SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN NSW NATIONAL PARKS
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these winter school holidays? Swap screen time for outdoor adventure with ranger-guided tours and activities in NSW national parks.
Run by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the tours are led by Discovery rangers and designed to spark curiosity, build confidence outdoors and create lasting memories through hands-on nature, history and cultural experiences.
From becoming a junior ranger for the day to discovering wildlife, coastal landscapes and Aboriginal culture, there are adventures to suit curious kids of all ages.
Check out some of the top guided tours on offer across the Central Coast and Hunter region:
Junior ranger: Whale tales – Wyrrabalong National Park
Junior whale watchers can join a ranger at Crackneck Point Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park to learn whale-spotting skills during the annual migration. The adventure includes a scenic coastal walk, hands-on activities and opportunities to identify different whale species, including the endangered Southern Right Whale.
When: 7 July
Brisbane Water Aboriginal cultural tour – Brisbane Water National Park
Families can join an Aboriginal ranger on a guided walk through Brisbane Water National Park, discovering cultural stories and learning how Aboriginal people traditionally used native plants for food, shelter and medicine. Starting at Warrah lookout, the experience offers insight into the world’s oldest living culture and their connection to Country.
When: 13 July
Glenrock twilight tour – Glenrock State Conservation Area
Young explorers can discover nocturnal wildlife, including echidnas, sugar gliders, possums and bats, on a twilight walk along Yuelarbah walking track in Glenrock State Conservation Area, near Newcastle. This relaxed 4km return adventure explores rainforest, beaches and rocky cliffs at sunset, with opportunities to spot nocturnal native animals.
When: 10 July
Glenrock Aboriginal cultural tour – Glenrock State Conservation Area
Families can hear cultural stories and gain insight into the world’s oldest living culture on a guided walk through Glenrock State Conservation Area with an Aboriginal Discovery ranger. Along the way, they’ll learn how Aboriginal people traditionally used native plants for food, shelter and medicine.
When: 4, 9 July
Ocean rockpool nature tour – Tomaree National Park
Kids can join a guided rockpool adventure along the shores of Fishermans Bay in Tomaree National Park to discover marine life, tidal zones and coastal ecosystems. The experience offers opportunities to spot crabs, shells, seabirds, dolphins and whales while learning about the creatures that call this coastline home.
When: 15 July
Copeland Tops twilight tour -Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Families can join a twilight adventure through Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, near Gloucester, exploring Hidden Treasure track and the historic Mountain Maid gold mine precinct as the sun sets. The tour offers kids the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife, glow worms and fireflies in the rainforest after dark.
When: 10 July
Start planning a winter school holiday adventure and book now to secure a spot.
View all Hunter and Central Coast school holiday tours NSW national parks:nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/kids-hunter-central-coast