Looking for something to do with the kids these school holidays? Our North Coast national parks offer plenty of family-friendly activities for you to enjoy. These guided tours are suitable for kids as well as adults.
From October to March you can catch a glimpse of the birds who give Muttonbird Island its name, or explore Trial Bay Gaol by twilight. Step into the shoes of a lighthouse keeper at Cape Byron or enjoy stunning scenery along Smoky Cape lighthouse tour.
At Dorrigo, kids can sign up to become a Junior Ranger for a sensory exploration of World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
Experience the rainforest like never before, on a ranger-guided walk through World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. It's only 1 hour from Coffs Harbour, but you'll feel worlds away.
9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 July 2026
Tour times: 10am to 10.40am, 11.30am to 12.10pm and 1.30pm to 2.10pm.
Wander through tendrils of mist to spot nocturnal creatures on this after dark expedition through Dorrigo National Park. It’s a rare glimpse into the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest by torchlight.
2026 tour times:
These school holidays, join this fascinating guided tour focused on the songbirds of World Heritage-listed Dorrigo Rainforest, near Coffs Harbour. Great for bird lovers, including children aged 5 years and over.
6, 7, 13, 14 July 2026
Tour time: 10am to 11.30am
Looking for something for the kids to do these school holidays? Join us for a fun tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Kids aged 5 to 12 years can reconnect with nature through play.
8 and 15 July 2026
Tour times: 10am to 11:30am and 12pm to 1:30pm Meet 10 mins before tour starts.
Join this ranger-guided Aboriginal cultural tour along the rainforest boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll go on a journey of discovery. Great for adults and children aged 5 years and over.
Tour runs 10am to 11.30am on Fridays. Meet at 9.45am on the following dates in 2026:
Book now for this unique night-time guided tour in Lake Innes Nature Reserve, near Port Macquarie. It’s a great way to experience this park after dark, and to see its wildlife in a completely new way.
Friday 25 September, 6.30pm to 8pm. Meet at 6.15pm.
Join us for a walk through Innes Ruins, near Port Macquarie, and discover what it was like to live in this fascinating place during its prime. This exclusive experience is only available through a guided tour.
2026 tours:
2027 tours:
Meet at the gate 15mins before the tour departs. You'll need to drive 4km in your own vehicle from the entry gate to the historic site. You'll drive to the site in convoy with NPWS staff. The gate is locked when the tour departs.
Join this 2-hour guided tour to learn about the coastal biodiversity of Sea Acres National Park. You’ll explore the rockpools of Shelly Beach, near Port Macquarie.
Many have walked the Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk by day, but here’s a chance to discover the rainforest’s secret life after dark. Book now for this family-friendly night-time guided tour near Port Macquarie.
Friday 11 September, 6.30pm to 8pm, meet at 6.15pm
If you’re near Port Macquarie, come along to this unique ranger-guided tour in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll enjoy a walk under the lush canopy of this rare and spectacular coastal subtropical rainforest.
Tour times: 10am to 10.40am, 11am to 11.40am and 12pm to 12.40pm
2026 tours
2027 tours:
Take a walk to Shelly Beach in Sea Acres National Park on this Aboriginal ranger-guided activity. Discover bush tucker and other useful plants in the rainforest as you learn about Aboriginal culture.
Tour runs 2pm to 3.30pm on Fridays. Meet 1.45pm on the following dates in 2026:
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.
2026 tour times:
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.
2026 tours
2027 tours:
Walk alongside a NPWS ranger on a fascinating tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in New South Wales. Take in the stunning coastal scenery along the way.
2026 tours:
Tour times:
Arrive at least 10 mins before your tour starts, to give yourself time to walk up to the lighthouse.
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.
