Bongil Bongil Rainforest Track - baby ride - 5 or 10 km out and back
Looking for a low hanging juicy, ripe and sweet fruit of a ride? Well, load the wagon up and go bumble this a 5 km trail in Bongil Bongil National Park which can also be a whole day thing by making it into a 10km expanded version, located south of Coffs Harbor, NSW, Australia. This trail report will give you all the details you need to navigate the track with your 10-month-old baby in tow, or whatever age they are.
Getting There
Bongil Bongil National Park is easily accessible by car.
If you are looking to go the shorter 5 km route navigate to this car park -
If you would like to do the 10 km expanded route I suggest you start your trip at the thriving North Beach General Store which has a playground, a tidal pool and some smoothies.
Navigate to here -
The Trail
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of the trail itself, so you aren't blindsided by something. The track is an easy, flat, unpaved, rainforest but beach adjacent walking track. Which should give you some idea that there is leaf matter, roots, sandy bits and some fallen trees. There is 60 to 70% tree coverage on the trail itself. During high noon it is possibly less.
There is a 'hike a bike' section that is very short and manageable to take the baby off and cross a creek if the water height requires. There is the occasional down tree that has been cut through but don't be surprised if you reach one that hasnt been cut through that people would typically just step over.
The turn back point is at the end of the trail which is a perfect swimming spot for little ones. Shallow, warmed, ochre coloured water from the Bundageree Creek. Fair warning though, there is limited shade at this spot and perhaps creaking a makeshift shade if you haven't bought one will be necessary.
Gear for this trail
I rode a Crust Evasion with 2.8 Surly Extraterrestrial tires. These managed the terrain with absolute ease and provided some cushion for the bumps for the baby. An off-road tire will absolutely make this easier...but who is using skinny road tires anymore?
No real skill set required but some off-road experience would surely help.
This trail would be difficult using a trailer. There is barriers at points to stop motorcycles or vehicles. If you are two people this would be managed easy enough.
But best carrier for this situation would be a baby seat up front. As there can be low hanging branches and we don't want to whip baby in the face at the rear.
Wrap-Up
Here is an youtube video of the trip i took in November 2024 with 10 month old Joni.
Let me know if you have any questions - boo@jambijambi.com