Spring School Holiday Adventures in NSW National Parks on the North Coast
Looking for something different to do with the kids these spring school holidays? NSW National Parks has a range of ranger-guided adventures happening across the North Coast, from exploring rainforest after dark to stepping inside a historic lighthouse. Led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery rangers, the activities combine nature, wildlife and history with hands-on experiences designed for families and curious young explorers.
Become a Junior Ranger in Dorrigo National Park
Young nature lovers can explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest at Dorrigo National Park with the Junior Ranger: Dorrigo Rainforest Kids Nature Play experience.
Designed for children aged 5 to 12, the ranger-guided activity includes games, sensory activities and wildlife discovery among the rainforest.
When: 30 September and 7 October.
Explore Dorrigo Rainforest After Dark
For something a little more adventurous, families can head into the Gondwana Rainforest after sunset on the Dorrigo Rainforest After Dark Spotlight Tour.
Armed with torches, participants will look for nocturnal wildlife including possums, pademelons, microbats and glow worms. The 1.5km return walk is suitable for children over six.
When: 2 October.
Discover Sea Acres Rainforest
Near Port Macquarie, the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk Tour takes families beneath the rainforest canopy with a Discovery ranger.
The accessible boardwalk makes this an easy family outing, with opportunities to spot wildlife and learn more about the sights, sounds and scents of the rainforest.
When: 28, 29 and 30 September and 1, 6, 7 and 8 October.
Step Back in Time at Innes Ruins
History-loving families can explore Innes Ruins Historic Site near Port Macquarie, home to some of the oldest surviving brick structures in northern NSW.
The guided tour shares stories of convict labour and colonial life during the 1800s and includes an easy 1km walk suitable for children aged five and over.
When: 7 and 10 October.
Climb Smoky Cape Lighthouse
One of the North Coast's most spectacular landmarks is also opening its doors for guided tours during the holidays.
The Smoky Cape Lighthouse Tour in Hat Head National Park gives families access inside the lighthouse, where they can discover its maritime history before taking in the coastal views from the balcony.
When: 30 September and 3 and 7 October.
Experience Life Behind Bars at Trial Bay Gaol
At Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, kids can discover what life was like for prisoners once held within the historic gaol.
The Life Behind Bars Kids Tour brings the site's history to life with stories, activities, games and treasure hunts.
When: 29 and 30 September and 6 and 7 October.
With rainforest adventures, wildlife encounters, fascinating history and some of the North Coast's most beautiful landscapes, these guided experiences are a good excuse to get outdoors during the spring break.
Places can be booked through the NSW National Parks website.