The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hay

There are over 30 family-friendly hiking trails around Hay, with more than half of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children. These routes offer a wonderful way to explore the unique landscapes of the Murrumbidgee River and the expansive Hay Plains.

Yes, for families with toddlers or very young children, we recommend shorter, easy routes. The Hay-on-Wye River Trail loop from Hay Castle is a great option, offering a gentle, nearly 4 km path along the river. Another excellent choice is the Hay Tump – Hay-on-Wye loop, which is just under 3.5 km and also rated easy.

Family hikes around Hay offer diverse natural sights. You'll encounter the life-giving Murrumbidgee River with its white sandy beaches and majestic river red gums. The vast, flat Hay Plains provide unique 360-degree panoramas, especially at sunset. The area is also rich in wetlands and floodplains, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.

Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes around Hay are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For an easy circular option, consider the Hay-on-Wye River Trail loop from Hay Castle. For a slightly longer, moderate circular trail, the Login Brook Trail – Hay Tump loop from Hay on Wye is a popular choice.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 120 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful riverside paths, the unique flat landscapes of the Hay Plains, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially birdwatching. The well-maintained trails and accessibility for families are also frequently highlighted.

While the Hay Plains offer their own expansive views, some trails might lead to or offer glimpses of notable landmarks. For broader scenic vistas, you can find highlights like Hay Bluff or Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob) in the wider region. Along the Murrumbidgee River, the Bidgee Riverside and Trail features large public sculptures by artists John Wood and John Woodward.

Many trails in and around Hay are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check local signage and regulations, especially in nature reserves or areas with sensitive wildlife. When hiking with your dog, please keep them on a leash, carry waste bags, and ensure they don't disturb other hikers or local fauna.

Hay is an excellent destination for birdwatching, thanks to its diverse wetland, saltbush, cottonbush, and river red gum forest habitats. The Murrumbidgee River floodplains are particularly rich in birdlife. The Regional Park Track, accessed via Lang Street, is a great spot for observing local wildlife and bird species. For more information on birdwatching in the area, you can visit visithay.com.au.

The best time for family hiking in Hay is generally during the cooler months of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). Temperatures are milder, making for more comfortable walking conditions. Summers can be very hot, while winters are cooler but still pleasant for outdoor activities, though some trails might be affected by rain.

Yes, the Murrumbidgee River is a central feature for recreation. Sandy Point, with its beautiful white sandy beaches, is a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the river. The Bidgee Riverside and Trail leads to Sandy Point, offering easy access to the water for a refreshing dip or paddle on a warm day. You can find more details about Sandy Point at visithay.com.au.

Parking availability varies by trail. For routes starting near the town center, such as the Hay-on-Wye River Trail loop, you can often find public parking within the town. For trails like the Regional Park Track, specific parking areas are usually designated. It's advisable to check the individual route details on komoot for precise parking information before you head out.

Hay's flat terrain makes it enjoyable for cycling, and some walking trails are also suitable for bikes. The Bidgee Riverside and Trail is an all-weather track that is also popular for cycling, and free bike hire is even available from the Visitor Information Centre. Always check if a specific walking trail permits cycling before you go.