Sydney is a perfect destination for children and families, combining the marvels of nature with amazing attractions and landmarks to create a wonderland of thrills and happiness.
The visual beauty of the cityscape and its harbour, the dynamic street scenes and the plethora of retail outlets serve as a perfect theatre for family fun.
As well as experiencing the city as a patron of the many available organized tours, it is comfortable and relaxing to walk the CBD area, wandering down to the famous harbour or darting in and out of various small streets to get a feel for the buzz of the town and people and shops that make it tick,
The many attractions include parks and beaches where energy can be expelled in the wide-open spaces.
There are amusement centres and indoor adventure activities, museums with all sorts of awesome exhibits, including dinosaurs, and world-class zoos and aquariums.
A visit to Luna Park and Taronga Zoo usually involves a ferry ride from Circular Quay, and it’s a full but worthwhile day out for the family. Luna Park is guaranteed fun for young, old and every age in between.
Enter through the smiling mouth on the iconic face, and get swept away on rides, sideshow games, adrenalin, excitement and laughter. The zoo is a world-class wildlife habitat and its worthwhile checking schedules for daily shows.
In the heart of the city, the Sydney Tower Eye’s outdoor Skywalk will thrill parents and children aged eight and older with its 360-degree views, a sweeping vista offering magnificent views of the city and harbour.
At Aquarium Wharf on Darling Harbour, the family can get upfront with nature and close to native animals such as the iconic koalas, kangaroos and wombats at Wild Life Sydney Zoo.
The nearby Sea Life Sydney Aquarium offers amazing journeys through underwater-themed zones such as Jurassic Seas, Great Barrier Reef, Dugong Island and Bay of Rays. One of the world’s largest aquariums, it is home to 700 species in six million litres of water, including tropical reef fish, sharks and rays.
The Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour is an indoor/outdoor facility where kids can climb over sailing ships, check out 3D cinema movies or wander through the many temporary exhibitions.
There’s also an interactive Action Stations immersive journey into military life at sea. The big boys can check out the decades-old Oberon-class HMAS Onslow submarine, the veteran destroyer HMAS Vampire, or a replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour.
The Australian Museum (near Hyde Park) is being refurbished and will reopen in mid-2020 to continue telling its stories of the country’s unique flora, fauna and various cultures.
Check out the Wild Planet exhibition which traces biodiversity links through 400 animals, absorb the stories of Indigenous Australians, and encourage the kids to master educational interactive displays before gazing in awe at dinosaur skeletons.
An imposing heritage-listed sandstone building houses Sydney Observatory in the historic Rocks district. Visitors can explore the Universe in a 3D space theatre, study the southern hemisphere night sky, spotting stars, moons and planets and marvel at the huge telescope. Don’t miss the Space Theatre and Sydney Planetarium or films about astronomy and space flight. Check out the different day and night tours.
West of the city is Sydney Olympic Park, an area redeveloped after the 2000 Olympic Games, and which is now home to shows, sporting events, festivals, exhibitions and big concerts.
There’s plenty for kids and parents, including a tour of the ANZ Stadium sporting and concert venue, a tribute exhibition to Aussie swimming legends, and an urban jungle adventure park, including archery centre.
The Bicentennial Park section is an urban activity centre with lakeside picnic areas, waterspouts and various fountains.
The city’s mild climate ensures its many main beaches, Manly, Bondi, Maroubra and Cronulla, and those at various coves are fun magnets most of the year, not only for paddling and swimming but also surfing and sunbathing.
No visit to Sydney can be considered complete without seeing the Royal Botanic Garden, 30 hectares of an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas and a vibrant activity centre in the city’s heart.
A guide to the garden’s history and plants can be taken on the Choo Choo Express, or you can escape on foot alone or a guided tour through the country’s oldest botanic garden.
Volunteer guides will help give meaning to your time, there are Aboriginal bush tucker lessons, and The Calyx food and shopping hub.