NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Discovery Tours - Illawarra and Southern Highlands

The Farm beach, Killalea Regional Park
Waterfall, West Rim Track, eucalypt rainforest gorge Morton National Park
Robertsons Lookout Track view to Mount Keira coastal setting, Illawarra Escarpment State Conservatio
Whale Jumping
Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park.
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About

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery Program offers immersive guided experiences that connect visitors with the natural, historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Illawarra and South Coast.

Operating across destinations including Killalea Regional Park, Minnamurra Rainforest, Fitzroy Falls and Mount Keira, the Discovery Program delivers guided walks, Aboriginal Discovery experiences, cultural activities, junior ranger adventures, traditional weaving workshops, school excursions, holiday programs and community events.

Led by experienced Discovery guides, visitors can explore spectacular coastlines, rainforest trails, waterfalls and bushland while learning about local wildlife, conservation, Aboriginal culture and the stories that shape these landscapes. Hands-on activities and meaningful connections to place create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Experiences include guided walks, cultural activities, junior ranger adventures, traditional weaving workshops, kite flying activities, holiday programs, school excursions and community events across the region. Visitors can connect with nature through hands-on learning, guided exploration and meaningful experiences that showcase local wildlife, conservation, Aboriginal culture and the diverse landscapes of the Illawarra and South Coast. Discovery Program experiences inspire people to enjoy, understand and help protect the region's unique natural and cultural heritage.

Available Tours

Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight

Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight

Go on a family-friendly after-hours guided tour in Budderoo National Park these school holidays. See Minnamurra Rainforest by night on this unforgettable adventure, inland from Kiama on the South Coast. With an experienced NPWS guide by your side, you'll explore the suspension bridges and elevated walkways of Lyrebird loop walk by torchlight. Let the darkness enhance your senses as your eyes adjust to the low light. Search for evidence of wildlife, breathe in the scents of the lush, remnant rainforest and listen for the critters that call this place home. Make sure you come prepared for a night walk. Wear closed shoes, bring warm clothing, a torch, a camera without a flash, drinking water and wet weather gear.

Junior ranger: Minnamurra Rainforest

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 guided tour at Budderoo National Park. We'll set out on a 1.6km adventure along Lyrebird Loop walk, enjoying various bushcraft and creative games along the way. As part of your duties, you'll explore the natural environment around you and discover the plants and animals that live in Minnamurra Rainforest. Depending on the day, you could enjoy one or more of the below activities: Learn the basics of navigation, map reading and using a compass. Learn how to identify animal tracks and figure out who's living in the rainforest. Get crafty doing activities such as leaf printing or using clay to make an animal.

Traditional weaving workshop: Fitzroy Falls

Traditional weaving workshop: Fitzroy Falls

Discover the art of weaving in this hands-on workshop at Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands. You'll be introduced to Aboriginal culture and traditional weaving practices by a senior Aboriginal NPWS guide. Head to the idyllic Fitzroy Falls to learn how Aboriginal women traditionally craft baskets, carry bags and other everyday items in this interactive workshop. You'll get to weave with grasses, reeds and other natural materials. As you build your confidence across the 2-hour class, your guide will share insight into the cultural significance of these ancient weaving techniques for Aboriginal women. All materials are provided on the day, and you'll create a piece to take home.

Junior ranger: Fitzroy Falls adventure

Junior ranger: Fitzroy Falls adventure

Kids can become nature investigators at Fitzroy Falls these school holidays. Follow clues and explore Morton National Park through hands-on kids' activities. Junior rangers aged 5 to 16 will spend a morning learning about the essential role rangers play in NSW National Parks. Kids will take part in a scavenger hunt and follow clues to uncover secrets about Australia's fascinating and diverse environments. Gain new skills, learn about our native animals and get up close to nature. An orienteering activity will teach them how to use a map and compass to discover the natural treasures of Morton National Park. They can also get creative and design a piece of art using natural materials. This is the perfect base for a family day out. Continue exploring the lush escarpment and towering waterfalls of Fitzroy Falls. Or head into quaint Southern Highlands townships like Robertson or Burrawang.

Traditional weaving workshop: Killalea

Traditional weaving workshop: Killalea

Discover the art of weaving at Killalea Regional Park in this hands-on workshop, led by a senior Aboriginal NPWS guide. It's the perfect introduction to Aboriginal culture and traditional practices. Set between Shellharbour and Kiama, Killalea Regional Park provides the ideal backdrop as you learn to weave using grasses, reeds and other natural materials. Once you've built your confidence, you'll create your own handwoven piece to take home. As you explore your creative side, your guide will share how Aboriginal women weave baskets, carry bags and other items for daily use. You'll discover how these ancient skills and practices carry a strong cultural connection for local Aboriginal women. All material will be supplied on the day.

Forest flyers kite workshop at Killalea

Forest flyers kite workshop at Killalea

If you're looking for kids' activities on the South Coast these school holidays, join this cute kite-building workshop. Kids aged 5 and over will get creative in Killalea Regional Park, between Shellharbour and Kiama. Kids can join the forest flyers in Killalea Regional Park to learn all about the critters that fly through the South Coast while building and decorating a kite. They'll get to know sugar gliders and flying foxes before sending their own creations skywards. All materials will be supplied on the day, and you get to take your kite home for more sky-high fun. Afterwards, you can head down to the sands of Killalea Beach. Known locally as The Farm, this stunning spot just south of Wollongong is perfect for a day exploring rockpools with the family.

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Where you'll be

Wollongong NSW