The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve
5.0
(2)
27
hikers
3
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, and open clearings. The reserve, spanning over 1230 acres, protects remnant grassy dry forest and box-stringybark woodland. Hikers can explore diverse environments, from tranquil forests to areas offering views of the Yarra Valley and Yarra Ranges. The terrain includes both gentle ascents and steeper sections, providing varied experiences for families.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve
- The…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
21.5km
05:56
370m
370m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
11.9km
03:11
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
23
hikers
2.81km
00:49
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Maroondah Reservoir Park is a popular recreation area in the Upper Yarra Valley, just east of Healesville. The park includes an impressive 41-metre-high dam wall that overlooks the reservoir, beautifully landscaped gardens, and surrounding mountains, with picnic areas and a network of walking tracks that lead through eucalypt forest. Established after the dam’s completion in 1927, the park remains a popular destination for picturesque walks, especially when the leaves change into beautiful autumn colours.
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Badger Creek flows through the heart of the Badger Weir picnic area, winding beneath towering Mountain Ash forest and dense fern gullies in one of the wetter parts of the Yarra Ranges. The creek helped shape the surrounding rainforest environment, with clear flowing water, moss-covered rocks, and damp gullies supporting tree ferns and cool temperate forest along its banks.
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Slip Track winds through cool temperate rainforest near Badger Weir, passing towering Mountain Ash, dense fern gullies, and mossy creekside forest beneath a thick canopy. The name comes from the old timber “slip” routes once used to move logged timber down steep slopes in the Yarra Ranges during the early logging era. Today, the track feels far removed from that history, with shaded forest, damp ground, and birdsong dominating the walk through this section of the park.
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Lyrebird Track loops through some of the lushest forest around Badger Weir, with towering Mountain Ash, dense tree ferns, and damp gullies creating a classic cool temperate rainforest feel. The shaded track is named after the superb lyrebird, which is regularly heard and occasionally spotted scratching through the leaf litter in quieter sections of the forest. Short boardwalks and creek crossings add to the walk, especially after rain when the gullies are flowing strongly.
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The Echo Tunnel is a historic 19th-century bridge where visitors can watch the Maroondah Aqueduct pass under a bridge. The bridge gets its name from a very noticeable echo that can be heard in the tunnel.
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This elevated viewpoint offers sweeping views over the reservoir, dam wall, and surrounding forested hills. Reached via short, well-maintained walking paths, it's an easy vantage point for visitors exploring the park’s gardens and trails. Popular for photography and picnicking, the lookout combines beautiful open scenery with the landscaped setting of one of Melbourne’s historic water supply sites.
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Maroondah Dam Wall is a historic structure within Maroondah Reservoir Park, forming part of Melbourne’s early water supply system. Completed in 1927, the concrete dam wall rises above beautifully landscaped gardens and offers elevated views across the reservoir and surrounding forested hills. Easily accessible via short walking paths, it’s a popular spot for sightseeing, photography, and picnicking in a lovely, well-maintained park setting.
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This is a picturesque spot overlooking the narrow cascade as it drops through dense mountain ash forest. A short walking track leads to the lookout, and the best time to view the falls is after rain when the water flow is stronger. Surrounded by cool-temperate rainforest, it’s a quiet, enclosed setting with lush ferns and filtered light, as the sun only slightly peeks through the trees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve?
Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve offers a selection of trails suitable for families, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Our guide features three distinct routes, including an easy 2.8 km circuit and a moderate 11.9 km loop, ensuring options for various family activity levels.
What kind of terrain can families expect on hikes in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve?
Families can expect a diverse range of terrain, from tranquil woodlands and dense forests to open clearings with lovely views of the Yarra Valley. While some sections feature gentle ascents, other parts may include steeper hills, offering a wilder, untamed experience. Trails are generally unpaved, providing a natural outdoor adventure.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with young children or strollers?
For families seeking an easy and relatively short option, the Badger Weir circuit via Slip and Lyrebird Track is an excellent choice. This 2.8 km route offers a gentle experience. While some trails might be rugged, this one is more accessible for younger adventurers, though stroller suitability depends on the specific trail conditions at the time of visit.
What wildlife might we see while hiking with kids in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve?
Warramate Hills is a haven for wildlife, offering exciting opportunities for kids to spot native animals. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas, and a variety of birds, including powerful owls and majestic wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead. The Southern Ridge Access Track is particularly noted for bird watching and observing kangaroos.
What are the best times of year to visit Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve for family hikes?
Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for family hikes. In spring, you'll be treated to blooming wildflowers like sun orchids and golden everlasting daisies. Autumn brings stunning changing foliage, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. Both seasons generally offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.
Are there any loop trails that are good for families?
Yes, families can enjoy loop trails in the reserve. For a moderate, longer loop, consider the Maroondah Reservoir Lookout – Dam wall loop from Healesville, which is about 11.9 km. For a shorter, easier option, the Badger Weir circuit is a great 2.8 km loop that's perfect for families.
What do other hikers say about family-friendly trails in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve?
The komoot community highly rates the experiences in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the reserve's unspoiled natural beauty, the peaceful atmosphere, and the diverse landscapes that make for an engaging family adventure.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots suitable for families?
The reserve features open clearings that provide lovely views of the surrounding lowlands, including the picturesque Yarra Valley and Yarra Ranges. Many trails, including the Warramate Hills Reserve Circuit (mentioned in regional research), are known for offering stunning vistas, perfect for a family photo opportunity or a scenic break.
What should we bring for a family hike in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve?
Given the wild and untamed character of the reserve, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hats, sunscreen), and appropriate footwear for unpaved trails. A first-aid kit is always a good idea, and binoculars can enhance wildlife spotting for the kids.
Are there any longer, more challenging routes for families with older, more experienced hikers?
For families with older children or those seeking a more challenging adventure, the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail offers a significant distance of over 21 km with notable elevation changes. This route is graded as difficult and provides a rewarding experience for experienced family hikers.
Is there parking available near the family-friendly trailheads?
While specific parking details for each trailhead may vary, Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve generally offers access points with parking facilities. It's recommended to check specific route details or local signage upon arrival for the most convenient parking for your chosen family trail.
Most popular routes in Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve
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