School holidays rock in the Hunter and Central Coast

23 September 2022

Take your kids on some outdoors adventures these school holidays and foster a lifelong relationship with our national parks.

Sun shines through Common Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea preissii) and eucalyptus gum trees in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) hosts tours across the Hunter and Central Coast region for families and kids, NPWS Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend.

"Being in a beautiful national park on a guided tour with our educational rangers is a great way for children to grow their relationship with nature," Ms Yeend said.

"These holidays we're offering over 10 tours, spread across the region from the coast all the way up to Towarri National Parks near Scone and Copeland Tops State Conservation Area near Gloucester.

"All tours have a particular environmental theme, to encourage an awareness of nature, conservation and protection of our parks for future generations."

One of the most popular tours for kids is the 'Become a Junior Ranger for a Day' series hosted at several places including Booti Booti National Park, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, Towarri National Park and Glenrock State Conservation Area. Children love learning what's required on the job of a Ranger.

Up in the leafy Copeland Tops State Conservation Area there is a tour with NPWS koala experts explaining what koalas eat, how they survive and how we can help to protect them into the future.

Kids can go wild with 'spotto' in Wyrabalong National Park on an animal-spotting tour, and learn how to spot signs of animals through their tracks and scats, as well creating their own tracks.

Those interested in nature journaling and drawing could be inspired on our nature diary tour at Girrakool picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park and perhaps pick up tips from fellow artistes.

A whale watching tour – with fun facts all about cetaceans – is at Glenrock State Conservation Area, as is a tour about the area's fossilised and rock platforms.

At Blue Gum Hills Regional Park near Minmi you can walk with an Aboriginal tour guide to learn about the cultural significance of the local area or ramble along the shores of Tomaree National Park to discover what goes on in rockpools.

"These holiday tours are geared towards families and children during the holidays, and spring is a lovely time to be in the bush, on the coast or just outdoors," Ms Yeend said.

Fees apply and bookings are essential, either by calling 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) or going online Kids' and family activities | NSW National Parks

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