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 runs Monday to Saturday from Tuesday 3 January until Saturday 21 January 2023.

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

Matthew Flanders ranger. Photo: Matthew Flanders © DPE

Gumbaynggirr culture rainforest tour

Join a NPWS Aboriginal guide and learn about local Gumbaynggirr culture at Dorrigo National Park, 1 hour from Coffs Harbour. This unique tour is perfect for the whole family these school holidays.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Wednesday 4 January, 11 January and 18 January 2023, 10am to 11.30am and 1pm 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 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 12 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 to 12 years can reconnect with nature through play and discovery.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Tuesday 10 January and Tuesday 17 January, 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

Tuesday 3 January, Thursday 5 January, Tuesday 10 January, Thursday 12 January, Tuesday 17 January and Thursday 19 January 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

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

Saturday 10 December 2022.

Every Wednesday from Wednesday 21 December 2022 until Wednesday 25 January 2023, excluding Wednesday 28 December 2022.

The second Saturday of every month from Saturday 11 March to Saturday 9 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

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

Every Friday from Friday 16 December 2023 to Friday 20 January 2023.

And Tuesday 20 December 2023, Tuesday 3 January, 10 January and 24 January 2023.

Tour time:

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 19 December and Wednesday 21 December 2022. Wednesday 4 January, Monday 9 January, Wednesday 11 January, Monday 16 January, Wednesday 18 January and Monday 23 January 2023. 4.30pm to 6pm.
Where: Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by

Burning Mountain walk, Burning Mountain Nature Reserve. Photo: Brent Mail/NSW Government

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 13 January 2023, 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: Burning Mountain Nature Reserve in Country NSW
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

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

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

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: 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

Family enjoying a guided tour of Mountain Maid gold mine. Photo: Destination NSW © Destination NSW

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 every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am to 12pm
Where: Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
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: Tuesday 3, Monday 9, Wednesday 18 and Tuesday 24 January 2023. 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath area
Operated by

A yellow and black bee sitting on a yellow wattle plant with green wattle leaves in background. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

Bush alive: The buzz on bees

Buzz along to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath these school holidays and learn about our wonderful native bees.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Wednesday 4 and 11 January 2023. Thursday 19 January 2023, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath area
Operated by

Sugar glider resting on a branch. Photo: Pavel German © DPE

Blackheath 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 6, 13 and 20 January and Monday 23 January 2023. 7pm to 9pm. Meet at 6.45pm.
Where: Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by

Blue Mountains water skink, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Geoff Swan © DPIE

Leaping lizards: Blackheath

Do you love lizards? Join in the reptile fun at Blackheath in Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll get to explore their habitat and find out how you can help to protect our reptiles.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Friday 6 January, Thursday 12 January and Monday 16 January 2023, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Where: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath area
Operated by

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: Thursday 5, Tuesday 10 and 17 and Wednesday 25 January 2023, 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

Superb lyrebird, Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan © DPE

ABC animal walk at Minnamurra Rainforest

These school holidays, become an explorer at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park, near Jamberoo. Join our fun scavenger hunt in nature and learn the Aussie animal alphabet as you go.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Wednesday 18 January 2023, 10.30am to 12pm
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Operated by

Visitors on bridge in Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan © DPE

Junior ranger: Bush survival at Minnamurra

If you've ever wanted to know what being a ranger is like, head to Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park these school holidays. Find out how to survive and stay safe in the bush.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Thursday 12 January 2023, 10.30am to 12pm
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Operated by

Visitors on the suspension bridge in Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: E Sheargold © DPE

Junior ranger: Life in the leaf litter

Join us on a bug hunt at Budderoo National Park, near Jamberoo, these school holidays. We’ll have a fun adventure exploring Minnamurra Rainforest’s natural world through a magnifying glass.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Tuesday 3 January 2023, 10.30am to 12pm
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Operated by

Tie-dye in nature at Minnamurra Rainforest

Are you looking for a unique activity to do these school holidays? Join this fun workshop near Jamberoo, where we'll create a bright, beautiful and wearable piece to take home.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Wednesday 25 January 2023, 10am 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. Free park entry.

When

Dates: Friday 6 January, Wednesday 11 January, 18 January and 25 January 2023.

Time: 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

Dates: Thursday 5 January, Tuesdays 10 January, 17 January and 24 January 2023.

Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Where

Hobart Beach campground

Operated by

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

Green Cape historical lighthouse tour

Uncover the history of Green Cape Lighthouse on this guided tour in Beowa 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

Dates: Thursday 29 December 2022. Friday 6 January and Mondays 9 January, 16 January and 23 January 2023.

Time: 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

Dates: Thursday 29 December 2022. Friday 6 January and Mondays 9 January, 16 January and 23 January 2023.

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

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. Free park entry.

When

Dates: Friday 6 January, Wednesdays 11 January, 18 January and 25 January 2023.

Time: 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

Dates: Wednesday 28 December 2022 and 4 January 2023. Tuesday 10 January, 17 January and 24 January 2023.

Time: All tours 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

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 5 January, Tuesdays 10 January, 17 January and 24 January 2023.

Time: 10am to 12pm

Where

Hobart Beach campground

Operated by

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

Ranger Sam's Kosciuszko adventure

Can you read a map and follow clues? Join this school holiday quest at Sawpit Creek in Kosciuszko National Park. You'll walk up to 3km and hear about Ranger Sam's adventures.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Tuesday 3 January and Tuesday 10 January 2023, 10am to 12pm
Where: Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area

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: Thursday 29 December 2022, Thursdays 5 January and 12 January 2023, 2pm to 3.30pm.
Where: Porcupine walk, Thredbo-Perisher area
Operated by

Washpool campground, Towarri National Park. Photo: NSW Government

Junior ranger: Towarri National Park

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.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Tuesday 4 October 2022, 10am to 12pm.

Wednesday 11 January, Wednesday 19 April and Tuesday 11 July 2023, 10am to 12pm.

Where

Washpools picnic area and viewing platform, Towarri National Park

Operated by

Girl traces squiggly gum with finger in Royal National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards © DPE

Colours and textures in nature: 3 to 5 years

Discover the colours and sensory delights of the Royal National Park with a specially designed nature play program for children 5 years and younger.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

Thursday 5 January, Tuesday 17 January, Tuesday 24 January and Friday 27 January 2023, 9.30am to 10.15am and 10.30am to 11.15am.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts.

Where

Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast

Operated by

A bridge over the Hacking River at Currawong Flat picnic area in Royal National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin © OEH

Flora adventure at Currawong Flat

Join a NPWS Discovery Guide these school holidays for a guided bushwalk in Royal National Park. Discover fascinating facts about the native plants around Currawong Flat.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Thursday 5, Tuesday 10, Thursday 19 and Tuesday 24 January 2023, 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Arrive 10 mins prior to start time.
Where: Currawong Flat picnic area, Royal National Park
Operated by

Family of four stands on river bank with NPWS ranger. Photo: Simone Cottrell © DPE

Save our species: 3 to 5 years

Learn about habitats and biodiversity in the Royal National Park at this nature play workshop designed for explorers 5 years and under.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

Tuesday 3 January, Tuesday 10 January, Thursday 12 January and Thursday 19 January 2023, 9.30am to 10.15am and 10.30am to 11.15am.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts.

Where

Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park

Operated by

Iron Bark Flat, Royal National Park. Photo © Andy Richards

Wildlife adventure at Ironbark Flat

Looking for something different to do this school holidays? Join a Discovery Guide to learn about the local wildlife at Ironbark Flat, near Audley.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Tuesday 3, Thursday 12, Tuesday 17 and Friday 27 January 2023, 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Arrive at 12.15pm.
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Operated by

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