It’s time to dust off those winter woolies and put a spring in your step as the days grow longer, the sun warmer and evenings balmy to have some family fun in New South Wales
Special Mention
Have some Wiggly Fun at the Wiggles Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum!
Accommodation
- Novotel Darling Harbour
- Oaks apartment properties
For more information visit
www.sydney.com/things-to-do/family-holidays/top-attractions-for-kids
The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains has a lovely laid back feel and is perfect for a quick getaway.
Highlights include
- Leuralla Toy & Railway Museum NSW
- Jenolan Caves
- The Three Sisters
- Hop on Hop off Trolley Tours
- Megalong Valley Farm
- Horse Riding
Accommodation
- Owls Cottage Katoomba
- Jenolan Caravan Park
- Emirates One & Only (luxury)
Getting There
Glenbrook is roughly 75km away and the Jenolan Caves are nearly 200km so driving is the most practical option. However, the train or bus is also another way.
For more information visit
www.stayz.com.au/accommodation/nsw/blue-mountains
Hunter Valley
Most of us love a good winery and Hunter Valley doesn’t disappoint! With roughly150 wine producers and breweries a plenty, you’re bound to come across one you like! However, there are some that are more ‘family friendly’ than others and include kids’ menus, playgrounds and large grassy areas for the kids to enjoy. This then allows the adults get onto the serious business of eating and drinking!
Highlights include
- Ballooning
- Horse riding
- Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf & Putt Put
- Go Karts Go!
- Drayton’s Family Wines
- McGuian Cellars
- Gundog Hunter Cellar and Gourmet Pantry
Accommodation
- Potters Hotel, Brewery Resort
- Hunter Valley Resort
- Twin Trees Country Cottages
Getting There
The tourist route T33 is a lovely drive. Another option is taking the train.
For more information visit
www.huntervalleyvisitorcentre.com.au/wine/child-friendly-wineries
Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains have long been a favourite for snow enthusiasts and are perfect for summer and winter.
Highlights include
Summer
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Water sports – kayaking, canoeing, sailing, boating, fishing, swimming
- Cycling
- Kosciusko National Park
For more information visit
Accommodation
The first step is deciding where you want to stay! The most popular style of family accommodation is a self-contained apartment, however, there are plenty of other styles to choose from as well.
For more information visit
- Lake Jindabyne Hotel
- Discovery Parks Jindabyne
Getting there
Cooma is the largest town in the region and is approximately 400km from Sydney. Jindabyne is closest to Kosciusko National Park and is roughly 465km away and Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass are close to it.
For more information visit
South Coast
The South Coast sure is home to spectacular scenery and exciting activities.
Highlights include
- Kiama Blowhole
- Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk
- Minnamurra Rainforest
- Mogo Zoo
- Batemans Bay
- Jervis Bay
- Beach fun
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
This is a great activity for the whole family. Its beautiful views take in the rainforest canopy, Lake Illawarra and the South Pacific Ocean. A big bonus is that it’s both pram and wheelchair accessible.
It’s located approximately 1.5 hours south of Sydney so could even be a day trip.
For more information visit
Jervis Bay
Known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and national parks, it’s also famous for its dolphins and whales. There are 80-120 dolphins in Jervis Bay all year round, which gives you plenty of opportunity to see them. The whale season is from June to October and truly is a magnificent sight to see.
For more information visit
Mogo Zoo
Mogo Zoo is home to rare and endangered species from around the globe. The kids could be ‘Keeper for the Day!’
For more information visit
Accommodation
Batemans Bay is a good spot to base yourself in if you want to stay in one spot. From backpackers to luxury, there is plenty to choose from.
- Big4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort (cabins, caravans and camping)
- Chalet Swisse Spa at Surf Beach Retreat
Getting there
Follow the Grand Pacific Drive and take your time. Batemans Bay is about 280km from Sydney.
For more information visit
www.familyhotelsguide.com
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
For something a bit different why not stay the night at the zoo? For many families, this is a one off opportunity to get up close and personal to the animals while creating magical family memories.
Accommodation
- Billabong Camp
- Zoofari Lodge
- Savannah Cabins
For more information visit
Getting there
Dubbo is an hour’s flight from Sydney or you can drive, train or bus it. The distance from Sydney to Dubbo is just under 400km.
For more information visit
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is still close enough to Sydney for a quick trip, or you could make this a stopover on your way up north.
Highlights include
- Whale watching (June to October)
- Water fun – swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking,
- Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park
- Timbertown Heritage Theme Park (on 87 acres of natural forest!)
For something a little different, why not visit the Observatory? Imagine what the kids will be thinking when they look through the telescope! It’s open on Sunday and Wednesday nights throughout the year.
Accommodation
I stayed with my family at the Mantra Quayside Apartments and found the location good and apartment to be a reasonable size.
Other spots are
- Mantra The Observatory
- Marina Holiday Park
For more information visit
Getting there
The distance from Sydney is approximately 380km so no need to rush or you can fly if you prefer.
Coffs Harbour
How can you not enjoy a place that is home to The Big Banana??
Coffs is a great spot to break your journey if you’re on a road trip from Sydney.
Other highlights include
- Dolphin Marine Magic Show
- Helicopter Scenic Flights
- Sky Diving
- Water fun
Accommodation
We stayed at the Breakfree Annuka Beach resort and loved it. The water slide was a big hit in our family! Other options are
- Smugglers on the Beach (I love that name!)
- Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park
For more information visit
Getting there
By road the distance is approximately 540km from Sydney so allow enough time if not stopping on the way. From Port Macquarie it is roughly 150km and flying is another option.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is such a melting pot of people and ideas and it’s a good spot to base yourself.
Highlights include
- Macadamia Castle – Knockrow
- Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens – Mullumbimby
- Art
- Ballooning
- Hang gliding
- Fun water activities
Accommodation
- Lennox Beach Resort
- Discovery Parks Ballina
For more information visit
www.visitbyronbay.com
Getting there
Being 800kms from Sydney there are a few options to consider.
Driving is one of them, as is also the train and flying.
Flying into Ballina is with Jetstar, Virgin and Rex.
Helpful driving tips
- Make sure you have plenty of water with you
- Don’t get low on petrol
- Keep mobiles charged
- Keep first aid kits topped up and carry essential medication
- Tell someone your itinerary, especially if travelling to isolated areas.
For travel information visit
www.visitnsw.com/destinations/nsw/transport
