Kids’ and family activities

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 guided 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

Tour dates:

Monday 26 September to Friday 30 September 2022.

Saturday 1 October 2022. Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 October 2022.

Tour times:

10am to 10.30am, 11am to 11.30am, 12pm to 12.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm.

Where

Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park

Operated by

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 6 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.

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

Where

The Ruins campground and picnic area

Operated by

Children in the forest with an NPWS ranger guide, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Louise Walpole © NPWS

Kids' Gondwana nature play: 5 to 10 years

Looking for something for the kids to do these school holidays? Join us for a fun hour in Dorrigo National Park, where kids (aged 5-10 years) can reconnect with nature through play and discovery.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Tuesday 27 September and Tuesday 4 October 2022, 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Where: Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by

Visitors and ranger examine strangler vine, along Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

Saving our species ranger-guided tour

If you’re in Port Macquarie these school holidays, join this ranger-guided walk in Sea Acres National Park. Hear about the species in this park, and how you can help protect them. Great for all ages.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Wednesday 28 September, Thursday 29 September, Wednesday 5 October and Thursday 6 October 2022.

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

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

Your NPWS guide invites you on an intimate and memorable tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in NSW. Book as a couple or family group.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

The second Saturday of every month from Saturday 10 September 2022 until Saturday 10 December 2022.

Additional dates: Wednesday 28 September and Wednesday 5 October 2022.

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

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 and hear their stories as you watch the sun set in beautiful Arakoon National Park.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Friday 2 September 2022, 4.30pm to 6pm.

Friday 23, Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 September 2022, 5.30pm to 7pm.

Tuesday 4 and Friday 7 October 2022, 5.30pm to 7pm.

Friday 4 November and 2 December 2022, 6.30pm to 8pm.

Where

Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park

Operated by

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. Explore the gaol and discover its secrets on this action-packed family tour.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Monday 26 September, Wednesday 28 September and Wednesday 5 October 2022, 4.30pm to 6pm.
Where: Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by

Saving our species ranger-guided tour

If you’re in Port Macquarie these school holidays, join this ranger-guided walk in Sea Acres National Park. Hear about the species in this park, and how you can help protect them. Great for all ages.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Wednesday 28 September, Thursday 29 September, Wednesday 5 October and Thursday 6 October 2022.

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

Animal tracking in Wyrrabalong

Join an NPWS Discovery Ranger on an adventure these school holidays. We’ll search for signs of the wonderful wildlife that calls Wyrrabalong National Park home.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Friday 7 October 2022, 10am to 12pm
Where: Lillypilly loop trail, Wyrrabalong National Park
Operated by

Girrakool loop track, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

Girrakool nature diary tour

Carve out a moment to explore and connect with nature, on this 2hr guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Friday 30 September 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Where: Girrakool loop track, Brisbane Water National Park
Operated by

An Aboriginal ranger leading a tour. Photo: Adam Hollingsworth ©DPIE

Blue Gum Hills cultural connections tour

Join an Aboriginal ranger on a cultural journey you won’t forget in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park, near Minmi. Bring the kids along to enjoy this outstanding tour.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Wednesday 28 September 2022, 10am to 12pm.

Thursday 5 January, Wednesday 12 April and 12 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.

Where

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in North Coast

Operated by

Whale breaching, Glenrock State Conservation Area. Photo: Jonas Liebschner © DPE

Breakfast with the whales at Glenrock

Bring your own breakfast to enjoy, while taking in the stunning scenery at Hickson Street lookout as the sun rises to start a new day.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Thursday 6 October 2022, 7am to 9am.
Where: Glenrock State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by

Two people looking out from a footbridge in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo credit: S. Milgate. © DPIE

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: 7 October, 4 November and 2 December 2022, 7pm to 9pm.
Where: Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Operated by

Burwood Beach, Glenrock State conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

Junior ranger: Fossil forest ramble

Join us for an adventure at Glenrock this school holidays, to discover the fossilised forest on the rock platforms at Dudley Beach.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Wednesday 5 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Where: Dudley Beach, Glenrock State Conservation Area
Operated by

Koala clinging to tree branch, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: Alex Pike © DPE

Koala capers at Copeland Tops

Join a Discovery Ranger and NPWS koala expert this school holidays, for a morning of adventure at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Friday 30 September 2022
Where: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by

Fishermans Bay beach, Photo: John Spencer © NSW Government

Rockpool ramble at Tomaree

Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the shores of Fishermans Bay in Tomaree National Park, close to Anna Bay and Nelson Bay.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Monday 26 September 2022 and Friday 20 January 2023, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
Where: Tomaree National Park in North Coast
Operated by

Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: Brent Hall

Junior ranger: Copeland Tops

Step back in time this school holidays and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine at Copeland Tops.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Tuesday 10 January and 18 April 2023. Thursday 6 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.
Where: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by

Tour guide showing visitor artefacts at Mountain Maid gold mine in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo credit: Adam Hollingsworth. © DPIE

Mountain Maid gold mine tour

Step back in time and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Discover historic buildings and pan for gold on this tour in the rainforest.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Tours run Saturdays and Wednesdays from 3 December to 17 December 2022.
All tours run 10am to 12pm.

Where

Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Operated by

Copeland cultural connections tour

Tour cancelled.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Tour cancelled.
Where: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by

Aboriginal tool, didgeridoo and boomerang. Photo: Cherie Shanks/OEH

Aboriginal games for kids: Blackheath

Looking for a fun-filled kids’ activity these school holidays? Learn to play a range of Aboriginal games at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, near Blackheath.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Monday 26 September and Thursday 29 September 2022, 10am to 12pm.

Wednesday 5 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.

Meet at 9.45am.

Where

Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath area

Operated by

Aboriginal guide mixing red ochre on rocky ground with children's feet surrounding. Photo: Nick Cubbin.

Bush safety and Aboriginal culture for kids

Are your kids curious about the wide outdoors? Bring them along to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre these school holidays to learn about Aboriginal culture and staying safe in the bush.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Friday 30 September 2022, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath area
Operated by

WilderQuest Spotlight tour

Shh! What was that? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Join our National Parks Discovery Ranger, for an exciting expedition under the stars. We'll discover the amazing creatures of the night on this easy tour.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Friday 30 September and Tuesday 4 October 2022, 6pm to 8pm. Meet at 5.45pm.
Where: Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by

WilderQuest Stories around the campfire

Join this hands-on WilderQuest activity in Blue Mountains National Park. Around the campfire, you'll learn all about our country's First People.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Tuesday 27 September 2022 and Thursday 6 October 2022, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Junior ranger adventure at Blackheath, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

Junior ranger: Navigation adventure at Blackheath

Become a junior ranger this school holidays, on this fun orienteering tour at Blackheath. You'll learn some useful navigation skills along the way.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Wednesday 28 September and Friday 7 October 2022, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath area
Operated by

Sustainable toolkit tour: Blue Mountains

Immerse yourself in the meaning, traditions and connections of Aboriginal culture during this hands-on session at Blue Mountains National Park.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Available on request 7 days a week
Where: Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by

Fern tree at Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards © DPIE

Minnamurra sun prints in the forest

Discover your creative flair on this hands-on tour at Minnamurra Rainforest, near Jamberoo.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Wednesday 5 October 2022, 10.30am to 12pm
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Operated by

Soldier crabs. Photo: Anthony Belton © DPE

Neptune's necklace and soldier crabs

Do you like muddy places where interesting creatures thrive? If you do, don't miss this adventure at the Merimbula Lake boardwalk these school holidays.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
Where: Merimbula
Operated by

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. Park entry fees apply.
When: Thursday 29 September and 6 October 2022, 2pm to 4pm
Where: Aragunnu campground
Operated by

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: Wednesday 28 September and 5 October 2022, 1pm to 3pm
Where: Hobart Beach campground
Operated by

Aerial view of Green Cape Lighthouse, Ben Boyd National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © the photographer

Green Cape historical lighthouse tour

Uncover the history of Green Cape Lighthouse on this guided tour in Ben Boyd National Park, near Eden. Hear stories of disaster and survival and enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Friday 23 September and 30 September and Thursday 6 October 2022, 10.30am to 12pm.
Where: Green Cape Lighthouse, Green Cape area
Operated by

The Davidson family 1850s weatherboard homestead. Photo: DPIE

19th-century whaling

Join an experienced local guide on a tour of the historic Davidson Whaling Station. Learn about the area’s legendary killer whales and how they helped whaling operations.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Available on request.
Where: Davidson Whaling Station, Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site
Operated by

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. Park entry fees apply.
When: Thursday 29 September and 6 October 2022, 10am to 12pm
Where: Gillards campground
Operated by

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: Friday 23 September and 7 October 2022, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Bournda Lagoon, Bournda National Park

Guide and children at Merimbula tour. Photo: Barbara Allgaier. ©DPE

Explore the paddle weed

Explore the pristine coastline at Spencer Park, Merimbula Lake these school holidays. Walk among the paddle weed and keep your eyes peeled for hidden creatures.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
Where: Merimbula
Operated by

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: Wednesday 28 September and 5 October 2022, 10am to 12pm
Where: Hobart Beach campground
Operated by

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

This tour is cancelled due to wet weather and predicted storms.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: This tour is cancelled due to wet weather and predicted storms.
Where: Lyrebird loop walk, Budderoo National Park

Yarrangobilly Caves, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer

South Glory Cave

Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the lofty chambers of South Glory Cave at Yarrangobilly, near Tumut. It never fails to astonish.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
Where: Yarrangobilly area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains

Jillabenan Cave

Take a fascinating guided tour of Jillabenan Cave. It's the smallest and most accessible of the Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park, but it's packed with incredibly delicate formations.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
Where: Yarrangobilly area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains

Jersey Cave

Step back in time on a guided tour of Jersey Cave. You’ll be awed by some of the most colourful and diverse decorations at Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
Where: Yarrangobilly area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains

Image of the Lagoon Nebula in the Milky Way. Photo: Matthew Piper © DPIE

Explore the Dark Sky

Experience the wonders of the night sky at Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first officially accredited Dark Sky Park.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Tuesday 27 September and Friday 30 September 2022, 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Meet at 7pm.
Where: Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, Warrumbungle National Park
Operated by

Family walking through bush in Pilliga. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

Walk on the wild side in the Pilliga

Immerse yourself in Timmallallie National Park and learn about the mysterious relationships between plants, animals and the physical environment.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Thursday 29 September and Friday 7 October 2022, 8am to 10am. Tuesday 4 October 2022, 3pm to 5pm.
Where: Sculptures in the Scrub walking track, Timmallallie National Park
Operated by

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

Walk on the wild side at the Warrumbungles

Immerse yourself in Warrumbungle National Park and learn about the mysterious relationships between plants, animals and the physical environment.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Tuesday 4 October 2022, 8am to 10am. Thursday 6 October 2022, 3pm to 5pm.
Where: Wambelong Nature walking track, Warrumbungle National Park
Operated by