February 2019 - Adventure, baby!

Month: February 2019

Hotel Review: Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas

February 28, 2019 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas

The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas is located on Maui’s Kā‘anapali’s North Beach. The resort offers studio and one bedroom villas, which can be combined to make a two bedroom villa, and amenities that provide guests with a home away from home.

We stayed in a Studio Island View room with a king bed and sofa bed. An additional rollaway bed can be added for $30USD per night. The room was extremely large, with huge bathroom and oversized bathtub plus seperate shower, double vanities, a light-up mirror and hair dryer.

The big drawcard for us with Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas was their amazing kitchen, washing machine and dryer, making it it the perfect place to base yourself for an extended stay, cool your own meals and wash your own clothes. There’s even an ironing board and iron in the cupboard, and a vacuum!

The kitchen features coffee maker / tea service, refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, dish cleaning supplies, silverware, pots, pans, and serving dishes, dishes and glasses. We found our supplies topped up during our stay as well.

The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers six outdoor pools, with two dedicated to children’s pools and one for adults only.

The resort is absolutely massive, spread over 25 acres and divided into north and south towers. The main lobby and facilities are in the south tower however the north tower also has a lobby, booking desk, restaurants and its own pools.

Outside each lobby is a decorative pool with koi carp fish that are entrancing to watch. Guests can watch the fish being fed daily.

We were in the north tower near the car park and it did take quite a long time to walk from our room down to the pools or lobby and other facilities.

Guests are able to use the facilities in either tower, and we had a lot of fun trying the different pools. At each pool there is a store offering free towels and sunscreen for guests, beach rentals such as snorkels and free pool items like floats and noodles. They also sell items like sunglasses and goggles.

North Lobby pools below

South Lobby pool below

A highlight for smaller kids is the children’s pool with a pirate ship which is located in the south tower. There is a children’s playground near the pool, and the Westin Family Kid’s Club is also located nearby.

The Westin Family Kid’s Club features daily activities for an additional fee. Activities include arts, crafts and learning about Hawaiian Culture.

The Westin also celebrates Hawaiian culture at their Pu’uhonua Cultural Center where a series of fun programs are run for guests by a team of resort Cultural Specialists. Lessons include lei-making, chanting, tapa design, talk story sessions and Hawaiian language classes. Some lessons are free and some attract a fee. We took the hula dancing class which was free and really fun.

We also caught a hula dancing performance one afternoon, performed by local children studying Hawaiian dancing. It was great to see entertainment such as this at the resort.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from around the resort. We chose to dine in our own room for much of our stay, but we did try Auntie’s Kitchen for breakfast one morning, a casual poolside restaurant next to the South Lobby. The restaurant serves meals all day, specialising in traditional and island-style comfort foods made from local, farm-fresh ingredients. Breakfast is a buffet affair.

We also tried Pailolo Bar & Grill, one evening while watching the sunset over the beach. The Grill is a casual, oceanfront sports bar, serving meals such as burgers, sandwiches and salads.

The resort features other amenities we discovered such as outdoor games areas and BBQs. There are two small general stores on the property, one in each lobby, where guests can buy basic items, pre-made food and coffee and souvenirs.

The next resort on the beach the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, the newest property in the set. Guests at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas are welcome to use the resort facilities at Nanea as well. We thought the pools at Nanea were the best of the three resorts so used them several times.

A breathtaking backdrop to the resorts is Ka’anapali Beach. It’s a long stretch of beautiful coast, with a reef right off it that offers fantastic snorkelling. Lots of fish and even turtles can be seen right outside the hotels.

Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
6 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina
Online

Top Tips For Visiting Caves Beach, NSW

February 25, 2019 / Australia, Lake Macquarie, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Caves Beach is located on the Swansea peninsula between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean in New South Wales, Australia. It is named for the large number of caves at its southern end which can be explored at low tide.

It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to drive from Sydney to Caves Beach.

The caves are a popular place to explore and also give much needed shade.

There are plenty of rock pools around the caves as well, which are a lot of fun to paddle in like giant baths or search for sea creatures in.

The caves are only accessible at low tide so plan your visit accordingly by checking when low tide is here.

Swim between the flags at the south end of the beach where it it patrolled by lifeguards.

The Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club (also at the south end of the beach) has a small kiosk, toilets and showers. There is an external shower for hosing off sand, well maintained BBQ facilities and picnic areas.

There is also a flat sand area with ankle-deep water near the Surf Club which is perfect for little kids to play in.

Park as far as you can down Caves Beach Road. The car park however fills up quickly on busy days.

We dined and parked at the Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows. I would suggest reserving a table if you know you are going in advance as it is a very popular spot. The Restaurant is extremely family-friendly with a an indoor play area for kids and kids’ menu. The day we visited they also had a bouncy castle available for kids.

The food was standard pub cuisine. We found it a bit pricey for what it was but the ambience was excellent and the location can’t be beat.

Pumpkin and Sage Arancini ($15), Margherita pizza ($19), Rump Steak ($29), Salmon Fillet ($32), Kids Battered Fish and Chips ($10).

Caves Beach Road,
Caves Beach.
Get directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Top Tips For Visiting The Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii

February 25, 2019 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Top Tips For Visiting The Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii

The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center located on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

The Maui Ocean Center mission is to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life with local residents and visitors from around the world. The center is home to many of Hawaii’s unique marine life, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Take the behind the scenes tour

The one-hour guided tour takes you into the Aquarium Lab to learn about sharks and turtles and how the centre cares for marine life. We touched coral, jelly fish and learned about how the centre will be evolving in the future to become a turtle rescue facility. The highlights were assisting in turtle feedings both behind the scenes and at Turtle Lagoon in the aquarium, plus feeding the fish at Nursery Bay.

Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Space is limited to 12 guests, advance reservations recommended.https://mauioceancenter.com/product/behind-the-scenes-tour/

Meet the barracuda

This fish who loves shiny things can be found in Nursery Bay. He really does love shiny objects and loves to stalk visitors observing him.

Visit the Turtle Lagoon

Our favourite part of the aquarium! This is the spot to meet Hawaiian green sea turtles, with a top and underwater view. Native to Hawaii, the green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world. Up to six sea turtles on display at all times. The centre is part of a breeding program and receives turtles as babies to grow in the aquarium until they are old enough and big enough to be released into the wild.

Learn about Hawaiians and the sea

We really enjoyed this educational area. The “Hawaiians and the Sea” exhibit celebrates the culture and traditions of early Hawaiians and teaches visitors about the history, culture, and unique traditions of the early Hawaiian villages.

Immerse yourself under water

We were mesmerised by the “Open Ocean” exhibit, a 750,000-gallon exhibit with 240-degree view acrylic tunnel. The exhibit features up to six species of sharks, numerous stingrays, and hundreds of fish.

Go into the reef

The “Living Reef” exhibit is home to one of the world’s largest display of live rare and endemic Pacific corals, with over 40 Hawaiian coral species that range from the shallow to deep reef environments.

Get educated about Kaho‘olawe

The smallest of the Hawaiian islands, Kaho‘olawe is a sacred place to Native Hawaiians. The “Kaho‘olawe: A Story of History and Healing” exhibit gives insight into the island’s history, its role in navigation and the marine life that inhabit its waters.

Encounter Humpback whales

An immersive new exhibit, “Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere: An underwater encounter” takes visitors under the sea to explore the their world, learn their secrets, and discover the dynamic life, journeys and social bonds of these intelligent and spiritual creatures.

Collect a Kids Passport

The free passport was a lot of fun! It takes families on a scavenger hunt around the aquarium to find the various Hawaiian symbols and rub them into passport. Upon completion kids can collect a small prize, but honestly the collection of the symbols and learning what each meant was so much fun the prize wasn’t necessary.

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku
Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
mauioceancenter.com

We were hosted at the Maui Ocean Centre. All opinions are my own.

Top Tips For Visiting The Polynesian Cultural Center

February 11, 2019 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

When visiting Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center, located on the northern shore of Oahu, is a must-see to fully experience the cultural diversity of the Pacific Island community.

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a Polynesian-themed theme park and living museum, featuring six Pacific Island villages, exhibits and activities. The PCC offers an authentic luau dining experience and award-winning evening show “Hā: Breath of Life”, making it an all-day educational and entertaining experience that is perfectly suited for the entire family.

Set on 42 acres, tThe six island villages representing the unique island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga, tied together by a vibrant daily Canoe Pageant.

Top Tips For Visiting The Polynesian Cultural Center

Arrive early and visit the Hukilau Marketplace

The Hukilau Marketplace is located outside the PCC and is packed with food stalls and souvenir stands. It opens at 11am and is free to enter – and the parking is free, too. Inside the PCC the food options are snack stands or the luaus, so if you need proper food and aren’t doing a luau or want lunch, the Hukilau Marketplace is your best bet.

Hit up the Polynesian Cultural Center when it opens

The PCC opens at 12pm but most people arrive a few hours later, which makes it hard to fit in all the activities. Arriving at 12pm not only means that you have enough time to experience everything, but also that the first few hours are free of crowds.

Grab a Passport to Polynesia for kids

A great way to engage kids, the free Passport to Polynesia is a guidebook to the PCC aimed at little ones.

Look at the schedule – and don’t freak out

If you’re a planner and organiser like me, looking at the very detailed schedule of events at the PCC is likely to cause a panic attack. Take a few deep breaths and head around the villages in some kind of order, knowing you will see a lot but not everything, and be ok with that.

Each village alternates a show with activities. We found that you can participate in the activities after the shows, so timed our visits to each village in time to see the shows and then do a quick activity or two before heading to the next. The villages are open from 12-5:30pm.

Go native!

The real fun at the PCC is trying your hand at traditional activities such as throwing a spear or learn to cook in an umu (Samoan aboveground oven).

We particularly loved learning the Tahitian dance, twirling poi balls and sampling the incredible Tahitian coconut bread. It was so good we went back twice. The “Go Native” experiences let guests try traditional Polynesian aspects of daily life, including games, crafts, cooking and ceremonies.

Take a canoe ride

The canoe ride is included in entry and goes from one end of the PCC to the other. You can also paddle your own canoe at the Tongan village. Canoe rides are available from 12-5:30pm.

Watch the spectacular canoe pageant

The canoe pageant, which runs daily from 2:30-3pm was a highlight for us. The show is filled with dancing and storytelling, with the cast in incredible traditional dress. We were absolutely wow’d. Note: go to the platform seating area at least 15/20mins ahead of the pageant as otherwise you could struggle to find a seat.

Talk to the performers

We highly enjoyed chatting with all of the amazing people who staff the PCC island villages. Many are students from the islands who are studying at the university next door and perform at the PCC as part of an exchange program.

Be prepared for the weather

It can be hot, cold or raining, and the show will go on. Bring a hat, plenty of water and sunscreen and a poncho/umbrella if it looks even slightly like rain.

Witness a wedding

Another highlight for us was watching the traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony that is on during the afternoons.

Enjoy a traditional luau

There are three luaus to choose from. The Ali’i Luau features traditional Polynesian food and entertainment. Other options include the Prime Rib Buffet, with fine dining in a casual atmosphere, and the Island Buffet, which is served in a dining hall reflecting the islands of the Pacific.

End your day with a bang

The PCC day finishes with the spectacular live show “Ha: Breath of Life”, featuring over 100 performers and Samoan fireknife dancing.

“HA:Breath of Life” Show runs from 7:30pm-9pm, with seating commencing at 7pm. All seats are reserved and advance reservations are highly recommended as this is a very popular show.

The Polynesian Cultural Center
Hours: Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday), 11:45am -9:30pm.
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie
polynesia.com

Looking for more things to do on Oahu? This list of free activities and attractions will help.

We were hosted at the PCC. All opinions are our own.

Fitzroy Falls Morton National Park NSW

February 8, 2019 / Australia, NSW, Southern Highlands / 0 comment

The spectacular Fitzroy Falls is located inside the Morton National Park, in the Southern Highlands of NSW, a two hour drive from Sydney or Canberra and 60mins from Wollongong. The 81-metre waterfall is easy to access and makes for a stunning day trip.

Fitzroy Falls are viewable from several lookout points, the first of which is only a short walk from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre and is full accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Continue along the West Rim track to see the falls from more lookout locations. Continue the walk to the Twin Falls for another beautiful waterfall.

The entire West Rim track is 3.5km return, however the Twin Falls are located around halfway along this walk.

The Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre has information on local history, wildlife and birdwatching plus a basic cafe with a kids’ play area and picnic tables and bathrooms outside.

During spring, the East Rim Wildflower walking track offers beautiful blooms.

There is plenty of wildlife to discover along the way. We came across a giant termite mound not far past the first lookout and a lyrebird in full song.

The bush blooms even in summer are beautiful to discover.

Opening times
9am to 5pm daily. Closed on Christmas Day. Opening times can vary depending on the season.

Accessibility
Disability access level – easy
This area is fully wheelchair-accessible
Toilets, elevated walkway to main lookout, visitor centre and cafe are wheelchair-accessible.
A wheelchair is available on request

Parking
Parking is available at Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, including several designated disabled spots. Bus parking is available. A daily motor vehicle entry fee applies at the visitor centre carpark. There are coin-operated ‘pay and display’ machines – bring correct change!

Get more info about Morton National Park here.

Get Directions

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney Chocolate High Tea

February 8, 2019 / CBD, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney Chocolate High Tea

Dive into a Willy Wonka-esque world of whimsical chocolate delights with a chocolate high tea at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

The new chocolate high tea menu was created by pastry chef Noa Nisell-Hauser, who designed the menu to be enjoyed by both little kids and kids at heart.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, the high tea brings the excitement of treats made out of candy and chocolate to life.

Chocolate High Tea Menu

Savoury items

Salmon and dill cream sandwich *
Cucumber and cream cheese sandwich
Mushroom quiche
Chicken curry puff *

(A pumpkin curry puff and vegetable sandwich were substituted in the vegetarian version)

Sweet treats

Chocolate mud cake
Oreo macaron
Caramel popping candy tart
Chocolate mousse
Passionfruit lollypop

Scones

Chocolate chip scones and cacao cream and jam

Children’s Chocolate High Tea Menu
(kids under 10 years of age)

Savoury

Sausage roll
Mini beef pie
Peanut butter sandwich
Nutella sandwich

Sweet treats

Oreo macaron
Caramel popping candy tart
Chocolate mousse
Passionfruit lollypop

Scones

Chocolate chip scones and cacao cream and jam

Each high tea comes with a choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. There is an extensive tea menu to select from with black, white and green teas available.

The savoury items are the perfect bite-sizes of nourishing food to ensure there isn’t a sugar-overload from the next two tiers of chocolatey goodness.

We found the chocolate chip scones to be a welcome addition to the scone menu and a nice differentiation from the standard plain scones that are usually served with traditional high teas. We also enjoyed the lightly flavoured cacao cream accompanying them.

The sweets platter was a delight to the senses, both visual and taste! Such beautiful, creative presentation of the little treats was a delight to behold.

The chocolate mousse was my favourite from the dessert selection, as it was light and fluffy and not too sweet. The passionfruit lollypops were a deliciously refreshing way to finish the meal.

Chocolate High Tea is available for $49 per person, or $125 for families of 2 adults and 2 kids under the age of 10.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
27 O’Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8214 0000
Online
Reservations required: communications@radisson.com or 02 8214 0400.
High tea is served daily from 10:30am-4:30pm
Get Directions

Produced in partnership with the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney. All opinions are our own. Additional images thanks to the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

TreeTops Adventure Park Sydney – The Hills

February 8, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

TreeTops Sydney – The Hills

Climb, weave and fly through the tree tops on self-guided rope courses and elevated obstacles at TreeTop Adventure Park. Put yourself to the test at TreeTops with over 100 challenges suspended in the air, including rope ladders, wobbly bridges, tunnels, cargo-nets and zip lines.

There are five Tree Top Adventure Park locations: Western Sydney, The Hills, Newcastle, Central Coast and Coffs Harbour. Each location is different but shares the same basic principles.

TreeTop Adventure Park has seperate courses for kids and juniors/adults, with the children’s course suitable for little ones aged 3 – 9. The next group, “Juniors/Adults”, consists of four courses for participants aged 10 + who are at least 1.4m tall.

We have previously visited the TreeTop Adventure Park in Western Sydney – you can read about it here.

Children’s courses
While all TreeTop Adventure Parks have similar difficulty levels the average height of the challenges at TreeTops Sydney – The Hills is 10m, and supervising adults must stay on the perimeter path rather than there being paths underneath the courses allowing on-ground adult supervisors to be close as there is at other TreeTops parks. These two factors makes the TreeTops Sydney – The Hills slightly more challenging for younger or less confident kids.

There are four children’s courses: White, Yellow, Orange and Purple.

Children MUST be 3 years and older.
Children’s courses designed for children 3-9 years old.
2 hour session including approx. 30 minutes ‘gearing’ time and training; and approx. 1.5 hours climbing time.
Children can complete the courses as many times as they like within their session.
At least one adult is required to supervise the children at all times from the ground (no fee. Adult supervisors are responsible for ensuring children in their care follow the safety rules and are behaving appropriately.
Adults can NOT climb on the children’s courses.
The children are also supervised by instructors.
All parks have similar difficulty levels, determined by each individual climber.
Sydney – The Hills could be slightly more challenging for younger or less confident children and a fantastic challenge for older or more confident children. Average height is 10 metres.
Central Coast, Newcastle, Western Sydney and Coffs Harbour parks have paths underneath the courses allowing on-ground adult supervisors to be close. Sydney – The Hills supervising adults remain on the perimeter path.

Adult/junior courses
As with the kids courses, Sydney – The Hills adult/junior courses are slightly higher than other TreeTops parks, with the maximum height of some challenges being around 25 metres.

There are four adult-junior courses: Green, Blue, Red and Black.

Participants MUST be 10 years and older, at least 1.4m tall and under 120kg.
One adult MUST accompany juniors 10-15 years old on the courses. One adult can supervise up to four juniors.Adult supervisors are responsible for ensuring juniors in their care follow the safety rules and are behaving appropriately.
It is recommended courses are completed in order as instructed as they get progressively harder and higher. Courses can be completed once only per day (cannot be repeated).
Participants MUST be over 16 years old to climb the black course.
There are NO exceptions to age, size or weight. Check our booking Terms and Conditions.
Participants MUST complete a safety training session prior to starting the courses. Sessions are led by qualified instructors and start at the booked time. Total time required to complete the safety training session and courses varies and is approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.
All parks have similar difficulty levels, determined by each individual climber.
Sydney – The Hills could be slightly more challenging for younger or less confident climbers and a fantastic challenge for older or more confident climbers. Highest point is 25 metres.

What you need to know before you go

Book your session online well in advance. The courses are popular and book out fast particularly during school holidays.

Arrive early – 30 minutes for TreeTops The Hills. The car park is a short walk from the main office where you must check in and sign a waiver, and a long walk from the actual courses.

Participants must wear fully enclosed shoes (sporting shoes are recommended); no exposed skin from the ankle down (skin must be covered by shoes not socks).

The course sessions have time limits and participants can do the courses as many times they like during that period. Kids have two hours including briefing and equipment preparation which takes about 30 minutes. Adult/junior course has three hours.

Gloves are available to purchase at the office for $5 for kids. We didn’t feel like they were needed and bare hands were fine.

Bring lots of water as it’s thirsty work.

The bathroom is located near the main office so go before you walk to the start of the courses as it’s a long way back again.

I would suggest leggings or long shorts/track pants to be worn as we had some banged knee incidences.

Tie back long hair and remove jewellery.

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

TreeTops is open in all weather conditions (except lightning and extreme high winds). Bring a rain jacket or poncho if it looks like rain on your scheduled day.

There are no lockers available for valuables.

No items can be taken on the course including phones and cameras. Adults climbing should leave their keys at the TreeTops office. Once you are in your safety harness absolutely nothing is allowed in your pockets or hands, this includes jewellery, phones, wallets, keys and cameras.

Facilities on site
Toilet facilities, ample picnic / lunch areas, free, unlimited onsite parking, BBQ facilities. No food sold on site, however there is Cafe Saligna inside the forest area.

TreeTops Sydney – The Hills
Cumberland State Forest, 95 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills
treetops.com.au
Get Directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

The Best Things To Do In The Sydney CBD With Kids

February 1, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

The Best Things To Do In The Sydney CBD With Kids

Heading to Sydney for a few days and want to entertain the kids without leaving the CBD? We’ve got you covered! There are so many fun ways to enjoy the beautiful harbour city all within the centre of Sydney.

The Rocks

Visit the place of the first European settlement in Australia, as well as the traditional home of the Gadigal Aboriginal people in the Rocks. Wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and take a look at a few of the heritage sites and buildings in the area.

There are over 100 historic sites and buildings, the oldest house being Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816. Drop by the Rocks Discovery Museum, a free museum located inside a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse with an interactive kids corner upstairs, or grab one of the best scones in Sydney at The Tea Cosy (their kids’ Devonshire tea is adorable and delicious). A visit to the Rocks is one of our favourite things to do in Sydney with kids.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The world’s tallest steel arch bridge connects the northern suburbs of Sydney with the CBD. Take a stroll over the Sydney Harbour Bridge – the two access points to the pedestrian walkway are up Cumberland Street in The Rocks in the CBD and near Milsons Point train station in the north. If you and the kids are feeling energetic, climb 200 stairs to the Pylon Lookout for stunning views (admission fees apply).

Observatory Hill Park and the Sydney Observatory

Located in The Rocks, the hill is is a gorgeous spot for a picnic with a view, as well as being home to the Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed museum and public observatory. Sydney Observatory runs and family tours and activities throughout the year which are perfect for mini star gazers.

Image credit: Destination NSW

State Library of NSW

It’s free to wander into Australia’s oldest library (it was established in1826) and check out their exhibitions, brand new Children’s Library and family spaces. The library also runs free activities for kids during school term for under 5s and school holidays for older children. Check out their calendar to see what’s on when you visit.

Powerhouse Museum

Located in the old Ultimo Power Station building adjacent to Darling Harbour, the Powerhouse Museum is the flagship branch of the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences ((MAAS) in Sydney.

The museum’s collection encompasses science, technology, design and decorative arts, engineering, architecture, health and medicine, fashion and contemporary culture.

Locomotive No. 1, the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger train in New South Wales, is a popular drawcard just inside the museum’s entrance, as is the ever-popular interactive Wiggles Exhibition.

Throughout the year the Powerhouse Museum hosts temporary exhibitions plus a wide range of kid-focussed activities and workshops with a strong focus on science and coding, particularly during the school holidays. The focus on science and technology in a very family-friendly environment makes the Powerhouse Museum a top choice for things to do with kids in Sydney. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.

Get info on visiting the Wiggles Exhibition here.

Museum of Sydney

Located on the site of the first Government House of NSW, the Museum of Sydney tells the story of Sydney’s history and its people.

The Museum of Sydney offers family-friendly exhibitions and programs year-round (check what’s on here) and kids eat free with each adult meal purchased at the downstairs restaurant, The Governors Kitchen.

Get more info on the Museum of Sydney here.

Justice and Police Museum

Housed inside the sandstone buildings that contained the original Water Police Court (1856), Water Police Station (1858) and the Police Court (1885), the Justice and Police Museum features 1890s holding cells, offices, charge room and courts, forensic evidence, historic weapons and forensic photography.

The Justice and Police Museum runs family-friendly programs throughout the year for kids to learn about the law, hear true life tales and take park in mock trials. Get info on events here.

Find out more about visiting the Justice and Police Museum here.

Image credit: Police Station Charge Room, Justice & Police Museum

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks is a cutting-edge museum that brings Sydney’s past to life through a series of innovative and immersive experiences.

Built in 1819 by convict labour under the commission of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the Hyde Park Barracks were originally designed as a place to house up to 600 male convicts.

The Barracks, over time, have also been an immigration depot, asylum, law courts, government offices hospital and mint. It is now a museum and cafe and one of 11 Australian convict sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Hyde Park Barracks runs family-friendly programs year-round to engage children in its history. Get info on upcoming events here.

Find out more about visiting the Hyde Park Barracks Museum here.

Australian Museum

When it opened in 1897, The Australian Museum became the first museum in Australia, with an international reputation in the fields of natural history and anthropology. The museum’s dinosaur exhibition, containing 10 complete dinosaur skeletons and eight life-sized models is very popular with kids.

The dedicated Kidspace area is a hit with littles aged five and under (as well as the slightly bigger kids who still like to sneak in!) while older kids will love the Search & Discover research centre.

The Australian Museum also runs family-focussed programs year round for kids aged 9 months and up. School aged kids always have a large range of science-based activities to choose from during the school holidays.

Read more about visiting the Australian Museum here.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Domain

The gardens and Domain are gorgeous all year round. Wrapped around Farm Cove just south of the Sydney Opera House, the gardens, which were established in 1816, occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular waterfront positions. A relaxing day exploring the gardens is one of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

The Royal Botanic Gardens runs plenty of family and kids’ programs all year ’round (check their calendar for upcoming events) but we have the most fun practicing cartwheels on the shady lawns, watching eels in the pond and climbing rocks and trees.

The Art Gallery of NSW

Stroll through five levels of masterpieces including an extensive collection of Aboriginal art, European masters, Asian art and visiting exhibitions. The general galleries at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) are all free to enter.

Children can use online booklets to explore artworks or download free audio tours that have been created just for kids. The AGNSW frequently runs free activities for kids on Sundays and school holidays. As you’ve probably noticed, this is a great place to visit if you’re on a budget! The AGNSW is full of free things to do in Sydney with kids, making it one of our most-visited spots year-round.

Get info on visiting the AGNSW with kids here.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Wander through galleries of exciting modern art from leading Australian and international artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA). Grab a coffee at the rooftop cafe and sculpture terrace and enjoy the stunning harbour view. How lucky are Sydney kids to enjoy this view every day?

The MCA runs lots of free and small donation activities for kids throughout the year too, from their monthly Sunday Family Fun Days to a drop in activity room and school holiday crafts.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a performance venue on Bennelong Point, well-known for its distinctive series of “shells” covering the roof. The Sydney Opera House opened in 1973 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Sydney Opera House offers a great program of shows for Sydney kids of all ages (check their calendar beforehand) and it’s usually possible to get last-minute tickets.

The Junior Adventure Tour also takes kids behind the scenes on a family-friendly tour of the Sydney Opera House. If there aren’t any shows on, it’s still fun to walk around the outside, including up the famous steps, and inside the box office area to take a peek. A visit to the Opera House is a must when visiting Sydney with kids!

Get more info on the Junior Adventure Tour.

Cockatoo Island

Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island and step back in time at one Australia’s World Heritage-listed convict sites. Bring a picnic lunch and scooters for the kids, who will also enjoy the free Convict Clues Challenge.

Get more info on a day at Cockatoo Island.

Hyde Park

Australia’s oldest park is located in the centre of Sydney’s CBD. Divided by the major traffic artery Park Street, in the northern section you’ll find the Archibald Fountain and various themed gardens, while the southern section is home to the ANZAC Memorial building and visitor centre and the pool of reflection. Hyde Park is the perfect spot for a picnic or just a rest under one of the many large fig trees that give the park shade.

Barangaroo

Sydney’s newest harbour precinct is the result of a transformation from a disused container terminal into a stunning 22-hectare waterfront destination. Pack a picnic lunch and sit on the hill facing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or unleash the child within and roll all the way down to the bottom. Kids will adore climbing the large rocks around the waters edge or scooting up and down the wide path. Check the Barangaroo calendar for upcoming events.

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney’s tallest structure and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere is also a great spot to take kids. The Sydney Tower Eye – which you might hear locals call Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, Westfield Centrepoint Tower or Sydney Skytower rises 309m in the sky, giving visitors a birds-eye view over Sydney. Little ones will enjoy peering out of of the telescopes on the enclosed Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck while older visitors can step outside as part of the SKYWALK experience (an additional cost). Get more info here.

Darling Harbour and Pyrmont

A recreational precinct in Sydney where you’ll find waterfront restaurants, wildlife, tall ships, one of the best playgrounds in Sydney and plenty more to entertain the kids in this one neighbourhood. During school holidays there are usually plenty of free activities for kids, too. Check their calendar for upcoming events.

Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Grab a free ticket from the front desk for admission into the permanent indoor galleries and under 5s play area “Mini Mariners”.

For entry into our fave spot, the “Kids on Deck” craft area, visiting exhibitions and the ships, a paid ticket is required. The ANMM runs lots of programs for kids all year round including live shows, “Mini Mariners” for kids aged 2-5 and the cabinet of curiosity that contains all kinds of wonders for kids to touch, like the tooth of a blue whale. Check their calendar for upcoming events and look out for when Bailey, the museum dog, is scheduled to make an appearance.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Get up close to a more than 700 species of Australian aquatic life in 12 themed zones at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. An impressive 13,000 animals live in the aquarium in six million litres of water, including dugongs, rays, tropical reef fish and sharks. A popular exhibit is Penguin Expedition, allowing guests to sail past a colony of King and Gentoo Penguins on a boat ride. The SEA LIFE aquarium is top kids attraction in Sydney and can get busy on public holidays and school holidays.

Get more info on Penguin Expedition and on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Image credit: Sydney Aquarium

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Meet iconic Australian animals at Wild Life Sydney Zoo. This small zoo is the perfect size to take young kids, and is easy to navigate with a wide, flat path, perfect for strollers. Get up close to the Cassowary, echidna, sugar gliders, koalas and kangaroos, plus a giant croc!

Get more info on Wild Life Sydney Zoo.

Madam Tussauds Sydney

A wax museum where visitors can take a selfie with Barak Obama in the oval office, or shake it off with Taylor Swift. Aussie legends like Steve Irwin and Ned Kelly are also photo-ready.

The Justice League exhibition is especially fun, an immersive and interactive experience to make you feel like you’re in the movies with your favourite stars.

Get more info on visiting Madame Tussauds Sydney here.

Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

A calming place to let kids wander past waterfalls and exotic plants, through pavilions and up hidden pathways. Count the koi carp swimming in the lakes, try Chinese tea in the teahouse and dress up in traditional Chinese costumes* at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
* For an additional fee

Get more tips on a day at the Chinese Garden of Friendship here.

Darling Quarter Playground

The most centrally-located Sydney playground features a 21-metre flying fox, water play area with pumps and buckets and plenty of slides, climbing structures and swings. It’s a must for kids visiting the city.

Get more info on the Darling Quarter Playground.

Darling Square Library at The Exchange

This brand new library is houses inside The Exchange “birds nest” building. It has a great kids’ section with little nooks for kids to curl up and read with a book and family activities throughout the week and school holidays.

Get more info on the Darling Square Library.

Yum Cha at Fisherman’s Seafood Restaurant, Pyrmont

Take your pick from carts brimming with dim dum, dumplings, noodles and spring rolls. Yum cha is one of the most kid-friendly dining experiences you can have, and the Fisherman’s Seafood Restaurant is the place to try it.

Get more info on Yum Cha at Fisherman’s Seafood Restaurant, Pyrmont here.

Pirrama Park Playground Pyrmont

This beautiful playground in Pyrmont has shiny, well-designed equipment, a water play area, sand pit with shade cloth, new, well-maintained bathrooms (including baby change facilities) and a cafe with shaded seating. Street parking is available. Pirrama Park features grasslands, wide avenues for scooting and entry into the harbour for swimming.

Get more info on Pirrama Park Playground here.

Victoria Park

A 9 hectare green space connecting to Sydney University, Victoria Park features a beautiful lake, playground for kids of all ages and plenty of shady trees, right in the middle of the city.

Get more info on Victoria Park here.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Fairfield Adventure Park Playground in Western Sydney

February 1, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Fairfield Adventure Park Playground in Western Sydney

The Fairfield Adventure Playground has been on our list to check out for quite a while. It’s a gem of a spot in South-West Sydney and worth a drive out to if you’re not a local.

Especially designed to provide a play space for kids of a variety of ages, the Fairfield Adventure Playground brings the “wow” factor in spades. The park opened in 2015 after a $1.4 million council investment. With the star attractions designed specifically for teens, this is a unique playground that provides a much-needed recreational space for older kids.

The park is divided into three sections, aimed at three different age groups.

For tweens/teens:

Next to the car park and across from the Fairfield Leisure Centre is the main equipment area, designed for older kids. It features an 11 metre high giant climbing net, sky bridge and three-slide combination, one of the tallest of its kind in Australia. The three long tube slides are terrifyingly tall. There is also a 33-metre-long double flying fox, a small trampoline swings, a balancing rope, a sandpit and two spinning wheels.

The sand at the bottom of the climbing structure is ideal for younger kids to enjoy playing with if their older siblings are in the mighty silver climbing frame, so bring a bucket and spade.

For primary-aged kids:

Behind the main play area there is a beautifully-designed nature playground that is perfect for primary school kids. Made with a mix of industrial pieces like tyres and metal, with lots of natural wood, it was inspired by nature and designed to help kids keep active and fit. It features suspended bridges and platforms, a double flying fox and climbing frames.

For littlies:

Between the nature-play area and teens zone, there is an area that suits littlies too, with a climbing frame and slippery dip and a cone-shaped merry-go-round contraption. With all of the trees and sand around the park there is plenty to occupy the little kids here.

Facilities: bathrooms (including a disabled toilet), sheltered picnic areas, bbqs, sporting grounds and a fitness circuit.

The park is not enclosed so keep a close eye on littlies. There is not much shade in the main teen area, however the nature playground has plenty of trees.

Getting to Fairfield Adventure Playground

Fairfield Adventure Playground is a 10 minute walk from Fairfield Railway Station, which is on the Sydney Trains T2 Inner West & South and T5 Cumberland lines. The station is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. There is a bus stop nearby and plenty of free all-day parking available.

Fairfield Adventure Park
Vine Street, Fairfield
Get directions

Fairfield Council

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.