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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
  • 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 January 2026
  • 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 April

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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Eastern yellow robin at nest in the sunlit rainforest, Dorrigo National Park. Credit: Andrew Turbill/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Birds of the rainforest guided tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
  • 12, 13, 19 and 20 January 2026
  • 7, 13 and 14 April

Tour times: 8.30am to 10am. 1.30pm to 3pm.

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Ranger Matt crouching beside a log to show the fungi growing on it, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Jane Grebert. © DPE

Dorrigo rainforest Aboriginal cultural tour

Bring the family on this tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Meet a Gumbaynggirr Ranger who will share language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When
Available on request.

2026 tours:

  • Wednesday 7, 14, 21 January
  • Wednesday 5, 18 April
  • Wednesday 8, 15 July
  • Wednesday 30 September
  • Wednesday 7 October

Tour times:

  • 10.30am to 12pm
  • 1.30pm to 3pm

 

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

NPWS Aboriginal Discovery Ranger beside a muttonbird underground nest with a harbour and ocean in the background. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DCCEEW

Muttonbirds by moonlight guided tour

Join us on a short, guided evening tour for a chance to see the birds that give Muttonbird Island its name. We'll walk the breakwall path together from Coffs Harbour to Muttonbird Island.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour dates:

  • Friday 19 December 2025
  • Friday 2 January 2026
  • Friday 6 February 2026
  • Friday 6 March 2026

Tour time: 7.30 to 9.00pm

Where
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Port Macquarie area

A tour group with kids sitting with a Discovery ranger on the boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

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
Available on request.

Tour runs 10am to 11.30am on Fridays. Meet at 9.45am on the following dates in 2026:

  • 2, 9, 16 and 23 January
  • 6 February
  • 10 and 17 April
  • 1 and 5 May
  • 5 and 19 June
  • 3, 10 and 17 July
  • 7 and 21 August
  • 4 and 18 September
  • 2, 9 and 23 October
  • 6 and 20 November
  • 4 and 18 December
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

2025:

  • 1 and 11 October, 10am to 12.15pm
  • 5 and 8 November
  • 3 and 13 December

2026:

  • 7 and 10 January
  • 4 and 14 February
  • 4 and 14 March

Tour time (excluding Oct 2025): 9am to 11.15am.

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.

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:

  • 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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A family on a guided tour with a Discovery ranger on the boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

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
Available on request.

Tour runs 2pm to 3.30pm on Fridays. Meet 1.45pm on the following dates in 2026:

  • 2, 9, 16 and 23 January
  • 20 February
  • 20 March
  • 10 and 17 April
  • 1 and 15 May 
  • 5 and 19 June
  • 3, 10 and 17 July
  • 7 and 21 August
  • 4 and 18 September
  • 2, 9 and 23 October
  • 6 and 20 November
  • 4 and 18 December
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

A tour group with a Discovery Ranger visiting Trial Bay Goal by torchlight at sunset in Arakoon National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

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
Available on request.

2026:

  • 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 January, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 6 February, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 6 March, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 10 April, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 1 May, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 5 June, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 3 July, 4.30pm to 6pm 
  • 7 August, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 4 September, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 2 October, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 6 November, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 4 December, 6.30pm to 8pm
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:

  •  31 December

2026:

  • 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 January
  • 7 February
  • 7 March
  • 8, 11 and 15 April
  • 2 May 
  • 6 June 
  • 1, 4, 8, 11 and 15 July 
  • 1 August 
  • 5, 23, 26 and 30 September
  • 3 and 7 October 
  • 7 November 
  • 5 December  

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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