Child friendly rating: 4 stars

Distance: 11.5km

Signposted time: 4 hours

Bookings Required? No

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Not really

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park at the Boyle Education Centre - you need to pay to leave your car on their premises, but this is safer parking than on the side of the road as SH7 is notorious for car break ins.

The Track:

The track is the last section of the St James Walkway which is popular, thus the track is well marked and well worn. It is generally wide enough to hold a childs hand while walking, and predominantly flat.

After 2km of walking, you cross a swingbridge. A further 3km of walking leads you out onto the first clearing. At this clearing you have the option of walking down to the flats to follow the river to Magdalen Hut instead of walking along the St James Walkway. The river trail requires route-finding skills up the river, however it is approx 3km shorter than following the track.

Either way, you will get wet boots coming to this hut.

If you go the standard way, there is a creek crossing just before the hut.

Hut:

The hut is a modern newer 6-bunk hut. Most people walking the St James by-pass this hut, but being so small, it can fill up quick. There is a clearing with good space for tents.

Recommendations:

This hut is relatively child-friendly for older kids, the distance just can be a lot for the younger ones. For older kids this easy track to a modern hut is a great introduction to overnight hikes. For young kids (under 5-8yo) walking the whole way, pick a shorter walk for a first trip.