Sydney kids’ and family activities

An NPWS ranger shows junior rangers how to read a map of a national park. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

Junior ranger: Bobbin Head

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.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

Available on request.

Tour time: 11am to 12.30pm. Arrive at 10.45am

Tour dates:

2, 9 October 2025
9 October 2025
8, 15, 22 January 2026
2, 16 April 2026

Where

Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Operated by

Child holds binoculars towards the sky as a Discovery Ranger explains what he might see. Credit: Adam Hollingworth/DCCEEW © DPE

Junior ranger: Royal National Park

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.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

Tour runs Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm.

2025 tour dates:

9, 10, 16, 17 July
1, 2, 8, 9 October

Where

Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park

Operated by

An NPWS ranger shows a little girl a small tree stem and leaves. Credit: Adam Hollingworth © DCCEEW

Little lyrebirds: Royal National Park

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.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

16 July 2025
1, 2, 8 and 9 October 2025

Tours run 10am to 10.45am. Meet at 9.50am.

Where

Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park

Operated by

A family exploring the shoreline near Bonnie Vale campground in Royal National Park. Credit: Simone Cottrell/DCCEEW

Guided nature walk: Bonnie Vale

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.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

5, 12 and 19 July 2025
27 September and Saturday 4 October 2025

Time: 8.15am to 9.45am. Arrive at 8.05am.

Where

Bonnie Vale campground

Operated by

A family enjoying a guided tour led by an NPWS ranger. Credit: Adam Hollingworth © DCCEEW

Guided nature walk: Lady Carrington Drive

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.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

2 and 9 October 2025

9.30am to 12pm. Arrive at 9.20am.

Where

Lady Carrington Drive, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Royal National Park

Operated by

Brush tail possum pictured at night. Photo: Ken Stepnell/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Royal National Park spotlight tour

Experience the wonder of Royal National Park at night on this 2hr guided tour at Ironbark Flat, and along Lady Carrington Drive.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

2025 tour dates:

11 July 2025. Tour time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

27 September. Tour time: 6pm to 8pm.

2026 tour dates:

Tour time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm

23 May
27 June
11 July

Please arrive 10 minutes before start time for all tours.

Where

Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park

Operated by

Walkers taking in panoramic coastal views from the cliff edge at Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Whales and wildflowers guided walk: Cape Solander

Walk alongside a NPWS Discovery Guide on a 2-hour guided tour of the magnificent sandstone cliffs at Cape Solander. Keep a look out for both whales and wildflowers as you learn about the Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

Tour time: 9am to 11am. Meet at 8.45am.

Tour dates:

8, 12, 15, 19 July 2025
27, 30 September 2025
4, 7, 11, 18, 25 October 2025
1 November 2025

Where

Cape Solander, Kurnell area

Operated by

A humpback whale breaches on its yearly migration. Photo: Wayne Reynolds © DCCEEW

Whales and wildflowers guided walk: Wattamolla

Discover the beautiful coastline and wonderful wildlife of Wattamolla on a 2-hour guided walk in Royal National Park. Watch for migrating whales and learn about native wildflowers with a NPWS Discovery ranger.

Price

Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.

When

Tour time: 10am to 12pm

Meet at 9.45am

Tour dates:

13, 20, 27 July
28 September
5, 12, 19, 26 October

Where

Wattamolla picnic area, Royal National Park

Operated by

Aerial view of Bare Island and the fort, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: S Cohen/OEH

Bare Island Fort guided tour

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.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

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.

Where

La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds

Operated by

Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Barrenjoey Lighthouse, near Palm Beach, almost any Sunday. 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.

Price

Fees apply. Free park entry.

When

Tours generally run every Sunday.

Tour times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Tours run for 30 mins.

Where

Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Operated by

Kids looking through binoculars during a Bush Play School activity. Photo: Jodie Cooper © Bush Play School

Bush playgroup activities in Sydney’s south

Join Bush Play School for a day of creativity in Sydney’s south. Their nature play activities are a great way for kids to learn about the world around them.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Contact Bush Play School for activity dates and times.
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Operated by

Group of children wearing lifejackets and holding paddles pose for photo on beach. Photo: © Lands Edge Foundation Saltwater School

Sydney Harbour school holiday program

Are you looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity to keep your kids entertained during the school holidays? Sign up for Saltwater School’s holiday program at Chowder Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Lands Edge Foundation Saltwater School for tour schedule.
Where: Sydney Harbour National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Operated by

A bush trail kids will explore on an Aussie Wild Nature Discovery tour in Royal National Park. Photo © Ricki Coughlan

Kids nature discovery tour in Royal National Park

Embark on an exciting treasure hunt in Royal National Park with Aussie Wild Nature Discovery. The guided nature play activity is a great way for kids to learn about the magic of the bush.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Contact Aussie Wild Nature Discovery for tour times and dates.
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Operated by

Audley boatshed

Hire a kayak and spend a few relaxed hours paddling up Kangaroo Creek from Audley Boatshed in Royal National Park, near Loftus.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast

2 people kayaking on a Bundeena Kayaks guided tour. Photo: Paul Robbins © Monde Photo

Kayak tours of Bundeena and Royal National Park

Paddle the waterways of Bundeena and Royal National Park on a guided kayak tour with Bundeena Kayaks. It’s an unforgettable way to explore this beautiful stretch of coastline, just an hour south of Sydney.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Contact Bundeena Kayaks for a tour schedule.
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Operated by

Two men share the Aboriginal cultural tradition of fire starting with visitors. Photo credit: Flash Point Labs © Tribal Warrior

Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour

Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Tribal Warrior for tour times and dates.
Where: Clark Island, Sydney Harbour National Park
Operated by

Sydney kids’ and family activities

Junior ranger: Bobbin Head

Junior ranger: Royal National Park

Little lyrebirds: Royal National Park

Guided nature walk: Bonnie Vale

Guided nature walk: Lady Carrington Drive

Royal National Park spotlight tour

Whales and wildflowers guided walk: Cape Solander

Whales and wildflowers guided walk: Wattamolla

Bare Island Fort guided tour

Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour

Park Eco Pass partner tours

Bush playgroup activities in Sydney’s south

Sydney Harbour school holiday program

Kids nature discovery tour in Royal National Park

On the water

Audley boatshed

Kayak tours of Bundeena and Royal National Park

Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour

Why create an account?