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.
Walk the break wall path from Coffs Harbour to Muttonbird Island and join this short evening tour. You'll come up close to the birds who give Muttonbird Island its name.
Friday 17 January (tour cancelled due to weather), 14 February and 7 March 2025, 7.30pm to 9pm.
Step into the shoes of a lighthouse keeper on this private guided tour of the historical Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Available on request Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3pm. Tours run for 45 minutes.
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.
Tour time: 5.30pm to 7pm
Friday 1 November 2024.
Friday 6 December and Friday 20 December 2024.
Every Friday from Friday 3 January to Friday 7 February 2025.
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.
Tour time: 4.30pm to 6pm
Every Monday from Monday 30 December 2024 to Monday 20 January 2025.
Every Wednesday from Wednesday 8 January to Wednesday 29 January 2025.
Additional dates: Thursday 2 January 2025.
Walk alongside an NPWS ranger on an intimate tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in New South Wales. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, in your own small group.
Second Saturday of every month: 14 December 2024. 11 January, 8 February, 8 March, 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 13 September, 11 October, 8 November, 13 December 2025.
Additional Wednesday dates: 8 ,15, 22 and 29 January, 16 and 23 April, 9 and 16 July, 1 and 8 October 2025.
Tour times: 8.30am, 9am, 9.45am, 10.15am, 11am, and 11.30am.
Each tour runs for 30 minutes. Arrive at least 10 mins before your tour starts, to give yourself time to walk up to the lighthouse.
These school holidays, join an Aboriginal ranger on a family friendly guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park. Hear cultural stories as you walk along Doyles walking track, near Patonga.
Thursday 24 April, Monday 14 July and Friday 10 October 2025. Tour runs 10am to 12pm.
*Friday 17 January cancelled due to bad weather
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.
Tour dates: Friday 10 January, Wednesday 16 April, Friday 11 July and Thursday 2 October 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm.
Be guided by a NPWS Discovery ranger on this bush to beach adventure in Tomaree National Park.
Tour dates: Thursday 17 April, 17 July and 9 October 2025.
Tour time: 9.30am to 11.30am.
Walk alongside a NPWS Discovery Ranger and explore a vibrant life under the canopy of subtropical rainforest at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.
Tour dates:
Thursday 9 January, 14 April and 10 July 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm.
Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, near Gosford.
Tuesday 8 October 2024. Monday 13 January and 14 April, Wednesday 9 July and 1 October 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm
Explore Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens and discover it's spectacular coastline and incredible Australian wildlife on this 2 hour guided walk.
Wednesday 15 January and Tuesday 22 April 2025
9.30am to 11.30am.
Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the shores of Merewether and Burwood Beach, on this 2hr tour in Glenrock State Conservation Area, near Newcastle.
Tuesday 14 January 2025, 3pm to 5pm.
Monday 14 April 2025, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
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 8 January, Tuesday 22 April, Tuesday 15 July and Tuesday 7 October 2025, 10am to 12pm.
Experience the magic of Wingham Brush Nature Reserve at twilight. Soak in breathtaking scenery as we meander along the boardwalk while the sun sets over a canopy of flying foxes.
Thursday 10 October 2024, 7pm to 9pm.
Thursday 16 January and 24 April 2025, 7pm to 9pm.
Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the rocky shores of Fishermans Bay on the Tomaree National Park coastline. See what you can find below the surface, not far from Nelson Bay.
Tuesday 14 January 2025, 3pm to 5pm
Thursday 24 April 2025, 11.30am to 1.30pm
Join an Aboriginal Discovery ranger on a cultural journey you won’t forget in Glenrock State Conservation Area, near Newcastle. Connect with this beautiful country and listen to cultural stories as on you walk on the lands of the Awabakal people.
Tour dates:
Thursday 16 January, 17 April, 10 July and 2 October 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm.
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.
Tours run on the first Friday of the month.
Tour times:
Step back in time this school holidays and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine at Copeland Tops.
Tuesday 7 January, 15 April, 15 July and 7 October 2025.
10am to 12pm.
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.
Tours run every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am to 12pm
Join an Aboriginal guide on a cultural tour you won’t forget! Discover the traditional lands of the Worimi and Biripi people in the foothills of Barrington Tops at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area.
Tuesday 8 October 2024. Tuesday 14 January and 22 April 2025, 10am to 12pm
Come along on this 2hr adventure at the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
Tour dates: Tuesday 1 and 8 October 2024. Wednesday 8, Tuesday 14, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 29 January 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Buzz along to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath these school holidays and learn about our wonderful native bees.
Tour dates: Wednesday 2 and 9 October 2024. Wednesday 15 and Tuesday 28 January 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
Join a National Parks ranger on a 3-hour guided tour along part of the newly completed Grand Cliff Top Walk. We’ll start at Wentworth Falls picnic area and learn about the cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems in Blue Mountains National Park
Tour time: 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Tour runs on the following Saturdays in 2024: 7 December, 21 December 2024.
Tour runs on the following Saturdays in 2025: 4 January, 11 January, 18 January, 25 January, 15 February, 1 March, 15 March, 29 March, 12 April, 19 April, 26 April 2025.
Bring a torch and join our National Parks Discovery Ranger for a spotlight tour under the stars in Katoomba. Discover amazing creatures of the night like owls, possums, and microbats on this easy 2hr tour.
Friday 4 and 11 October 2024, 6pm to 8pm. Meet at 5.45pm.
Friday 10, 17, 24 and 31 January 2025, 8pm to 10pm. Meet at 7.45pm.
Gather a group of friends or family and learn about the connection between Aboriginal art at this hands-on workshop in Blue Mountains National Park.
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
Become a junior ranger these school holidays on this family-friendly guided tour in Eurobodalla National Park. Get close to nature during a range of hands-on activities.
Tour dates: Thursday 23 January 2025.
Tuesday 8 April and Thursday 24 April 2025.
Tuesday 8 July and Thursday 2 October 2025.
Tour times: 9am to 11am and 12pm to 2pm.
Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Eurobodalla National Park, between Bermagui and Narooma. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.
Tour dates: Thursday 9 and 16 January 2025.
Thursday 10 and 17 April 2025.
Thursday 10 July and Tuesday 30 September 2025.
Tour times: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
Join this family-friendly guided tour at Narooma Bar Rocks on the South Coast these school holidays and learn about the area’s iconic seals and migrating whales.
Tour dates: Friday 3, Wednesday 8, Friday 10, Wednesday 15, Friday 17 January 2025.
Wednesday 9, Friday 11, Wednesday 16, Friday 18 April 2025.
Friday 11 and Wednesday 16 July 2025.
Wednesday 24 September and Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Tour times: 9.30am to 10.30am and 11am to 12pm.
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 shore-based whale watching and breathtaking views.
Thursday 2, Thursday 9, Thursday 16 January 2025. Tour times: 10am to 11.30am and 12pm to 1.30pm.
Thursday 10 April, Tuesday 15 April 2025. Tour times: 10am to 11.30am.
Thursday 10 July, Thursday 25 September, Thursday 2 October 2025. Tour times: 10am to 11.30am.
Become a Junior Ranger for the day in Broulee Nature Reserve. Join in lots of fun, hands-on activities and learn how NSW National Park rangers help care for the environment.
Tour dates: Wednesday 8 and 22 January 2025.
Wednesday 9 and 23 April 2025.
Wednesday 9 July 2025.
Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Tour times: 9am to 11am and 12pm to 2pm.
Join this exciting tour and get close to nature at Bungo Beach near Eden these school holidays. You’ll have lots of fun and learn new skills in hands on activities.
Tour dates: Monday 13 January and 20 January 2025.
Monday 14 April, Tuesday 15 July and Friday 3 October 2025.
Tour times: 9am to 11am and 12pm to 2pm.
Are you ready to become an estuary expert? Join this family-friendly nature tour at Merimbula Lake Boardwalk near Bournda National Park these school holidays to discover a thriving coastal ecosystem.
Tour dates: Tuesday 7 January 2025, 9.30am to 11am.
Friday 10 January and Tuesday 8 April, 1pm to 2.30pm.
Tuesday 8 July 2025, 12pm to 1.30pm.
Thursday 2 October 2025, 10am to 11.30am.
Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Bournda National Park, near Bega and Merimbula. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.
Tour dates: Wednesday 8 January and 15 January 2025.
Wednesday 9 April and 16 April 2025.
Wednesday 9 July and Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Tour times: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Join a local Discovery Guide on a tour of the historic Davidson Whaling Station, located on the shores of the picturesque Kiah Inlet in Beowa National Park near Eden. Relax and enjoy a simple cup of tea and a chat.
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.
Tour dates: Tuesday 14 January, 21 January, and 22 April 2025.
Tour time: 10am to 12pm
Become a ‘junior ranger’ these school holidays at Minnamurra Rainforest. You’ll learn hands-on bush survival and safety skills on this fun tour at Budderoo National Park.
Tour dates: Tuesday 7, Thursday 16 and Wednesday 22 January. Wednesday 16 April and 8 October 2025.
Tour time: 10.30am to 12pm.
These school holidays, experience the rainforest like never before. Join this ranger-guided walk through Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast.
Tour dates: Thursday 9, Monday 13 and Friday 24 January; Monday 14 and Thursday 24 April; Monday 29 September and Tuesday 7 October 2025.
Tour times: 10am to 10.30am; 11am to 11.30am; 12pm to 12.30pm.
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.
Tour dates: Wednesday 23 April and 1 October 2025
Tour time: 6pm to 7.30pm.
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.
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.
Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the lofty chambers of South Glory Cave at Yarrangobilly, near Tumut. It never fails to astonish.
Join this special tour in Mutawintji National Park in the NSW outback and hear Aboriginal guides share their connection to their Country.
Tours available from 1 March 2025. Tours run daily Wednesday to Sunday. Tours run 7 days a week during school holidays.
Tour time: 10am to 2.30pm EST. Please note the time difference between Mutawintji Eastern Standard Time and Broken Hill Central Standard Time.
Take a guided tour of Mungo lunette (Walls of China) with an NPWS Aboriginal guide. It's one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW and a must-do when visiting Mungo National Park.
Tours run most days. Dates and times are displayed when making an online booking.
Tour takes 2 hours. Meet behind Mungo Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Want to discover what life was like for a convict in Sydney? These school holidays, come to Bare Island at La Perouse, and find out more in this fun junior ranger event for kids aged 6 to 12 years.
2025: Thursday 9 January, 23 January, 30 January, 24 April, 17 July and 9 October
2026: Thursday 29 January
Time: 10.30am to 12pm. Arrive at 10am.
Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bush and mangroves or the beach and rocky shore.
Time: 8.15am to 9.45am. Arrive at 8.05am.
Discover the local ecosystems of Sydney’s Ironback Flat picnic area, in Royal National Park. This interactive and engaging guided tour is great for children under 6 years old.
2025 tours run Wednesdays and Thursdays during school holidays.
Time: 10am to 10.45am. Meet at 9.50am.
Join this junior ranger tour at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Hornsby, these school holidays, and learn what it's like to be a NSW National Parks ranger. For kids aged 6 to 12 years.
2025: Thursday 2 January, 16 January, 17 April, 10 July and 2 October
2026: Thursday 22 January 2026.
Time: 10.30am to 12pm. Arrive at 10am.
Kids can become Junior Rangers when they visit Royal National Park these school holidays. Our fun and guided interactive activities are designed for children 6 to 12 years.
Tour runs Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm.
2025 tour dates:
These school holidays, take a guided tour along historic Lady Carrington Drive. People of all ages come to this old coach road to learn about the unique plants and animals of Royal National Park.
2025 tour dates:
Tour time: 9.30am to 12pm. Arrive at 9.20am.
Enjoy a Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour any Sunday afternoon. It stands at Sydney's northern-most point. The views of Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the mighty Pacific are unforgettable.
Tours generally run every Sunday. Exceptions below.
Additional school holiday tour dates: Friday 19 April 2024.
Tour times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Tours run for 30 mins.
No tours on: Sunday 19 May 2024 and 20 April 2025 (Easter Sunday).
Join this guided tour to hear about the unpredictable history of Bare Island Fort at La Perouse. We'll cross a 130-year-old wooden bridge and enter a world of fine engineering and great deception.
Tours available every Sunday, all year round.
During school holidays we run extra tours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Each tour is 45mins.
Choose the date and time that suits you after clicking the Book Now button.
