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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.

Tour times:

9.30am to 10.10am, 11am to 11.40pm and 1pm to 1.40pm. 

January 2025:

Monday 6 January to Saturday 11 January 2025

Monday 13 January to Saturday 18 January 2025

Monday 20 January to Saturday 25 January 2025

Where
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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 from August 2024 to January 2025, 10am to 11.30am

Additional dates: Friday 12 and 19 July 2024. Friday 11 October 2024. Friday 10 and 24 January 2025, 10am to 11.30am.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, 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 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 from August 2024 to January 2025, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Additional dates: Friday 12 and 19 July 2024. Friday 11 October 2024. Friday 10 and 24 January 2025, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park
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

Tour dates:

Monday 30 September, Tuesday 1 October, Wednesday 2, Thursday 3, Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 October 2024.

Thursday 2, Friday 3, Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8, Thursday 9, Monday 13, Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15, Thursday 16, Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 January 2025.

Where
Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk, Sea Acres National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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

Tour time: 5.30pm to 7pm

Friday 1 November 2024.

Friday 6 December and Friday 20 December 2024.

Every Friday from Friday 3 January to Friday 7 February 2025.

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

Tour time: 4.30pm to 6pm

Every Monday from Monday 30 December 2024 to Monday 20 January 2025.

Every Wednesday from Wednesday 8 January to Wednesday 29 January 2025.

Additional dates: Thursday 2 January 2025.

Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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 highest lighthouse in New South Wales. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, in your own small group.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Second Saturday of every month: 10 August, 14 September, 12 October, 9 November, 14 December 2024

Additional Wednesday dates:  17 July, 2 October, 9 October 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
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Central Coast and Hunter region

An Aboriginal guide shows boomerangs to a young child during a NSW National Parks' Aboriginal cultural tour. Photo: Adam Hollingworth/DCCEEW © DPE

Brisbane Water Aboriginal cultural tour

These school holidays, join an Aboriginal ranger on a family friendly guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park. Hear cultural stories as you walk along Doyles walking track, near Patonga.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

2024: Friday 4 October 2024.

2025: Friday 17 January, Thursday 24 April, Monday 14 July and Friday 10 October 2025.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm

Where
Warrah lookout, Brisbane Water National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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: Friday 10 January, Wednesday 16 April, Friday 11 July and Thursday 2 October 2025.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm.

Where
The Ruins campground and picnic area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Kids explore a coastal ecosystem with NPWS Discovery rangers. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/DPE

Junior ranger: Bouddi coastal adventure tour

Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, near Gosford.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tuesday 8 October 2024. Monday 13 January and 14 April, Wednesday 9 July and 1 October 2025.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm

Where
Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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

Thursday 10 October 2024. Wednesday 15 January and Tuesday 22 April 2025, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Where
Tomaree National Park in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Profile view of a grey-headed flying-fox flying past eucalupt trees. Photo: Shane Ruming © Shane Ruming

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

Thursday 10 October 2024, 7pm to 9pm.

Thursday 16 January and 24 April 2025, 7pm to 9pm.

Where
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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:

Thursday 16 January, 17 April, 10 July and 2 October 2025.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm.

Where
Glenrock State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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

Tuesday 14 January 2025, 3pm to 5pm

Thursday 24 April 2025, 11.30am to 1.30pm

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

Visitors enjoying a tour with an NPWS ranger on Grand Cliff Top Walk. Credit: Remy Brand © Remy Brand/DCCEEW

Grand Cliff Top Walk guided tour

Join a National Parks ranger on a 3-hour guided tour along part of the newly completed Grand Cliff Top Walk. We’ll start at Wentworth Falls picnic area and learn about the cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems in Blue Mountains National Park

Price
Fees apply. Price includes park entry fee.
When

Tour time: 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Tour runs on the following Saturdays in 2024: 17 August, 31 August, 28 September, 5 October, 26 October, 9 November, 23 November, 7 December, 21 December 2024.

Tour runs on the following Saturdays in 2025: 4 January, 11 January, 18 January, 25 January 2025.

Where
Wentworth Falls picnic area, Katoomba area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Sugar glider resting on a branch. Photo: Pavel German © DPE

Katoomba spotlight tour

Bring a torch and join our National Parks Discovery Ranger for a spotlight tour under the stars in Katoomba. Discover amazing creatures of the night like owls, possums, and microbats on this easy 2hr tour.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Friday 4 and 11 October 2024, 6pm to 8pm. Meet at 5.45pm.

Friday 10, 17, 24 and 31 January 2025, 8pm to 10pm. Meet at 7.45pm.

Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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
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South Coast NSW

NPWS guide demonstrating traditional basket weaving techniques. Photo: Jessica Taunton © DCCEEW

Traditional weaving workshop: Eurobodalla

Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Eurobodalla National Park, between Bermagui and Narooma. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.

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

Tour dates: Thursday 9 and 16 January 2025. Thursday 10 and 17 April 2025.

Tour times: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Where
Mystery Bay lookout, Eurobodalla National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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New Zealand fur seal swimming in aqua blue water. Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Narooma seals and whales discovery tour

Join this family-friendly guided tour at Narooma Bar Rocks on the South Coast these school holidays and learn about the area’s iconic seals and migrating whales.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tour dates: Friday 3 January, Wednesday 8 January and Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Wednesday 9 April and Wednesday 16 April 2025.

Tour times: 9.30am to 11am and 11.30am to 1pm.

Where
Narooma Bar Rock Lookout
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Aerial view of Green Cape Lighthouse, Beowa National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © the photographer

Green Cape Lighthouse guided tour

Uncover the history of Green Cape Lighthouse on this guided tour in Beowa National Park, near Eden. Hear stories of disaster and survival and enjoy shore-based whale watching and breathtaking views.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

2024 tour dates: Sunday 20 October 2024. Tour times: 9am to 10.30am and 11am to 12.30pm

2025 tour dates: Thursday 2, Thursday 9, Thursday 16 January and Tuesday 15 April 2025. Tour time: 10am to 11.45am

Where
Green Cape Lighthouse, Green Cape area
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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A close-up look at a cast of bright blue soldier crabs. Photo: Anthony Belton © DPE

Merimbula Lake Boardwalk adventure tour

Are you ready to become an estuary expert? Join this family-friendly nature tour at Merimbula Lake Boardwalk near Bournda National Park these school holidays to discover a thriving coastal ecosystem.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
Available on request.

Tour dates: Tuesday 7 January 2025, 9.30am to 11am.

Friday 10 January and Tuesday 8 April, 1pm to 2.30pm.

Where
Merimbula Lake boardwalk
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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A woven coaster in progress, made during a traditional weaving workshop at Bournda National Park. Photo: Jessica Bray © the photographer

Traditional weaving workshop: Bournda

Get creative on a traditional weaving workshop in Bournda National Park, near Bega and Merimbula. Learn Aboriginal weaving techniques and see how these ancient skills carry a strong connection to Aboriginal culture.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Wednesday 15 January and 16 April 2025

Tour times: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm

Where
Hobart Beach campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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The Davidson family 1850s weatherboard homestead. Photo: DPIE

Historic Davidson Whaling Station tour

Join a local Discovery Guide on a tour of the historic Davidson Whaling Station, located on the shores of the picturesque Kiah Inlet in Beowa National Park near Eden. Relax and enjoy a simple cup of tea and a chat.

Price
Fees apply. Price includes park entry fee.
When

2024 tour dates: Sunday 20 October. Tour time: 9am to 10.30am and 11am to 12.30pm

2025 tour dates: Thursday 2, Thursday 9, Thursday 16 January, and Tuesday 15 April. Tour time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Where
Davidson Whaling Station, Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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

Tour dates: Tuesday 7 January, 21 January, and 22 April 2025.

Tour time: 10am to 12pm

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

Visitors walk along suspended bridge through subtropical rainforest at Minnamurra. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © DCCEEW

Junior ranger: Minnamurra Rainforest

Become a ‘junior ranger’ these school holidays at Minnamurra Rainforest. You’ll learn hands-on bush survival and safety skills on this fun tour at Budderoo National Park.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

Tour dates: Tuesday 8 October 2024. Tuesday 7, Thursday 16 and Wednesday 22 January. Wednesday 16 April and 8 October 2025.

Tour time: 10.30am to 12pm.

Where
Budderoo National Park in South Coast, Country NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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

2024: Monday 30 September and Friday 11 October 2024.

2025: Thursday 9, Monday 13 and Friday 24 January; Monday 14 and Thursday 24 April; Monday 29 September and Tuesday 7 October 2025.

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
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Snowy Mountains

Country NSW

A group of people on a tour at Mutawintji Historic Site. Photo: Otis Filley © DCCEEW

Mutawintji cultural tour

Join this special tour in Mutawintji National Park in the NSW outback and hear Aboriginal guides share their connection to their Country.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

Tours run daily Wednesday to Sunday. No tour Christmas Day. Tours run 7 days a week during school holidays.

Tour time:

10am to 2.30pm EST. Please note the time difference between Mutawintji Eastern Standard Time and Broken Hill Central Standard Time.

Where
Mutawintji National Park in Outback NSW
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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Visitors enjoy a guided tour of the lunette-like landscape in Mungo National Park. Credit: Aaron Davenport/DCCEEW © Aaron Davenport

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

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
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Greater Sydney

Bare Island Fort, Kamay Botany National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards/DCCEEW

Junior ranger: Bound for Botany Bay

Want to discover what life was like for a convict in Sydney? These school holidays, come to Bare Island at La Perouse, and find out more in this fun junior ranger event for kids aged 6 to 12 years.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

2024: Friday 4 October and Thursday 10 October 2024.

2025: Thursday 9 January, 23 January, 30 January, 24 April, 17 July and 9 October 2025.

2026: Thursday 29 January 2026.

Time: 10.30am to 12pm. Arrive at 10am.

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

Tour time: 3.30pm to 5pm. Arrive at 3.20pm.

Tour dates:

Tuesday 1 October, Friday 4 October, Tuesday 8 October and Friday 11 October 2024.

Saturday 14 December, 21 December and 28 December 2024.

Saturday 4 January, 11 January, 18 January and 25 January 2025.

Where
Bonnie Vale campground
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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An NPWS ranger shows junior rangers how to read a map of a national park. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

Junior ranger: Bobbin Head

Join this junior ranger tour at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Hornsby, these school holidays, and learn what it's like to be a NSW National Parks ranger. For kids aged 6 to 12 years.

Price
Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When

2024: Thursday 3 October and Friday 11 October 2024.

2025: Thursday 2 January, 16 January, 17 April, 10 July and 2 October 2025.

2026: Thursday 22 January 2026.

Time: 10.30am to 12pm. Arrive at 10am.

Where
Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
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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 19 May 2024 and 20 April 2025 (Easter Sunday).

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

Tours available every Sunday, all year round. 

During school holidays we run extra tours on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Each tour is 45mins. 

Choose the date and time that suits you after clicking the Book Now button. 

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