National Pass, Blue Mountains, NSW

Length: 6km, steep in places, allow half a day Recommended age: 8+ One of the most spectacular mid-length walks in the country, National Pass has incredible variety in its 6km loop, and makes for a fantastic family adventure. It starts on the edge of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains escarpment, and teeters above the extraordinary Wentworth Falls, before descending to its base. You can paddle and play in the pools at the falls’ base before meandering along through rainforest and under small waterfalls halfway up the cliff. The uphill section is through a rainforest gorge, with delightful falls and cascades to admire.

Alternative walks in the area: The Blue Mountains is a huge network of walking tracks, with everything from 5-minute walks to spectacular lookouts and waterfalls, to multi- day hikes. Two easier and fun alternatives for younger families are to catch the terrifyingly steep Scenic Railway to the bottom of the cliff and do a short loop walk in the rainforest (see our article, Into the Blue, for more information on the Rainforest Walk); or to simply wander along the cliff-top walk from the iconic Three Sisters. Just keep little ones close as the latter has some steep cliff drops to either side. Another lookout worth visiting is Sublime Point in Leura where you can see up to 29km away.