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Kids’ and family activities

Looking for something to do with the kids? NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has plenty of family-friendly events and tours on offer during school holidays.

Become a junior ranger for the day, get inside the tallest lighthouse in NSW, or check out a historic gaol or a gold mine.

Children can join a spotlight tour after dark, or learn to find bush tucker with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger. 

We offer tours across many NSW regions so you’re bound to find something fun near you.

Family enjoying a guided tour of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Credit: Destination NSW

Book an activity near you

North Coast NSW

An NPWS ranger and a young woman and man look at the Gondwana circle map on the ground, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: 'And the trees’ Photography © NPWS

Discovering Gondwana short tour

Experience the rainforest like never before, on a 2km ranger-guided walk through World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. It's only 1hr from Coffs Harbour, but you'll feel worlds away.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Daily from Tuesday 11 April Saturday 22 April 2023.

Daily from Monday 3 July to Saturday 15 July 2023.

Daily from Monday 25 September to Saturday 30 September 2023.

Daily from Tuesday 3 October to Saturday 7 October 2023.

Tours do not run on Wednesdays or Sundays.

Tour times: 10.30am to 11am, 11.30am to 12pm, 12.30 to 1pm, 2pm to 2.30pm

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Ranger Matt crouching beside a log to show the fungi growing on it, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Jane Grebert. © DPE

Gumbaynggirr culture rainforest tour

These school holidays, bring the family to this tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Gumbaynggirr Ranger Matt will share his language and culture as he guides you through the rainforest.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Wednesday 12 April, 19 April, 5 July, 12 July, Wednesday 27 September, Wednesday 4 October, Wednesday 27 December 2023

Tour times: 10.30am to 12pm; 1.30pm to 3pm

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Arial shot of The Ruins campground in Booti Booti National Park, between Wallis Lake and Seven Mile Beach. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPIE

Junior ranger: Booti Booti

Join us for a Junior ranger adventure, as we traverse the shores of Seven Mile Beach. Walk alongside a Discovery Ranger to find out what plants and animals live here, and how they survive in this magical environment.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Thursday 12 January, 13 April and 13 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.

Where
The Ruins campground and picnic area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
An Indigenous education ranger shares her local cultural knowledge of the rainforest. Photo: Karina Davila-Otoya ©DPIE

Yun yi barragay tour

Join this ranger-guided Aboriginal cultural tour along the rainforest boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll go on a unique journey of discovery and learning.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 17 March, 14 and 21 April, 19 May, 16 June, 7, 14 and 21 July, 18 August, 15 and 29 September, 6 and 20 October, 17 November and Friday 15, 22 and 29 December 2022, 10am to 11.30am.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Visitors and ranger examine strangler vine, along Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk tour

If you’re near Port Macquarie, come along to this unique ranger-guided experience in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll enjoy a walk under the lush canopy of this rare and spectacular coastal rainforest.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Every Tuesday and Thursday from Tuesday 11 April to Thursday 20 April, Tuesday 4 July to Thursday 13 July and from Tuesday 26 September to Thursday 5 October 2023.

Times: 10am to 10.40am, 11am to 11.40am and 12pm to 12.40pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Aboriginal education ranger sharing her cultural knowledge of Sea Acres Rainforest. Photo credit: Karina Davila-Otoya. © DPIE

Muluman tour

Take a walk to Shelly Beach in Sea Acres National Park on this Aboriginal ranger-guided activity. Discover bush tucker and medicine in the rainforest as you learn about Birpai culture.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 17 March, 14 and 21 April, 19 May, 16 June, 7, 14 and 21 July, 18 August, 15 and 29 September, 6 and 20 October, 17 November and Friday 15, 22 and 29 December 2023, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour, Hat Head National Park. Photo: And the tress photography © DPE

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

Walk alongside a NPWS Ranger on an intimate tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in NSW. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, in your own small group.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

The second Saturday of every month from Saturday 11 March to Saturday 9 December 2023, excluding Saturday 8 April 2023.

Additional school holiday dates: Wednesday 5 and 12 April, 5 and 12 July, 27 September, 4 October and 27 December 2023.

Tour times: 8.30am, 9am, 9.45am, 10.15am, 11am and 11.30am.

Each tour runs for 30 minutes.

Where
Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Sunset above the Trial Bay Gaol walls, Arakoon National Park. Photo: Carolyn McPhee © DPIE

Trial Bay Gaol twilight tour

Explore Trial Bay Gaol by twilight with an NPWS guide by your side. Discover what life was like for prisoners  as you watch the sun set in beautiful Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 3 March 2023, 5.30pm to 7pm

Friday 14 April, 21 April, 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 14 July, 4 August, 1 September, 29 September 2023, 4pm to 5.30pm

Friday 6 October, 3 November, 1 December, 22 December, 29 December 2023, 5.30pm to 7pm

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
View through bars at Trial Bay Goal. Photo: Kim Payne Photography © DPE

Trial Bay Gaol: Life behind bars kids tour

Come along and find out what life behind bars was really like for the prisoners at Trial Bay Gaol, in Arakoon National Park near South West Rocks. Explore the gaol on this action-packed family tour.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Wednesday 12 April, Monday 17 April, Wednesday 19 April, Monday 3 July, Wednesday 5 July, Monday 10 July, Wednesday 12 July, Monday 25 September and Wednesday 27 September 2023, 3.30pm to 5pm.

Wednesday 4 October 2023, 4.30pm to 6pm.

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Central Coast and Hunter region

A group of people led by an NPWS guide pause on a lookout during the Burning Mountain adventure, Burning Mountain Nature Reserve. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPE

Burning Mountain adventure

Join this adventurous family-friendly guided walk at Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, near Scone, these school holidays. Discover Australia’s only naturally burning coal seam in this ancient and surprising landscape.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 14 April and Friday 7 July 2023, 9.30am to 11.30am

Where
Burning Mountain Nature Reserve in Country NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Family walking over a footbridge in the forest on a tour of Copeland Tops with a ranger. Photo credit and copyright: Destination NSW

Copeland Tops twilight tour

Experience the magic of Copeland Tops at twilight. Explore Hidden Treasure track and the historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine on this evening tour near Gloucester.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tours run on the first Friday of the month.

Tour times:

  • 7pm to 9pm (January to March 2023)
  • 6pm to 8pm (April to September 2023)
  • 7pm to 9pm (October to December 2023)
Where
Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Blue Mountains

A Moment in Time exhibition. Photo: The National Library

A Moment in Time exhibition

Augustus Earle's (1793-1838) painting, 'A Moment in Time', courtesy of the National Library, is one of several images incorporated in the exhibition being shown at Corney's Garage in Hartley Historic Site. 

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Daily from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 28 May 2023, 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays.

Official exhibition opening event on Saturday 1 April 2023, and will include guest speakers and a special performance.

Where
Hartley Historic Site in Sydney and surrounds
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

South Coast NSW

Teacher's hands demonstrating the start of weave, Bournda National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © the photographer

Traditional weaving workshop: Killalea

Join this weaving workshop at Killalea Regional Park these school holidays. It's a great introduction to Aboriginal culture. You'll have the privilege of being taught by a senior Aboriginal NPWS guide.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Wednesday 19 April 2023, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Where
Killalea Regional Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Visitors cross a suspension bridge over a creek along Rainforest loop walk at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © DPIE

Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight

Go on a family-friendly after-hours guided tour in Budderoo National Park these school holidays. See Minnamurra Rainforest by night on this unforgettable adventure, inland from Kiama on the South Coast.

Price
Fees apply. Price includes park entry fee.
When

Friday 14 April, Tuesday 18 April, Monday 25 September, Wednesday 27 September 2023, 6pm to 7.30pm

Where
Lyrebird loop walk, Budderoo National Park
The base of a small woven basket, Mimosa Rocks National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © DPIE

Traditional weaving workshop: Mimosa Rocks

Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Mimosa Rocks National Park, near Bermagui. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Dates: Friday 21 April, Thursday 28 September 2023

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Where
Aragunnu campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
A woven coaster in progress, made during a traditional weaving workshop at Bournda National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © the photographer

Traditional weaving workshop: Bournda

Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Bournda National Park, near Bega. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Dates: Thursday 20 April, Wednesday 27 September 2023.

Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Where
Hobart Beach campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Mimosa Rocks bush tucker tour. Mimosa Rocks National Park. Photo: blacdove © DPIE

Mimosa Rocks bush tucker tour

Come along on this easy stroll through Mimosa National Park. Led by an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger, we'll search for traditional bush tucker and medicine plants on this cultural tour, not far from Bega.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Dates: Friday 21 April, Thursday 28 September 2023.

Time: 10am to 12pm

Where
Gillards campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
2 people canoeing along Bournda Lagoon in Bournda National Park. Photo: © Daniel Tran

Canoe Bournda Lagoon

Paddle along pristine Bournda Lagoon on a guided canoeing adventure in Bournda National Park. Find out about the park's waterways and see the park from a unique perspective on this family-friendly tour.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Dates: Wednesday 12 April, 19 April, 27 September 2023.

Time: All tours 10am to 12pm, meet at 9.45am

Where
Bournda Lagoon, Bournda National Park
A local NPWS Aboriginal guide on a bushtucker tour, Bournda National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © DPE

Bournda bush tucker tour

Walk alongside an NPWS Aboriginal guide on this easy stroll through Bournda National Park. Join the search for traditional bush tucker and medicine plants on this cultural tour near Bega.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Dates: Thursday 20 April, Wednesday 27 September 2023.

Time: 10am to 12pm

Where
Hobart Beach campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Snowy Mountains

Rainbow Lake walking track, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer © OEH

Rainbow Lake colours

Wander amongst the snow gums in Kosciuszko National Park on this 2.5km family-friendly walk. You’ll meander through the sub-alpine valley to Rainbow Lake and see colourful wildflowers along the way.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Thursday 6 April and 13 April 2023.

Sunday 9 April and 16 April 2023.

Tour time: 10am to 12.30pm

Where
Rainbow Lake walking track, Thredbo-Perisher area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Walkers on the Porcupine walk, which has wildflowers in bloom, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © DPE

Porcupine Rocks walk

These school holidays, bring the kids on this 5.7km, family-friendly guided walk in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park. See how many alpine wildflowers you can spot and photograph.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tuesday 4 April, 11 April and 18 April 2023.

Saturday 8 April and 15 April 2023.

Tour time: 10am to 1.30pm

Where
Porcupine walk, Thredbo-Perisher area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Country NSW

Walk on the wild side tour Warrumbungles. Photo: Leah Pippos © DPE

Walk on the wild side at the Warrumbungles

Join an experienced National Parks guide and explore the beauty of Warrumbungle National Park. This tour is designed to bring your senses alive as you explore the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful area.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tuesday 11, Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Tuesday 18 April 2023, 10am to 12pm.

Wednesday 12 and Monday 17 April 2023, 3pm to 5pm.

Where
Wambelong Nature walking track, Warrumbungle National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Greater Sydney