When travelling to a big city for a family holiday, it’s easy to dismiss lots of sights as “a bit too touristy”. But have you noticed how those same places, while “touristy” are also really fun? And also that the more “touristy”, the more kids love them? I’m taking my lot on a holiday to Sydney. We’re tourists all the way, so what’s on the list of Sydney travel tips?
When planning our Sydney holiday, my first move was to call on the fabulously informed Seana Smith, author of Sydney for Under Fives. Seana obliged me with a ‘top five things to do in Sydney‘ list that I’ll be following to the letter.
Her list included three sights for the hard-core tourist in me – a trip to the Taronga Zoo; a walk over the Harbour Bridge; and some time exploring Darling Harbour. Seana’s list also included a walk from Bondi to Bronte and a ferry trip to Manly – perfect for my energetic bunch! I was thrilled that Seana made note of playgrounds and places for kids to stop and play – you need a little downtime in a day packed with activities.
I’m also planning on some time pottering around The Rocks, a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the Sydney Fish Market and my kids, who love a view, will certainly have the the Sydney Tower on their list.
So Babyologists, what else is on the ‘must-see’ list for Sydney?
Find Sydney for Under Fives online and stay tuned, we’ll be publishing some more guides to Australian cities for families visiting with kids.
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9 Comments
Hello Katrina, as the reader say Blaxland is a remarkable playground, all the details at: http://www.seanasmith.com/blaxland-riverside-park-playground-sydneys-best-playgrounds/. It is fab UNLESS you have kids who are unsafe around water, in which case it is a nightmare!!
Have a marvellous trip to Sydney and I’d love to hear about your adventures and about the places you loved… and also what didn’t work so well for your family.
Tumbalong park in darling harbour is fab. There is a carousel and brilliant playground for little and bigger kids. My one year old can spend hours in the water playground. Try during the week as weekends are too busy if you have little kids.
Feeding ducks at centennial park, running around at bondi and pirrama park in pyrmont are our favorites. The ferry to watsons bay for fish and chips is fun plus you can have a little swim too!
In the summer Balmoral Beach for a splash and fish and chips is a lovely spot for children. Also breakfast at the Bathers Pavilion Cafe on Balmoral beach, is a fun place to be. Check out ‘Kids at the House’ performances at the Opera House. Sydney is a jewel of a city!
If you get a moment to yourself, a drink by the pool at The Pool Bar, The Ivy is a must!
Can’t wait for more of this type of article!
As well as suggestions for things to do in Australian cities, I’d love to see suggestions for overseas too as well as child friendly accommodation.
The under 5′s have so many unique travel needs (is a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb really doable with under 5′s?) and completely dictate this households travel destination, accommodation and itinerary choices!
Definitely check out our other posts in the Travel section – you will find some absolutely fabulous overseas ideas!
We write about Sydney a lot and have so many more articles coming out.
http://www.ytravelblog.com/tag/sydney/
I highly suggest taking a ferry out to Cockatoo Island- views and history. Take a picnic with you. You can even camp there if you want (camping in the Harbour how cool!)
If you go on a Sunday you can get the Family funday transport tickets. $2.50 unlimited bus, train and ferry for the day!
I would suggest taking a Ferry to Manly and doing a very easy stroll to Shelly Beach. There is a cafe at the end. Along the way are water dragons and pewter marine animals that the kids love to touch and point out.
We have to come up to Sydney from canberra for a funeral :( We will have 3 days. Does anyone have any suggestions for a great family friendly (2 boys – 2 & 4) hotel/apartment that does not cost the world either north sydney, rocks or darling harbour area?