The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Douglas-Apsley National Park

This guide features a selection of easy, family-friendly hikes within and around Douglas-Apsley National Park. You'll find 4 routes, all rated as easy, perfect for outings with children.

Douglas-Apsley National Park offers a variety of landscapes and accessible trails that are great for families. Many walks feature relatively flat terrain, clear paths, and interesting natural features like river gorges, waterholes, and diverse eucalypt forests. The park provides opportunities for short, engaging strolls as well as slightly longer adventures, ensuring there's something for different energy levels.

Yes, for very young children or those seeking a gentle stroll, the Apsley Waterhole loop from Apsley Waterhole is an excellent choice. This easy 1.2 km loop takes about 20 minutes and leads through open woodland to the popular Apsley River Waterhole, which is perfect for a quick dip or picnic.

Family hikes in Douglas-Apsley National Park offer a chance to explore stunning river gorges, tranquil waterholes, and unique dry eucalypt forests. You might encounter beautiful waterfalls and cascades, especially in the eastern sections of the park. The diverse terrain also includes marshlands and heathlands, providing a constantly changing backdrop for your adventure.

Absolutely! The Apsley River Waterhole is a very popular and easily accessible spot for swimming and picnicking, located just a short walk from the carpark. Deeper within the park, the Apsley Gorge also features serene pools, offering refreshing opportunities for a dip on a warm day.

Douglas-Apsley National Park is a haven for Tasmanian wildlife. Families often enjoy spotting marsupials like wombats and wallabies, especially during dusk. The park is also home to numerous bird species, reptiles, and unique endemic plants, making every walk an opportunity for discovery.

Yes, several routes offer a circular experience. For instance, the Apsley Waterhole loop from Apsley Waterhole is a short, easy loop that brings you back to your starting point. Another option is the View of the Blowhole – Bicheno Blowhole loop from Bicheno, which offers a coastal circular walk with unique geological features.

The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures. Summer can be warm, making the waterholes particularly inviting for a swim. Always check weather forecasts before heading out, especially for potential high water levels in gorges during heavy rain.

Parking is generally available at the main trailheads and popular access points within Douglas-Apsley National Park. For example, the Apsley River Waterhole has a dedicated carpark, providing easy access to the waterhole and nearby trails. Specific parking details for each route can often be found on the individual tour pages.

The family-friendly trails in Douglas-Apsley National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 14 ratings. Reviewers often praise the park's beautiful natural scenery, the refreshing swimming opportunities at the waterholes, and the accessibility of the trails for all ages, making it a wonderful destination for a family day out.

While the park itself is rich in natural beauty, the nearby coastal town of Bicheno offers additional attractions. You can combine a hike with a visit to the Bicheno Blowhole, which is featured in the Bicheno Blowhole and Foreshore Walk. This provides a lovely contrast between the inland forest and the rugged coastline.

Yes, a valid Parks Pass is required for entry into Douglas-Apsley National Park. You can purchase passes online or at various visitor centers. For the most up-to-date information on fees and how to obtain a pass, it's best to visit the official Parks Tasmania website: parks.tas.gov.au.