The Best Kids Holidays in NSW

Are we there yet? Read on for the best kids holidays NSW has to offer!

Western Wonders

The Blue Mountains is the home of bush-walking. There are hundreds of tracks; from short, flat pathways to multi-day mountainous adventures! Hit all the highlights, like the Three Sisters and Echo Point, Leura Cascades and Blackheath. If you’re not the outdoors type, you can still appreciate the spectacular views, with many of the best lookouts easily accessible by car. There are local markets, cafes, and sweet cottages to stay in. Venture beyond the western edge of the ranges to discover Jenolan Caves and historic towns like Little Hartley.

Southern Sands

Beaches for miles… that’s what the south coast is all about. Close to Sydney, check out the family-friendly holiday towns of Thirroul and Kiama. Further south, Gerroa is a great spot, with a shallow river that kids can splash around in. Jervis Bay is stunning and popular for its pure white sand and sheltered coves. While Hyams Beach gets all the press for having the world’s whitest sand, you could go anywhere in this area and find a sandy slice of heaven. Shoalhaven City Council has created the 100 Beaches Challenge. See how many you can tick off during your stay.

Northern Delights

Lake Macquarie is a large, flat lake; great for a swim or a canoe paddle. Nearby Caves Beach has caves – so spend an afternoon playing Pirates with the kids. Newcastle is a fun city for families. Spend a day at the beach, then hang out at the entrance to the harbour. If your kids like ships, use a marine tracker app to follow their journeys in and out of the river. Further north, you’ll find Port Stephens, another delightful bay ringed with super-white sand. Dolphin spotting is popular, and you can often see pods right off the beach, so keep your eyes open. Inland, the Barrington Tops area is lush with rainforests and crystal clear waterholes.

Sydney Staycation

If you’re a local (or just here for a holiday), Sydney is stacked with things to do with kids. Check out the free outdoor parks like Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, and Western Sydney Parklands’ Bungarribee playground with its towers and ziplines. Jump on the Manly ferry for a day of swimming and ice cream or take the plunge in one of the beautiful ocean pools, found at the end of most Sydney beaches. Take the light rail through the city and explore the Barangaroo headland overlooking the water towards Luna Park. Or head to Centennial Park for a family-style cycling circuit.

Triple Treats

Local tip: don’t pay full fare for one of Sydney’s top attractions, visit three with less impact on your budget. The Sydney Big Ticket 3 Attraction Pass gets you into SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye, and Madame Tussauds Sydney. You have to choose which three! SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has penguins, clownfish, and massive sharks. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo has all the big hitters of the native animal world, including crocodiles and koalas. Madame Tussauds Sydney offers super-fun photo ops, especially in the Marvel Zone where the kids can hang with Spiderman. And there are unbelievable views in every direction from the top of Sydney Tower Eye! Go for the sunset, and stay for the twinkling lights of the city.