. In spring, the park bursts with wildflowers, including orchids and lilies. Winter offers a different charm with abundant fungi, moss, and lichens. The tall forests provide shade in summer, and autumn brings vibrant colours. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Kinglake National Park?
No, to protect the native wildlife and natural environment, dogs and other pets are generally not permitted on hiking trails within Kinglake National Park. This helps preserve the park's rich biodiversity, including almost 600 native plant species and 40 native mammal species.
What facilities are available for families in Kinglake National Park?
Kinglake National Park is well-equipped for families. The Masons Falls Picnic Area offers sheltered tables, gas barbecues, and toilets. Jehosaphat Gully is another picturesque picnic spot with public toilets and barbecue facilities. These areas provide great starting points or rest stops for your family adventures.
What wildlife might we see on family hikes in Kinglake National Park?
The park is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for wallabies, wombats, possums, and echidnas. Birdwatchers might spot lyrebirds, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, King Parrots, and colourful rosellas. Remember to observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for very young children or prams?
While many trails are family-friendly, dedicated pram-friendly trails are limited due to the natural terrain. However, the short walk to Masons Falls is relatively easy and well-maintained, making it a good option for families with young children. For specific pram accessibility, it's always best to check the latest park information.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails in Kinglake National Park?
The family-friendly trails in Kinglake National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the beautiful forest scenery, the accessibility of waterfalls, and the well-maintained picnic areas that make for an enjoyable day out with children.
How accessible is Kinglake National Park from Melbourne?
Kinglake National Park is very accessible, located just 65 km northeast of Melbourne. This makes it an ideal destination for day trips or weekend getaways, offering a quick escape into nature without a long drive.
Are there any longer, moderate options for families with older children?
Yes, for families with older children looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are moderate options available. The Sugarloaf Reservoir circuit via Chris Phillips Walking Track is a moderate 15 km hike that offers a longer adventure with some elevation changes, suitable for more experienced young hikers.
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