Child friendly rating: 1 stars

Distance: 7.5km

Signposted time: 3-4 hours

Bookings Required? No

Suitable in Winter? Generally not

Camping Available? Very limited

4wd required? No

Parking:

 Park at the Judah Track carpark off the main road to Glenorchy.

The Track:

The track starts off following an old 4WD road for the first approx 4.5km. It is uphill and exposed, so not great for poor weather or extreme heat. It's not difficult, but you do climb approximately 400 meters in elevation.

At The Junction you turn left, and start heading downhill to the river. It is approximately 1km of downhill travel. As you get closer to the river, the track gets thinner and steeper. This section is not toddler-friendly. You drop down around 200 meters of elevation.

There is a smaller river and creeks to cross which adults can keep dry boots over, but then the 2nd crossing is quite swift. Younger kids will definitely need carrying over. My brother carried our 5 year old over, and I was quite cautious of him carrying her on his own as I do feel the river is better crossed using poles or a mutual support method. You will get wet boots.

We visited during summer when it was very hot and dry, so this river would be much higher in other conditions. It is not a 'beginner' river crossing, and it could also be impassable after even a day of light rain.

After the river crossing, the track steeply exits the river, and then you join onto an overgrown 4WD track. The bracken is as high as a child, and requires pushing through.

You climb around another 400 meters of elevation.

With a 5 year old walking the whole way and a 1 year old being carried it took us 7 hours including a lunch break and all other breaks to get to the hut. The 5 year old did find the track very difficult and long, and quite a slog.

Hut:

 This hut is super unique - the floor is actually pebbles. It's really odd - but toddlers do love it and digging in it. You'll just have to watch them closely if they're in the stage where they're putting everything in their mouths.

The beds are individual bunks, and while there is space to pop 2 mattresses on the floor next to each other if you've got the hut to yourselves, it is a bit weird with the unique floor.

Views from the hut are amazing.

Recommendations:

 The views are great, and this would make a good visit with toddlers who are not yet walking, or with older very capable kids. But it is not really a child-friendly hike for beginners or young kids at all.