Short Walks, Big Discoveries
Holidays don’t always mean going far. Sometimes, the best kind of adventure starts just beyond your cabin door.
Whether you’re travelling with kids, your other half, or just a good podcast, there’s something quietly magical about a short walk that leads to something memorable. It could be a burst of birdlife, a secret lookout, or a moment of calm you didn’t know you needed.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite nearby trails from across the country, each one a little window into what makes our landscapes so special. Even better? They’re all within a short stroll or drive from a Discovery Parks location.
Let’s wander, shall we?
Lock 5 Loop Trail, Renmark SA
Step off your paddle-steamer dreams and into a gentle riverside loop that winds through living River Murray history. Stroll beneath the iconic Paringa Bridge, pause at Lock 5 to see how water levels are controlled, and maybe spot the old barge Bunyip moored nearby.
This one feels like stepping through time while never straying far from the wild riverbanks - a perfect mix of riverside serenity and heritage charm.
Distance: 6.7 km loop
Keep an eye out for: Pelicans and corellas overhead, benches for the perfect mid-walk picnic
Canyon Walk, Bright VIC
Right from the park gates, follow the Ovens River downstream on this peaceful loop. The Canyon Walk has everything you want in a short trail: swing bridges, bubbling creeks, and postcard-worthy alpine views.
Distance: 3 km loop
Keep an eye out for: Platypus at dusk, especially where the river runs quiet.
Enchanted Walk, Cradle Mountain TAS
Just across the road from the park, this 1 km circuit lives up to its name—meandering through buttongrass moorland and into rainforest along Pencil Pine Creek. Look out for wombats, wallabies, and interpretive tunnels along the track that kids (and big kids) will love crawling through.
The first half of the trail is sealed and wheelchair-accessible, with picnic shelters, BBQs and accessible toilets nearby. For those with limited mobility, a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is available on site.
Distance: 1 km loop
Keep an eye out for: Colourful fungi, especially during the coldest months, and wombats grazing in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, NSW
Just a few minutes from Discovery Parks – Emerald Beach, this gentle coastal walk takes you from Moonee Creek to the beach and headland. It’s the kind of stroll that’s perfect for spotting shorebirds, dipping your toes in the water, or simply soaking up the salty air and ocean views.
Distance: Around 2–3 km return, depending on your route
Keep an eye out for: Look out for: Sea eagles overhead, soldier crabs on the sand, and dolphins if you’re lucky
Slade Point Scenic Coastal Trail, QLD
Under a 10-minute drive from Discovery Parks – Mackay, this short trail packs in the views. The Slade Point Scenic Coastal Trail winds along the clifftops with sweeping lookouts over the Coral Sea. Keep an eye out for turtles and even whales during the migration season.
Distance: 1.7 km return (around 30–60 mins)
Keep an eye out for: Ocean wildlife and that perfect photo op from the lookout at the top.
Woodman Point Regional Park Loop, WA
If you’re heading south of Fremantle, you can’t miss Woodman Point - a city bursting with character, history and scrumptious eats. Walk through historic ruins, ocean views and sheltered bushland. Perfect for a morning wander before a swim or a sunset stroll before dinner.
Distance: 3.5 km loop
Keep an eye out for: Ospreys overhead, echidna tracks in the sand, and dolphins offshore if you’re lucky.
Bradshaw Walk, Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, NT
If you only do one trail here, make it the Bradshaw Walk. This 5 km loop starts at the main car park, winding through red-rock country and looping back along the riverbed. Late afternoon is magic when the light’s golden, and kangaroos often laze nearby.
The reserve’s network of trails caters to walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers, from flat sandy tracks to rocky climbs. The standout is the 10 km Apwelantye Trail to Wigley’s Gorge, a solid walk with epic views.
Distance: 5 km loop
Keep an eye out for: Kangaroos, river red gums, and golden-hour views.
Lake Burley Griffin Loop (“Bridge to Bridge”), ACT
Canberra’s most famous stroll? That’d be the “Bridge to Bridge” loop. This flat, easy 5 km circuit links Kings Avenue Bridge and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, with plenty to see along the way including national galleries and museums, the National Carillon, and Lennox Gardens.
It’s a favourite with locals and visitors (especially on weekends), whether you’re walking, running, or cruising on two wheels. If you’ve got the stamina, longer lake loops can stretch up to 30 km, taking in hidden bushland pockets, the Molonglo River, and relaxed spots like Weston Park – complete with a beach, picnic areas, and a water playground.
Distance: 5 km loop (longer loops up to 30 km)
Keep an eye out for: Black swans, public art, and postcard-worthy reflections.
CREDIT: Visit Canberra
A Walk Away From Wonder
Wherever you are, there's a little moment waiting to be discovered. A trail that leads to a sweeping view, a skittish echidna in the leaves, or just the space to exhale for the first time all week.
At Discovery Parks, we believe in making the everyday extraordinary—and sometimes all it takes is a wander just beyond your cabin.
Ready to lace up and explore?
Ask our park teams for a local trail map, wildlife tips or the best time of day to head out. We’ll help you make the most of your walk—even if it’s a short one.
