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Kids’ and family activities

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.

Family enjoying a guided tour of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Credit: Destination NSW

Book an activity near you

North Coast NSW

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

Tours run Monday to Saturday in NSW school Holidays. No tours on Wednesdays or public holidays.

April 2024:

Monday 15 April to Saturday 20 April 2024.

Monday 22 April to Saturday 27 April 2024. No tour on Thursday 25 April (Anzac Day).

July 2024:

Monday 8 July to Saturday 13 July 2024

Monday 15 July to Saturday 20 July 2024

Tour times:

10.30am to 11am; 11.30am to 12pm; 12.30pm to 1pm; 2pm to 2.30pm

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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 unique journey of discovery and learning.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

The 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 10am to 11.30am.

Additional school holiday dates: Friday 26 April and Friday 12 July 2024, 10am to 11.30am.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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 medicine in the rainforest as you learn about Birpai culture.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

The 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Additional school holiday dates: Friday 26 April and Friday 12 July 2024, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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 dates: Tuesday 16 April, Thursday 18 April, Tuesday 23 April, Tuesday 9 July, Thursday 11 July, Tuesday 16 July and Thursday 18 July 2024.

Tour times: 10am to 10.40am, 11am to 11.40am and 12pm to 12.40pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour, Hat Head National Park. Photo: And the trees photography © DPE

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

Walk alongside an NPWS ranger on an intimate tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in NSW. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, in your own small group.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour dates:

Second Saturday of every month and every Wednesday in April 2024. Additional dates: Wednesday 10 and 17 July 2024.

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.

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

Friday 12 April, 19 April, 26 April, 3 May, 7 June, 5 July, 12 July 19 July and Friday 2 August 2024, 4.30pm to 6pm.

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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

Every Monday and Wednesday, from Monday 8 to Wednesday 24 April 2024.

Every Monday and Wednesday from Monday 8 July to Wednesday 17 July 2024.

Tour time: 4pm to 5.30pm.

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Central Coast and Hunter region

Arial shot of The Ruins campground in Booti Booti National Park, between Wallis Lake and Seven Mile Beach. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPIE

Junior ranger: Booti Booti coastal adventure tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Wednesday 10 January, Friday 19 January, Friday 19 April, Friday 12 July and Thursday 10 October 2024.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm.

Where
The Ruins campground and picnic area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
A NPWS ranger and 2 park visitors take in the view from a coastal lookout in Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

Tomaree coastal walking tour

Explore Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens and discover it's spectacular coastline and incredible Australian wildlife on this 2 hour guided walk.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 19 April, Thursday 11 July and Thursday 10 October 2024, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Where
Tomaree National Park in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
A grey-headed flying fox hanging from a tree branch. Photo: Jaime Plaza © Botanic Gardens Trust

Wingham Brush twilight tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 19 April, 6pm to 8pm and Thursday 10 October 2024, 7pm to 9pm.

Where
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
A NPWS Aboriginal Discovery ranger teaching a child abut traditional tools. Photo: Adam Hollingworth/DPE

Glenrock Aboriginal cultural tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour dates: Friday 12 January, Thursday 18 April, Thursday 11 July and Thursday 3 October 2024.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm.

Where
Glenrock State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Family walking over a footbridge in the forest on a tour of Copeland Tops with a ranger. Photo credit and copyright: Destination NSW

Copeland Tops twilight tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tours run on the first Friday of the month.

Tour times:

  • 7pm to 9pm (October 2023 to March 2024)
  • 6pm to 8pm (April to September 2024)
  • 7pm to 9pm (October to December 2024)
Where
Mountain Maid gold mine, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Walkers enjoying view from the rock platform at Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

Ocean rockpool nature tour: Tomaree

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Thursday 18 April 2024, 10am to 12pm.

Wednesday 2 October 2024, 1pm to 3pm.

Where
Tomaree National Park in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Blue Mountains

Cups of paint on fabric. Photo: Dylan Jones © DPIE

Exploring Aboriginal art group workshop

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
Available on request, 7 days per week.
Where
Katoomba area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

South Coast NSW

Teacher's hands demonstrating the start of weave, Bournda National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © the photographer

Traditional weaving workshop: Killalea

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Wednesday 24 April and 9 October 2024, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Where
Killalea Regional Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Minnamurra rainforest

A man walks along Lyrebird loop walk in Budderoo National Park. Photo credit: Elinor Sheargold © DPIE

Minnamurra Rainforest ranger-guided tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Monday 15 April, Monday 22 April, Monday 30 September, Friday 11 October 2024.

Tour times: 10am to 10.30am; 11am to 11.30am; 12pm to 12.30pm

Where
Lyrebird loop walk, Budderoo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Snowy Mountains

A mountain pygmy-possum nestled in the palm of someone's hand. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

Mountain pygmy-possum adventure

Treat the kids to a day of adventure in Kosciuszko National Park these school holidays. You’ll explore the habitat of one of Australia’s cutest endangered critters – the mountain pygmy-possum.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Thursday 21 December and Thursday 28 December 2023; Thursday 4 January, Thursday 11 January, Thursday 18 January and Thursday 25 January 2024; Wednesday 17 April and Wednesday 24 April 2024.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm.

Where
Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Country NSW

'Deep Space' - the night sky over Warrumbungle National Park, filled with stars and constellations. Photo: B Heaton © the photographer

Explore the Dark Sky

These school holidays, experience the wonders of the night sky at Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran. It's Australia’s first officially accredited Dark Sky Park.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Wednesday 3 April 2024, 7.30pm to 9pm, arrive at 7.15pm.

Monday 8 April and 15 April, Saturday 20 April 2024, 6.30pm to 8pm, arrive at 6.15pm.

Where
Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, Warrumbungle National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Two cyclists and a third in the background ride along a red dirt road through the Pilliga Forest in the Tour de Gorge. Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Tour de Gorge

Pump up your tyres and gear up for the annual Tour de Gorge bike ride. Pedal through the remarkable Pilliga Forest and Timmallallie National Park, near Baradine.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Saturday 7 September 2024. Briefing 8.30am. Ride 9am to 1pm.

Where
Timmallallie National Park in Country NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Mungo lunette (Walls of China), Mungo National Park. Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

Mungo lunette guided tour

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.

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

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.

Where
Mungo National Park in Murray-Riverina
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo

Greater Sydney

A child peeking over a pair of binoculars on a NPWS Discovery tour. Credit: Simone Cottrell/OEH © Royal Botanic Gardens.

Junior ranger: Royal National Park

Discover the Royal National Park these school holidays as a newly appointed ‘junior ranger’. This interactive guided activity is designed for children aged 6 to 14 years.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Wednesday 17, Friday 19, Monday 22, Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 April 2024. Monday 8, Thursday 11, Monday 15 and Thursday 18 July 2024.

Tour times: 11am to 12.30pm. Meet at 10.50am.

Where
Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Royal National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
A family exploring the shoreline near Bonnie Vale campground in Royal National Park. Credit: Simone Cottrell/DCCEEW

Bonnie Vale guided nature walk

Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Saturday 13, 20 and 27 April 2024, 2pm to 3.30pm. Meet at 1.50pm.

Where
Bonnie Vale campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Young boy takes part in a nature play activity. Photo: Rosie Nicolai © OEH

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 aged 6 and under.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

April school holidays: Wednesday 17 April, Friday 19 April, Monday 22 April, Wednesday 24 April and Friday 26 April 2024.

July school holidays: Monday 8 July, Thursday 11 July, Monday 15 July and Thursday 18 July 2024.

Tour time: 10am to 10.45am. Meet at 9.50am.

Where
Ironbark Flat picnic area, Royal National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour

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.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

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 20 April 2025 (Easter Sunday).

Where
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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

Tour generally runs every Sunday.

Tour times: 1.30 to 2.15pm, 2.30 to 3.15pm and 3.30 to 4.15pm

Additional school holiday tour dates: Friday 19 April and Saturday 20 April 2024.

Where
La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo