Did you know? NSW National Parks runs guided tours for kids and families to discover the hidden mysteries of our national parks. Explore our wonderful coastline on a sea creatures treasure hunt, become a waterbug detective, or join an Aboriginal Guide on a bush tucker workshop. Our WilderQuest events and tours are specially designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years, but there are heaps of exciting adventures for the whole family. Keep an eye on this page to see fun tours and activities in your region.
Meet NPWS ranger Amanda Dudgeon, as she launches her 12-month fundraising trek across Oceania for The Thin Green Line Foundation.
Event launch is on Sunday 31 July 2022, 9.30am to 2pm.
Exhibition will run for all of August, 9.30am to 4pm.
Carve out a moment to explore and connect with nature, on this 2hr guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park.
Friday 30 September 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Wade and walk through vibrant wetlands during this rare opportunity to experience the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve up close.
Immerse yourself in Warrumbungle National Park and learn about the mysterious relationships between plants, animals and the physical environment.
Friday 23 September, Wednesday 28 September and Tuesday 4 October 2022, 8am to 10am. Thursday 6 October 2022, 3pm to 5pm.
Immerse yourself in Timmallallie National Park and learn about the mysterious relationships between plants, animals and the physical environment.
Thursday 29 September and Friday 7 October 2022, 8am to 10am. Tuesday 4 October 2022, 3pm to 5pm.
These school holidays, join this fascinating 4WD tag-along tour in Pilliga Forest, near Coonabarabran. Discover some wonderful places.
Wednesday 21 September and Wednesday 5 October 2022, 9am to 2pm.
Experience the wonders of the night sky at Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first officially accredited Dark Sky Park.
Tuesday 27 September and Friday 30 September 2022, 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Meet at 7pm.
Join us for a Junior ranger adventure these school holidays. We'll walk along the banks of Middle Brook to Washpools waterhole, just 25km from Scone.
Tuesday 4 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Wednesday 11 January, Wednesday 19 April and Tuesday 11 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday 6 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Thursday 12 January, 13 April and 13 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.
Looking for something for the kids to do these school holidays? Join us for a fun hour in Dorrigo National Park, where kids (aged 5-8 years) can reconnect with nature through play and discovery.
Tuesday 27 September and Tuesday 4 October 2022, 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday 26 September, Wednesday 28 September, Friday 30 September and Wednesday 5 October 2022, 4.30pm to 6pm.
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.
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.
Wander through the old Trial Bay Gaol at sunset, in Arakoon National Park, near South West Rocks. Visit the darker side of history and hear stories of prisoners' crimes and experiences here.
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.
Wednesday 28 September 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Thursday 5 January, Wednesday 12 April and 12 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.
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.
Thursday 6 October 2022, 7am to 9am.
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.
1 April, 7 October, 4 November and 2 December 2022, 7pm to 9pm.
Friday 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 5 August and 2 September 2022, 6pm to 8pm.
Join us for an adventure at Glenrock this school holidays, to discover the fossilised forest on the rock platforms at Dudley Beach.
Wednesday 5 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Join a Discovery Ranger and NPWS koala expert this school holidays, for a morning of adventure at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area.
Friday 30 September 2022
Walk alongside an Aboriginal volunteer on this guided tour in Copeland Tops State Conservation area. We'll discover the traditional lands of the Worimi and Biripi people, at the foothill of Barrington Tops.
Sunday 2 October and Tuesday 4 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.
Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the shores of Fishermans Bay in Tomaree National Park, close to Anna Bay and Nelson Bay.
Monday 26 September 2022 and Friday 20 January 2023, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
Step back in time this school holidays and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine at Copeland Tops.
Tuesday 10 January and 18 April 2023. Thursday 6 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.
Immerse yourself in the meaning, traditions and connections of Aboriginal culture during this hands-on session at Blue Mountains National Park.
Available on request 7 days a week
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.
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.
Thursday 29 September and 6 October 2022, 2pm to 4pm
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.
Wednesday 28 September and 5 October 2022, 1pm to 3pm
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.
Thursday 22 September, 29 September and 6 October 2022, 10.30am to 12pm
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.
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.
Thursday 29 September and 6 October 2022, 2pm to 4pm
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.
Thursday 29 September and 6 October 2022, 10am to 12pm
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.
Thursday 22 September, 30 September and 7 October 2022, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
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.
Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the lofty chambers of South Glory Cave at Yarrangobilly, near Tumut. It never fails to astonish.
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.
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.
