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Wildlife tours in NSW national parks

These guided activities are the best way to see our native animals in their own habitats. Book a tour on the water to kayak with dolphins, snorkel with seals or spy on little penguins and majestic whales.

You could have breakfast with kangaroos, go out after dark to spot nocturnal rainforest creatures, or set out on dedicated bird watching tours. If you want to get up close to Australia’s unique animals, there's no better way than with a wildlife tour in NSW national parks.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Petrogale penicillata. Photo credit: Sean Leathers © DPIE

Murray-Riverina

A superb parrot sits on a branch in the canopy of a gum tree. Photo credit: Philip Maher © Australian Ornithological Services

Personalised birding tours around Deniliquin

Keen birders will love these tailored outings by Australian Ornithological Services. They're a great way see rare and endemic birds, including plains wanderers, in the unique ecosystems near the outback town of Deniliquin.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Australian Ornithological Services for tour dates and times.
Where: Murray Valley National Park in Murray-Riverina
Operated by

People paddle 2 yellow kayaks over the waves as a sea turtle swims below the surface. Photo © Cape Byron Kayaks

Byron guided kayak tours with dolphins

Go for a paddling adventure on sparkling ocean waters near Byron Bay with expert guides from Cape Byron Kayaks. It’s a safe way to explore this wilderness and even see dolphins.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Cape Byron Kayaks for schedule.
Where: Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in North Coast
Operated by

View of sheer cliffs and waterfall in a misty rainforest setting. Photo © Rise Up – Byron Conscious Tours

Byron glow worms, waterfalls and rainforest experience

Discover Byron Bay’s hidden treasures, from glow worms to enchanting forests and sparkling waterfalls on this guided outing with Rise Up – Byron Conscious Tours. Delight your senses and relax your mind as you explore the wilderness in and around Nightcap National Park.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Rise Up – Byron Conscious Tours for schedule.
Where: Nightcap National Park in North Coast
Operated by

A group of 7 guided tour participants wearing night vision goggles in the dark. Photo credit: Wendy Bithell © Vision Walks Eco Tours

Night vision rainforest walks in Byron Bay

Discover elusive native animals at night as you strap on a pair of special goggles and venture out for a thrilling rainforest tour beneath the stars with the friendly guides of Vision Walks Eco Tours.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Vision Walks Eco Tours for schedule.
Where: Nightcap National Park in North Coast
Operated by

Superb lyrebird showing tail feathers, walking on the forest floor. Photo credit: Albert Schulte © Inala Nature Tours

6-day birding and natural history tours

Explore the beauty and diversity of Australian wildlife at Sydney’s doorstep on this 6-day tour with the knowledgeable guides of Inala Nature Tours. Visiting parklands, you'll see amazing birds, mammals and reptiles in their natural habitat.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Inala Nature Tours for schedule.
Where: Barren Grounds Nature Reserve in South Coast
Operated by

View of a man seated by a stream in a lush rainforest setting with ferns and moss. Photo credit: Dee Kramer © Nature Engagement Tours

Scones in the forest South Coast walking tours

Experience South Coast beauty on this wilderness excursion with Nature Engagement Tours. Walking with a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you'll explore pristine forests in beautiful Macquarie Pass National Park, near Wollongong and Kiama.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Nature Engagement Tours for times and dates.
Where: Macquarie Pass National Park in South Coast, Country NSW
Operated by

A wombat grazes on a grassy forest clearing in front of a smiling young woman. Photo credit: Dave Fraser © Perfect Day Sydney

Walking with wombats luxury excursions

Even if you're short on time, you can have it all on this tour with Perfect Day Sydney. This unforgettable day out includes a magical bushwalk, visits to waterfalls and other scenic sights, and the chance for wombat encounters during a relaxing twilight dinner.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Contact Perfect Day Sydney for tour schedule.
Where: Morton National Park in South Coast, Country NSW
Operated by

Women photograph a waterfall cascading down a cliff face. Photo: Steve Nomchong © Local Travel Planner

South Coast wildlife, waterfalls and wine tour

Local Travel Planner’s big day out takes in stunning valleys, beaches and waterfalls south of Sydney. It’s also a great way to see native animals and sample delicious local food and wine.

Price: Fees apply. Park entry fees apply.
When: Contact Local Travel Planner for tour dates.
Where: Morton National Park in South Coast, Country NSW
Operated by

A wide shot of a boat headed to Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve for a guided tour with Montague Island Adventures. Credit © Montague Island Adventures

Barunguba Montague Island and lighthouse tour

Explore the natural beauty and history of Barunguba Montague Island, a protected nature reserve just 9km off the coast of Narooma. Montague Island Adventures will ferry you from the mainland for this fascinating guided tour.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Available on request. Contact Montague Island Adventures for tour dates.
Where: Montague Island Lighthouse, Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve
Operated by

Visitor sits peacefully on a large rock, gazing out over the vast, panoramic expanse of the Blue Mountains. Credit: FeelGood! Nature Tours © FeelGood! Nature Tours

Blue Mountains wilderness sunset tour

Join this late-start, small group tour (max 10 guests) for a personalised journey for nature lovers through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains wilderness.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact FeelGood! Nature Tours for tour dates.
Where: Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by

Sweeping view of the Three Sisters rock formations at twilight, in Blue Mountains National Park. Photo © Sydney Scenic Private Tours

Blue Mountains tours with kangaroo encounters

No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Blue Mountains. Join Sydney Scenic Private Tours to see waterfalls, mountains and valleys in stunning World Heritage surrounds, and enjoy close encounters with kangaroos and other native animals.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Sydney Scenic Private Tours for schedule.
Where: Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Operated by

Kangaroo on an open grassy clearing. Photo credit: Tim Tranter © Tread Lightly Eco Tours

Blue Mountains rendezvous with kangaroos tours

Explore ancient rainforests and stunning sandstone escarpments with a qualified ecology guide in World Heritage surrounds. Learn about kangaroos, wombats and other unique wildlife on this private outing with Tread Lightly Eco Tours.

Price: Fees apply. Free park entry.
When: Contact Tread Lightly Eco Tours for dates and times.
Where: Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Father and children keeping a safe distance from grazing kangaroos at Cattai National Park. Photo credit: John Spencer. <HTML>© DPIE

Wildlife encounters

National parks are great places to escape to and explore. Keep yourself and our wildlife safe by understanding the risks of wildlife encounters and how to avoid them.

Seaham Swamp bird hide in Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPIE

Check out bird hides and discover birdwatching havens in NSW national parks.