Explore the Narrabri Region these School Holidays
Looking for things to do these school holidays without travelling far? The Narrabri Region has you covered with mountain trails, creative escapes, hidden gems and cool spots to relax. Whether your kids love to climb, create, swim or stargaze, there’s an adventure waiting close to home.
Head for the Heights at Mount Kaputar National Park
No holiday is complete without a trip to the iconic Mount Kaputar. With crisp mountain air, picnic spots and family-friendly trails – it’s a must do!
Here are our picks:
Dawsons Spring to the Summit: This 2km walk to the summit will have you trailing through towering trees until you reach the best view of the park.
Dawsons Spring Nature Trail: This easy loop is perfect for younger kids, and includes seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife spotting.
Lindsay Rock Tops and Bundabulla Circuit: A longer 7.5km walk (around 2 hours) with mossy swamps and rocky scrambles. Perfect for active families and older kids.
Don’t forget to pack some snags for the sausage sizzle in Dawsons Spring when you’re done.
Want to swap the bush tracks for something out of this world? Head 25km west of Narrabri to the Paul Wild Observatory.
Here, six giant antennas stretch across the plains, scanning the skies for signals we can’t even see with our eyes. The free viewing deck and displays are perfect for kids who love science, space or just asking “what’s up there?”
It’s a mind-expanding stop where you might just inspire the next astronaut in the family.
Just down the road from the telescopes, you’ll find Yarrie Lake – a huge, 3km-wide lake believed to have been formed by a meteor.
Even if the temps are getting too cool for swimming, Yarrie Lake is the perfect place to get the paddleboards or kayaks out for a spin.
Our tip: Stay a night and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best starry skies you’ll ever see.
Set your sights on NarraBRIGHT
The annual light festival is back for 2026, and this time it’s in school holidays and it’s out of daylight savings so festival goers get to enjoy more of the magical lights.
This year’s event expands into Collins Park and behind the ovals, with a magical light trail that features many installations.
With plenty of food stalls and kids activity zones, there’s something for everyone.
For the kids that enjoy getting out into nature, a trip to Waa Gorge is the perfect adventure.
Take them on a journey through the towering walls of orange as they experience the reminders of the region’s volcanic past as they follow the creek bed to the top of the gorge.
Pack the swimmers just in case some watering holes have felt any recent rain.
Get Creative at Pilliga Pottery
For a change of pace, head into the Pilliga Forest and discover the colourful world of Pilliga Pottery.
Kids can try a pottery class, watch artists at work, or explore the bush trails and farm animals around Barkala Farm. When tummies start rumbling, the Blue Wren Café’s woodfired pizzas are always a hit.
Finish off with a homemade gelato.
Hidden Gem: Narrabri Fish Farm
Just 10 minutes from town, the Narrabri Fish Farm is a quirky and fun day out. On a guided tour, kids can feed the fish, go yabbying, or join in a carp throw or yabby race.
There are giant sculptures of a cod and yabby that make the perfect photo stop, and for those who want to fish, there’s catch-and-release with all the gear provided. With BBQ areas, cabins and campsites, it’s a great way to spend a relaxed family day in the bush.
Your holiday, your backyard
From mountains and lakes to pottery wheels and giant fish, the Narrabri Region is packed with things to do these school holidays. Stay local, get outdoors, and show the kids just how many adventures are waiting right here at home.
And if your kids are more into crafts and activities than hiking boots, check out the range of school holiday programs happening across the Shire — from laser tag to creative workshops. (Holiday Programs).
