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I’ve lived in Sydney for three years now, but some things just don’t change. There’s something about the (almost) perpetually sunny scape and vibrancy of the city that unwittingly brings a smile to my face. As my sister loves to call it, it’s the perfect mix of Los Angeles and London in one.
Whenever close friends or relatives plan a trip down-under, they’d come to me for suggestions on where to go and I’d know exactly all the sweet spots especially when they’re bringing their young ones along! So if you’re reading this, you don’t have to look any further. Here’s the lowdown on the top 10 best family-friendly things to do in Sydney and why it’ll be the place you want to go on your next family vacation!
Whether you’re looking to get up close with a koala or feed a giraffe, take on an obstacle course or cross a suspension bridge, the Taronga Zoo is one of the must-see destination spots for all families. Regardless of my age, there’s something about going to the zoo that just doesn’t get old. Home to over 4,000 animals, Taronga Zoo is conveniently situated just 12 minutes from the city by ferry.
Get your tickets to Taronga Zoo.
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Admission Prices: $46 for Adults, $26 for Children. For family packages, you can get tickets for 2 Adults and 1 Child at $106.20, and tickets for 2 Adults and 2 Children at $129.60!
Website: here
Aquarium enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Step inside and discover an incredible array of species at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Explore 14 themed zones including a tropical Bay of Rays, Discovery Rockpool and the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef display. Kids will love getting up close and personal with these creatures of the deep. The Aquarium is certainly accessible – a quick 5 to 10 minute walk from CBD down Market Street or King Street is all it takes.
Address: 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Admission Prices: $40 for Adults, $28 for Children (aged 4-15). For special family prices, you can get tickets for 2 Adults and 2 Children at $120.
Website: here
Those feeling adventurous can take a walk up (yes, up!) the Sydney Harbour Bridge and soak in the all-round scenic views. Best of all, you get the most beautiful view of the famous Sydney Opera House. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The best part about this is that yes, children above 10 years and over 1.2 metres tall can join in the climb and have fun with the whole family!
Address: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW 2000
Admission Prices: Prices range from $218 to $368 for Adults for a full-bridge climb (depending what time of the day you wish to go) and $148 to $248 for Children
Website: here
If you’re travelling down under, you can’t miss out on the Fish Markets. The freshest mix of seafood awaits, and I guarantee it’ll satisfy your cravings! Load up on the fresh oysters and salmon sashimi – they’re the must-gets every time I’m there. Prices are also
The best way to get to the Fish Markets is by the Sydney Light Rail, which leaves from Central Station, Haymarket or Darling Harbour to the Fish Market stop, located just minutes walk to the Market itself.
Address: Bank Street & Pyrmont Bridge Road, Sydney NSW 2009
Website: here
As a kid, I loved imagining myself as a pirate or a spy, playing dress-up games of all sorts. At Cockatoo Island, there’s plenty for your child’s imagination to wander. From its origins as a convict prison to the amazing shipbuilding machines, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has certainly a lot to offer.
For kids aged 7 to 12, take on the Convict Clues Challenge or the Ship Shape Challenge. These run from the Visitor Information Centre daily from 10am to 4pm and are completely free. The simplest way to get to Cockatoo Island is by a 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Website: here
Take a day trip to Hunter Valley and explore the vineyards. While the adults indulge in a wine-tasting session, kids are free to roam around the Hunter Valley Gardens (spanning a whooping 8 kilometres of walking paths!) that includes a very special Storybook Garden section, or explore the local Chocolate and Fudge Factory. Who can say no to chocolate?
To get here by public transport, catch a train from Sydney’s Central station to Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook or Scone. Hunter Valley buses connect towns across the Hunter Valley region.
Website: here
In the heart of the city’s shopping centre, is the Westfield Tower Eye. Go all the way up and be prepared to witness the most spectacular view of all of Sydney. Or, let the moms do the shopping and have the dads bring the kids up in the meantime!
Address: 100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Admission Prices: $26.50/$18.55 (Walk Up/Online) for Adults, $16/$11.20 (Walk Up/Online) for Children. For a family of 4 (maximum 2 adults) pay $85/$57 (Walk Up/Online)!
Website: here
The weather. The sunshine. The blue skies. Need I say more? Neatly tucked away in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a lesser known beach that’s set to guarantee a day of fun. At Clovelly beach, there’s plenty of fish and marine life to see within the protected bay, which means your kids will be safe from the ocean currents. You can choose to go swimming, snorkelling, paddling, or simply sunbathing – the options are endless. Best of all, it’s only a half an hour bus ride from the city.
One of the most surreal things in the world is standing on the edge of a mountain overlooking an endless valley. At Blue Mountains, you can finally tick that off your bucket list. With the Three Sisters at Echo Point, the Jenolan Cave tours, and bushwalking, there’s something to keep everyone in the family entertained – making it a great place for a family escape!
Although the best way to get there is by a 90-minute drive by car, the most relaxing way to travel is by Train. Trains generally run every hour and go through Strathfield, Parramatta, and all stations up to Blue Mountains.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, one of the best things to do with your family is take a relaxing stroll outside to the Royal Botanic Gardens, or Sydney’s Hyde Park – what many term as Sydney’s very own version of New York’s Central Park. The best part? Admission is completely free! You can even have a picnic whilst the kids play on the green.
Travelling with kids doesn’t have to be difficult! Did we miss out on any of your favourite family-friendly activities? Let us know in the comments section below!
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