Sydney For Families - Top Ten

There is a side of Sydney that is perfect for families, and the right holiday will touch upon most or all of these facets. The obvious destinations are the Opera House, the Bridge, Taronga Zoo and Luna Park, but there are also the less obvious ports of call: the Blue Mountains, Bondi or a koala hug in the suburbs.

Or make Sydney your starting point for a campervan holiday around New South Wales? The world is your Sydney rock oyster.

1. Whale watching
Visit Sydney in spring and you’ll chance upon the southern migration of whales from Queensland down to Antarctica. Eco Whale Watching tours, departing from Sydney city, offer personalised experiences that respect both whale and watcher.

2. Skateboarding
So the kids think they know everything? Only in Sydney can they experience a private skateboarding lesson that will have them progressing from tiny ramps to tunnels in less time than it takes them to gel their hair each morning.

3. Luna Park
The newly revamped Luna Park at Milson’s Point is a great family day out. Step back in time at Coney Island, ride the slides, dig the dodgems, or take a breathtaking photo of Sydney Harbour from atop the ferris wheel.

4. Taronga Zoo
It’s the zoo with a view! Taronga overlooks beautiful Sydney Harbour in a zoo setting that is envied around the world. This 90 year old icon is a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay.

5. Sydney Tower
For the only true 360-degree panorama of this breathtaking harbour city, climb atop Sydney Tower. Besides two levels of restaurants and a heart-stopping observation deck, the pinnacle for families is OzTrek – a simulated virtual tour of Australia for all ages.

Map | View detailed map of Sydney

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6. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a buzzing waterside community of shops, restaurants and attractions. For families, key must-sees include the giant Imax Theatre and Sydney Aquarium – a walk underwater with more than 5000 marine friends.

7. Manly
No visit to Sydney is complete without an excursion to the seaside suburb of Manly. Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and stay all day. Beaches, restaurants and shops galore, or visit Oceanworld, a unique up close and personal experience with land and marine life.

8. The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a natural phenomenon just one hour’s drive from the city. Like a fun park for families, three big rides must be mastered: the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest rail incline), the Scenic Flyway cable car and the Scenic Skyway.

9. Homebush
The 2000 Olympics captivated the world and the evidence is still there for all to see. Take a tour of the Homebush precinct to visit all the main sporting venues, tour Telstra Stadium, touch the famous fl ame and get wet and wild at the Aquatic Centre.

10. Bondi Beach
Climb aboard the Bondi Explorer bus for a tour of Sydney’s affl uent eastern suburbs and famous Bondi Beach. The commentary is excellent, and you can break the journey and go for a swim anytime you like.