New to hiking with your kids? You're in the right place.
If you've been wanting to take your kids hiking but aren't quite sure where to start, you're not alone.
Maybe you're wondering what gear you actually need, whether your kids can manage the walk, or how to keep everyone safe and happy on the track. Those questions stop so many families from taking that first step.
The Outdoor Matriarch exists to change that.
Here you'll find practical advice, honest guidance and real experience to help you feel prepared, build your confidence, and spend more time outdoors with your family.
Hi, I'm Rosie.
I've spent more than 20 years in the outdoors and have been taking my own kids hiking since they were little.
Over the years, I've learnt what actually matters when you're heading into the bush with children, and it's probably less than you think.
You don't need expensive gear, years of experience or the perfect plan. You just need enough knowledge to make good decisions and the confidence to give it a go.
Everything you'll find here comes from real experience, including the mistakes I've made along the way, so you can spend less time second-guessing yourself and more time making memories with your family.
Everything you need to get started
Gear you’ll actually need
I’ll walk you through what’s worth spending money on, what you can borrow, and what you can skip altogether. You’ll learn how to choose simple, reliable gear without falling into the trap of thinking you need a whole outdoor shop before you can take your kids on a track.
Keeping your family safe
We’ll cover the basics that matter most: checking the weather properly, choosing the right track for your family, knowing where you’re going, and having a simple safety plan. Nothing dramatic, just the kind of quiet preparation that helps you leave home feeling calm instead of anxious.
Hiking with kids
I’ll share honest, realistic advice about hiking with children of different ages, how far they can usually manage, how to handle tired legs and wobbly moods, and small ways to build their confidence so each walk feels a little easier than the last.
Food, packing and planning
You’ll get simple ideas for meals and snacks, how to pack so you’re prepared without carrying the whole house, and how to plan a day out that feels organised but not overcomplicated. The aim is a day where you can focus on your kids and the track, not on worrying what you forgot.
Start with these articles
My philosophy
I have put together a few blog posts specifically for beginners. They cover the basics of getting started and answering those first few questions that pop up. Head over to the blog and start there.
Family hiking does not have to be expensive, extreme, or perfect. It is about being prepared enough and building your confidence one walk at a time. We focus on the craft of being outdoors together, not ticking off survival skills.
Final encouragement
You do not have to know everything before you begin. The goal is more confident family time outdoors, not a flawless performance. Grab your shoes, pack a few snacks, and let us get started.
My philosophy
Family hiking doesn't have to be expensive, extreme or perfect. We aren't out here to prove anything or survive the wild. It's simply about being prepared enough and building your confidence one hike at a time. It’s okay to start small, it’s okay to turn back, and it’s okay if things don’t go exactly to plan.
Final encouragement
You don't have to know everything before you begin. You just have to be willing to take the first step. The goal is more confident family time outdoors, not a perfect photo or a peak-bagging record. You’ve got this, and your kids will thank you for the time spent breathing in the fresh air together.