Bug exploration, bird watching, walking, cycling, horse riding, rail trips, caving, gardens, historic houses, churches and court houses and shopping for and sampling local produce — Lithgow is packed with great ideas for the October school holidays.

“Lithgow’s Spring season makes any leisure activity more vibrant, but it particularly highlights outdoor activities,” Lithgow City Council’s tourism representative Grahame Danaher said.

Keep the kids entertained these school holidays with one of the Discovery activities from National Parks.

Get up close and personnel with native animals, learn about the World Heritage area and hear the traditional stories from Aboriginal Dreamtime.

There is a Discovery activity to suit everyone.

The Discovery Program takes in Wollemi, Blue Mountains and Kanangra-Boyd National Parks.

Lithgow has some amazing location for picnics, bush walking, bird watching and mountain biking.

A trip into Capertee or Newnes Valley provides the opportunity to indulge in a range of outdoor pursuits.

Both valleys are a fantastic day trip to explore the sights and sounds of these unique valleys.

Unearth the region’s history by visiting one of our many fine museums.

The Small Arms Museum, State Mine Heritage Park, Eskbank House, Hartley Historic Site, Simmo’s, Turon Technology and The Glen Museum are all worth a trip to delve into our unique history.

Delta’s Energy Expo provides ample opportunity to learn about how this amazing facility operates.

Daily tours depart at 11 am through the Mt Piper Power Station and the grounds provide a fantastic location for a barbecue.

The Zig Zag Railway and Jenolan Caves have jam packed programs for the school holidays.

Thomas and Friends visits the Zig Zag Railway in the period October 10 to 12, while Jenolan Caves stages the discovery@jenolan children’s program which explores the animals of the area, both above and below ground, Didjeridoo Dingo plays earthy, throbbing rhythm of the didjeribone in the Grand Arch today.

With so much to see and do in our region over the school holidays, you need not travel very far to entertain the family.

For further information on places to visit and special events see www.tourism.lithgow.com or call the friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre on 1300 76 02 76.