Good intro walks for young kids in Victoria?

[sim1oz]

My 7yo and 9yo are begging to go on a pack carry walk with us. They've done plenty of car camping and day walks so that aspect is not an issue. I'm just struggling to think of somewhere fun to start them off on an overnighter (and then maybe two nights down the track) that isn't too far from Melbourne. They are not the strongest or fastest of walkers so we will need to take lots of breaks. Probably maximum of 5-10km per day. I want it to be interesting but not too hard and definitely changing scenery or they'll just get bored. My preference is for circuit walks.

Some of the ideas I have so far:
* Beeripmo walk
* Splitting the East Walk in Lerdederg over two days and overnighting at Mine Camp. I think I would do this in reverse so walking along the river is on the second day as its more interesting

Ideally, we could start off with something easier than those. I've been evaluating every walk I do for its kid-friendly potential and keep coming up with blanks, particularly since I've had many "why the hell am I doing this to myself? " moments on recent walks. Any suggestions?

[magichat]

My 7yo and 9yo are begging to go on a pack carry walk with us. They've done plenty of car camping and day walks so that aspect is not an issue. I'm just struggling to think of somewhere fun to start them off on an overnighter (and then maybe two nights down the track) that isn't too far from Melbourne. They are not the strongest or fastest of walkers so we will need to take lots of breaks. Probably maximum of 5-10km per day. I want it to be interesting but not too hard and definitely changing scenery or they'll just get bored. My preference is for circuit walks.

Some of the ideas I have so far:
* Beeripmo walk
* Splitting the East Walk in Lerdederg over two days and overnighting at Mine Camp. I think I would do this in reverse so walking along the river is on the second day as its more interesting

Ideally, we could start off with something easier than those. I've been evaluating every walk I do for its kid-friendly potential and keep coming up with blanks, particularly since I've had many "why the hell am I doing this to myself? " moments on recent walks. Any suggestions?

I took my 7yo to the Farmyard in the cathedrals for her first hike last year and that worked perfectly. Uphill but short and a great campsite.

I also took her into Mac Springs from Mt Howitt car park which was probably a better walk for her but I'm not sure if you can get there since the fires at licola etc. And it's not exactly a short drive. .

We ve been on a few longer jaunts and have to say boredom hasn't been an issue. I just put her in charge of navigating or birdwatching or something like that. I probably pushed it to far taking her to Dibbins hut one hot weekend she made it but I had to carry her pack back up the spur on the way home. Beyond that she's coped fine with whatever ive thrown at her

Walking with kids that age is such a brilliant experience though....

[ryantmalone]

Some of the ideas I have so far:
* Beeripmo walk
* Splitting the East Walk in Lerdederg over two days and overnighting at Mine Camp. I think I would do this in reverse so walking along the river is on the second day as its more interesting

Ideally, we could start off with something easier than those. I've been evaluating every walk I do for its kid-friendly potential and keep coming up with blanks, particularly since I've had many "why the hell am I doing this to myself? " moments on recent walks. Any suggestions?

Would definitely say that Lerderderg may be a bit rugged for kids just starting out.

I'd say that finding a very easy walk on a well graded trail would be your best bet.

Wilsons Prom is a great intro, walking in to Waterloo and out over a few days. The Cathedrals would also be good, but is a bit rugged, and quite messy especially after the fires. Was there last week, and its a great place, but rough.

A few other ideas - the Baw Baws, walking in to Tullacouty Glenn and out via Mt Erica is always good. Lake Tarli Karng is always a winner as well.

Good luck!

[jford]

I took a 6yo up to the Farmyard a few years ago, and took him (as an 11yo) up Speculation and Howitt this year.

Cathedrals is a bit overgrown at the moment, after fires and rain, but you could do a loop from Ned's Gully up to the Farmyard (via Cathedral Peak if they're going well) and back via Cook's Mill.

You'll be carrying a lot. The 11yo on Speculation carried sleeping bag, mat, snacks, 2l of water and his clothes. I had tent, most of the food, 3.5l water (not quite enough) and all my stuff. Good luck doing that with two kids! Make sure there's water near the camp site, so you can carry less.

Also, do plenty of day walks beforehand to get them in the mood so they know what to expect. I took the kids to Werribee Gorge, Lerderderg, Mt Macedon, Dandenongs, various others before doing any overnighters. Hoping to take 11yo to Wilson's Prom later in the year.

John.

[ryantmalone]

The other thing to remember as well is that kids are tough as hell, and have an endless supply of energy.

I was walking Howitt and the Crosscut when I was 6 or 7 I think it was. Did the Overland Track at age 9.

Just test them on something easy, and if they take to it, then keep building up from there.

[magichat]

Re carrying weight. .. I found taking the two kids to be the best justification ever for getting approval for new lighter gear. ...

[Earwig]

Late last century, I took my son for his first overnight hike. He was six years old and so I thought a six kilometre hike would be good and picked Ritchies Hut from Eight Mile. My son carried a few bits and pieces while I carried a tent, food, stuffed kangaroo and other goodies. The plan was maybe to stay in the hut, maybe our tent. When my son saw the hut he quickly decided on the tent. The hut had the feeling of that there would be things crawling across the floor in the middle of the night. Other hikes we did when he was young were The Farmyard at the Cathedrals and Sealers Cove at The Prom (12km each way, but plenty to see).

[madmacca]

One possibility might be Starlings Gap and the Ada Tree, just out of Warburton.

Within very easy reach of Melbourne, good 2WD access, it is along an old timber tramway track (so max gradient is 1 in 12), and the Ada Tree itself is something fun and really impressive for kids to see.

It is part of the "Walk into History" http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/.../FS0033_-_Yarra_State_forest.pdf

[Explorer_Sam]

I reckon that the Beeripmo Walk is a good introduction to overnight walking for children. I did this walk when I was 11 or 12 (I'm 15 now) and since then I have been hooked on overnight bushwalking! It wasn't too hard for me and it was a very beautiful walk. It still remains as my all-time favourite bushwalk. I would highly recommend it!

[Tortoise]

One possibility might be Starlings Gap and the Ada Tree, just out of Warburton.

Only trouble with Starlings Gap is the potential yobbo factor. I always feel much more relaxed camping beyond the reach of yobbos (especially when i don't have a vehicle). Even more so when i have kids with me. A km or two from a road usually does the trick. Got caught at Lake Mtn once by hoons on trail bikes though ...

[wahinelynne]

I too am always on the look out for overnight walks with kids - & one not too far from Melbourne.

Once we get a weekend of not-too-hot weather, I am hoping to take my 9 year old son (7 year old son not quite up to it yet) to Eildon National Park & do an overnight walk which I found in the CSIRO book 'Walks & Tracks of Victoria'. Basically, it's the Blowhard circuit but taking in the Mountaineer Creek Track & staying at Mountaineer Creek campsite - which is only accessible by foot & boat. Then coming back the next day mainly via the lake edge. I reckon that it would be about 12 kms to the campsite & maybe a bit shorter coming back the next day.

I have done a shorter day version of the Blowhard track & thought it magnificent, so hopefully there should be plenty of interest for a child. If anyone has done this walk, I'd be keen to hear their thoughts.

And I hear what a previous writer says about hoons....avoid at all costs, especially with kids around.

[BillV]

Don't forget The Baw Baws, some great overnight hikes there for kids........Bunyip state park/Kirth Kiln is another.....I've done The walk into history with my two elder kids who were 7 and 12 at the time and had no problems at Starling Gap and they loved the second night with all the old machinery at Ada 2 mill site. This was in June too whith snow at Starling Gap .........There are some great coastal walks as well......We did Punchbowl to Harmers Haven when my eldest Daughter was 9 ..She loved it.......When my youngest was three she did Cooks mill to the south Jaw bone peak and back as a day trip and loved it........KIds do run on full battery all day but be aware that when that runs out things can get pretty painful pretty quick. So I'd start small i'e something like Freemans Mill in Bunyip S/P is would be a good starter........I find Rooftops a great map to get ideas from........

[watercooled]

we have done the eildon hike to Mountaineer Creek campsite
stayed for two nights
two adults four kids varied ages yongest 8 oldest 12
good hike not too long but it made us work for it with some steep hills
a few rest and jelly snakes we made it there
it has a water tank and toilet
and three fire places
we all have planes of doing it again
Tim

[russ1111]

Hi,

See my past post on the bottom of this thread....

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=12622

It was a cracker of a 4 day walk and we managed it with two adults (one with plenty of experience and weight carrying in a 90L pack) and 2 kids (one 9 and one 5). Probably not a first hike - but once you test them out it is amazing what you can do!

We did the razorback, feathertop, down diamantina spur and back up to Derrick's Hut and top of Hotham 2 years ago with 3 kids (5-8 y.o's), 3 adults. It was amazing and quite doable if the adults and kids are willing.

Here's my rules for hiking with kids.
- for 5 y.o's MAX of 2-3 kg and a tiny pack (these are very hard to find). In photo above Jaiya's tiny pack is a german pack which is miniature and sticks to her back perfectly. Forget hip straps but make sure there is a chest strap as they slip off their narrow shoulders easily
- for 7-8 y.o the osprey 35 litre packs are perfect...scaled down packs with hip straps and a frame. Max 7 kg - but they can carry their own sleeping bag, clothes and bedrolls
- good down sleeping bags are better than the crap kids ones they sell and will last till they are adults.
- We take only 3 sleeping bags and zip two together with our 5.yo in with us
- The Easton Hat-trick tent is an amazing lightweight 3 man which a family of 4 can comfortably fit in. we had it pitched in 40km/hr winds at bogong saddle this time around and it was stable as could be
- Don't worry about bedrolls for the kids if their sleeping bags are good. They could sleep anywhere and on anything!
- To give you an idea on what is possilbe - with 2.5l of water each for adults during the day, we ran packs at 25kg, 18kg, 7kg and 2.5kg and had enough for a family of 4 to be out for 4 days, 3 nights.

It truly is magic to watch kids feel the achievement and have the most fun in their lives without a toy or electronic gadget in sight.

Feel free to PM me if you want to know our other routes as it does take some planning to get the length of days right.

Beware - it is highly addictive....get into it

Cheers

Russel

[wahinelynne]

Thanks for that Watercooled - glad to hear that it was a worthwhile hike & that there may be water! Just need the temperature to drop now.....

[magichat]

*&%$#! Nora took my kid to do Walk into History today. Dse had closed the track from Friday to do burning off. You really going to be doing that on the long weekend guys?

And could you have put something on the Web?
At least it was only Warburton so not the longest drive to get there...

[andrewa]

In Victoria we've done the following overnights when the kids were smaller (7-12yo)

Mushroom rocks, Mt Erica
Mt Howitt from Gantner Hut
Howqua R - 8 mile to Ritchie's and back
Bluff Hut out onto The Bluff.

My smallest daughter (12) just walked part of the Great Ocean Walk in Vic from Ryan's Den to Devils Kitchen this weekend with friends, and seemed to survive!

Once our daughters have hit 13, we've taken then up Mt Bogong for 2 nights ( 2 out of 4 down).

A

[wahinelynne]

Just thought I’d report back on the Blowhard Circuit walk at Lake Eildon I did with my 9 year old son about seven weeks ago. We camped overnight at Mountaineers Creek which was a lovely open spot right next to the lake with tank water & a long drop.

The first day certainly involved a lot of ups & downs but Mountaineers Creek Track itself when it branches off from the main track is very steep & it was a bit of a slog in the last hour to the camp site. The first day followed quite a bit of vehicle track & even a short section of road but the second day was much more scenic (& flat) as it hugged the lakeside.

Mental note for next walk to check DSE website before going as it looked like there’d been very recent burn-off in a large area bordering the track. We saw a few kangaroos but no humans! I’d say we walked about 4.5 hours on the first day & 3.5 hours on the second day – probably just the right distance for my son. A good introduction to an overnight walk.

We thought we might try a section of the Brisbane Ranges next & arrange a car shuffle. Any recommendations for which section?

[neilmny]

Good to hear Lynne (guess) it's on my list of to do's.
Don't quite know why I/we haven't yet.
The camp site sems to be on the sunny bank How do you think it would be in winter?

[wahinelynne]

Neil - I'm not sure what it would be like in winter weather but I'd imagine it would be misty & foggy. We were lucky as we arrived with about 1 hour of daylight left on quite a warm evening & then a night of heavy rain - so woke up to a very overcast, drippy day. But I reckon the campsite would be good in all seasons really. Go to it!

[pastavore]

I took my 9yo son on his first o/night trip last weekend to the Brisbane Ranges. It was perfect, easy walking, quiet, great camping spot, wildlife and plenty of track options back to Steiglitz if he didn't cope. But cope he did, about 6km first day, then a good 13km next day. Thinking maybe Beeripmo for the next one, some great suggestions in this thread.

[Hallu]

Hi Pastavore. How are the flowers right now in the Brisbane Ranges ? Is spring already there ? I'll probably have a look next week-end.

[pastavore]

Spring has definitely arrived in the Brisbane Ranges. A very "Wattle Yellow" dominated colour scheme.

[cherish]

I took my 9yo son on his first o/night trip last weekend to the Brisbane Ranges. It was perfect, easy walking, quiet, great camping spot, wildlife and plenty of track options back to Steiglitz if he didn't cope. But cope he did, about 6km first day, then a good 13km next day. Thinking maybe Beeripmo for the next one, some great suggestions in this thread.

Hi Pastavore. Could you share the route you took for the overnighter at Brisbane Ranges? Looking to take my 10yo daughter there for our first hike.

Thanks