Family Outdoor Adventures in NSW

One of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of NSW is on a family adventure. The state is full of natural attractions and inspired activities that will keep everyone in the family entertained. Whether you want to play in the oceans and lakes or discover World Heritage wilderness, there's so much to see and do in the great outdoors.

Animals & adventures

Aim to get up close and personal with dolphins by venturing to Jervis Bay and Port Stephens or go snorkelling with seals and little penguins at Montague Island on the South Coast. Join Wooli Deep Sea Tours on a snorkelling adventure to see clownfish and turtles. There are also whale-watching tours along the coastline during the annual migration from May to November.

Visit Scenic World and ride the glass-floored Skyway for breathtaking views and thrills in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. See dinosaur trees – the nickname for Wollemi pines – at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah and conquer the eerie, awe-inspiring depths of Jenolan Caves, the most ancient open caves in the world.

Soar 30m above the forest floor and enjoy panoramic ocean and rainforest views on Australia's highest zip-line at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the South Coast. Tackle the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere on a quad bike, sandboard or camel in Port Stephens.

On the water

The Murray River in Country NSW allows for easy, family-friendly tangents that offer wonderful views of the waterway. The historic Port of Echuca is home to Australia's largest fleet of steam-driven paddlesteamers and a riverboat cruise – with operators such as Echuca Paddlesteamers or Murray River Paddlesteamers – is one of the best way to see the region.

If you prefer to travel under your own steam, try kayaking along the Clarence Valley Canoe and Kayak Trail – it stretches for almost 200km and ranges from calm waters to whitewater rapids. There are more kayaking adventures to enjoy on the Nymboida River near Coffs Harbour, the Minnamurra River near Kiama, in Barrington Tops, and on the Myall Lakes near Forster, or try ocean kayaking off the coast in the Cape Byron Marine Park.

Walks & hikes

Amble along the 1.3km elevated boardwalk at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre near Port Macquarie, where you can learn about ancient cultures an Aboriginal Discovery Tour. Farther north, follow an ancient emu trail on the Yuraygir Coastal Walk near Yamba. On the South Coast, the Kiama Blowhole is the highlights of the spectacular Kiama Coast Walk.

For a world-class mountain experience, head to Australia's highest peaks in the Snowy Mountains, where you can walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko in the warmer months. The Snowies are also ideal for mountain biking, horseriding and fishing in summer, before they become a winter wonderland during the ski season.