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NSW North Coast kids’ and family tours

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.

Photo of 2 Discovery Rangers with kids enjoying a tour in the bush. Credit © Louise Walpole/DCCEEW

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Dorrigo rainforest area

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

Dorrigo rainforest ranger-guided tour

Experience the rainforest like never before, on a 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

2025 tour dates:

  • 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 July
  • 29, 30 September
  • 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10,  11 October

Tour times: 10am to 10.40am, 11.30am to 12.10pm and 1.30pm to 2.10pm.

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Children in the forest with an NPWS ranger guide, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Louise Walpole © NPWS

Junior ranger: Dorrigo Rainforest kids nature play

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.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Wednesday 16 and 23 April 2025.

Wednesday 9 and 16 July 2025.

Wednesday 1 and 8 October 2025.

Tour time: 10.30am to 12pm.

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Coffs Harbour area

Port Macquarie area

An Indigenous education ranger shares her local cultural knowledge of the rainforest. Photo: Karina Davila-Otoya ©DPIE

Sea Acres Aboriginal culture tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour runs 10am to 11.30am on Fridays on the following dates:

2025 dates:

  • 4, 11, and 18 July
  • 1 and 15 August
  • 5 and 19 September
  • 3, 10 and 17 October
  • 7 and 21 November
  • 5 and 19 December

2026 dates:

  • 2, 9, 16 and 23 January
Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Aerial view of Innes Ruins, surrounded by lawn and trees, Innes Ruins Historic Site. Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Innes Ruins Historic Site guided tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Wednesday 4 June, 2 July, 9 July, 6 August, 3 September and 1 October 2025.

Saturday 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 13 September and 11 October 2025.

Tour time: 10am to 12.15pm.

Meet at the gate at 9.45am. You will need to drive 4km in your own vehicle from the entry gate to the historic site. You will drive to the site in convoy with NPWS staff. The gate is locked at 10am when tour departs. 

 

Where
Innes Ruins, Innes Ruins Historic Site
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Visitors and ranger examine strangler vine, along Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

Sea Acres rainforest boardwalk tour

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 rainforest.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour times:

10am to 10.40am, 11am to 11.40am and 12pm to 12.40pm

2025 tour dates:

  • 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 April
  • 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17 July
  • 29, 30 September 
  • 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 October
  • 29, 30, 31 December

2026 tour dates:

  • 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 January.
Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Aboriginal education ranger sharing her cultural knowledge of Sea Acres Rainforest. Photo credit: Karina Davila-Otoya. © DPIE

Sea Acres Aboriginal coastal tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour runs 2pm to 3.30pm on Fridays on the following dates:

2025:

  • 16 May
  • 6 and 20 June
  • 4, 11, 18 July
  • 1 and 15 August
  • 5 and 19 September
  • 3, 10, and 17 October
  • 7 and 21 November
  • 5 and 19 December

2026:

  • Friday 2, 9, 16 and 23 January.
Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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South West Rocks area

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 as you watch the sun set in beautiful Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

2025:

  • 6 June, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 4, 11 and 18 July, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 1 August, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 5 September, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 3 and 10 October 2025, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • Friday 7 November, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 5, 12 and 19 December 2025, 6.30pm to 8pm

2026:

  • 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 January 2026, 6.30pm to 8pm.
Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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 near South West Rocks. Explore the gaol on this action-packed family tour.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
  • 7, 9, 14, 16 July 2025, 4pm to 5.30pm
  • 29 September 2025, 4pm to 5.30pm 
  • 1 October 2025, 4pm to 5.30pm
  • 8 October 2025, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • Every Wednesday from 31 December 2025 to 28 January 2026, 4.30pm to 6pm.
Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Credit: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW ©DCCEEW

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

2025:

  • 14 June
  • 9, 12 and 16 July
  • 9 August
  • 13 September
  • 1, 8 and 11 October
  • 8 November
  • 13 and 31 December.

2026:

  • 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 January.

Tour times:

  • 10am to 10.45am
  • 11am to 11.45am
  • 12pm to 12.45pm.

Arrive at least 10 mins before your tour starts, to give yourself time to walk up to the lighthouse.

Where
Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Byron Bay area

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