Planning a city getaway with the kids? Sydney is the ideal destination, whether it’s a long weekend stay or an extended holiday. It’s easy to get to (the Sydney Airport is only 20 minutes from the CBD) and it’s bursting with family-friendly activities. In fact, there are so many things to do in Sydney that we couldn’t possibly list them all, so we’ve highlighted some of our favourites below…
Taronga Zoo Sydney With daily animal shows, a Tiger Trek experience, baby animal spotting, short films, high ropes course and the Zoo Adventures holiday program, one day is never enough at the Taronga Zoo!
Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Opera House An Australian icon, the Sydney Opera House is much more than a pretty structure. Enjoy theatre, dance, music, creative play and more and when you’re done, head to the Opera Bar or Opera Kitchen for a kid-friendly feast.
Bondi Beach Kids up early? Hop on a ferry at Circular Quay and head to Bondi Beach for an epic sunrise. Learn to surf as the lifeguards from Bondi Rescue watch on, visit the famous Bondi Icebergs complete with kids wading pool, grab a souvenir from the Bondi Markets or check out one of the many annual events, such as Sculpture by the Sea.
Darling Harbour Located in the heart of Sydney, Darling Harbour is home to delicious dining, plenty of shopping, loads of entertainment and of course spectacular views. It’s also home to a plethora of activities and attractions for kids including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo and the Darling Quarter playground, complete with waterworks, balance ropes, flying fox, sand diggers and more!
Credit: Wildlight; Destination NSW
Wet’n’Wild Sydney Cool off at Wet’n’Wild Sydney! Watch the perfect sets roll in at Australia’s largest wave pool “The Beach”, or head to Nickelodeon Beach with 10 kid-friendly water slides, splash zones and Dinosaur Lagoon (located in the heart of the lazy river). Tip: hire a family cabana, so mum and dad can relax while the kiddies play!
Luna Park Sydney Float high above Sydney Harbour in a Ferris wheel carriage, ride an old-fashioned Carousel with carnival music and twinkling lights, spin around on the Whirly Wheel or giggle along with the original laughing clowns at Luna Park Sydney.
Sydney Olympic Park The ultimate playground for the young and young at heart, Sydney Olympic Park is ideally located approximately 16 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD and boasts beautiful parklands, sports arenas, an Aquatic Centre and numerous restaurants and cafes. Join Emma Wiggle and the gang for a special performance by The Wiggles at Qudos Bank Arena in December 2018, take part in the Mini Park Rangers program every Tuesday morning during school terms at Bicentennial Park or catch a concert or sporting event at ANZ Stadium. Keep cool at Splasher’s Water Playground in the Sydney Aquatic Centre with slides and toddler pool or get your adrenaline pumping at the Urban Jungle Adventure Park with its high ropes courses and flying fox.
Cockatoo Island Just a short ferry ride from Sydney’s city centre lays Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour’s largest island. Pack a picnic for a lunch with spectacular harbour views, take a self-guided audio tour or embark on a Haunted History Tour visiting the convict workshops, grain silos, Dog Leg Tunnel and more.
Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Leichhardt (Little Italy) The inner Sydney neighbourhood of Leichhardt has been nicknamed “Little Italy” because of its countless Italian restaurants, bakeries and shops. Stroll along bustling Norton Street sampling pizza, cake and gelato, visit The Forum piazza or, if you’re travelling in October, celebrate the Italian culture at the Norton Street Italian Festa.
Accommodation in Sydney
Sydney CBD: For the ultimate convenience and if you’re after a serviced apartment in Sydney, stay in the heart of Sydney CBD at Mantra 2 Bond Street or Mantra on Kent in a One, Two or Three Bedroom Apartment.
Sydney Airport: If you’re flying in and out of Sydney Airport, stay at Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport. With express checkout, 24-hour reception and 24-hour room service, you can take the stress out of travelling at this hotel located adjacent to the Sydney Airport.
Sydney suburbs: Want to check out Sydney’s outer suburbs? Stay at Mantra Parramatta in a large apartment with modern facilities or rest and rejuvenate at Mantra Chatswood with a heated indoor swimming pool and restaurant and bar.
Click here for the latest Sydney hotel specials.