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Sydney

Top Tips For Visiting and Photographing Vivid Sydney

May 24, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Vivid Sydney is, without a doubt, one of my favourite times of year. 2019 marks the 11th anniversary of Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. From 25 May to 16 June the event lights up Sydney over 11 precincts, each featuring their own unique light sculptures.

Top Tips For Visiting and Photographing Vivid Sydney

What’s on at all 11 precincts

This year Vivid Sydney is spread across 11 precincts. Each features their own specific light installations.

Barangaroo

This incredible, giant puppet, was made by Erth, the creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo. It has to be seen to be believed!

Read about Vivid Sydney at Barangaroo

Chatswood

The octopus returns! Chatswood is a top pick for taking kids to see Vivid. Lights go on at 5:30pm at Chatswood! Perfect for taking the kids. Grab some food at around 5pm and you’ve got yourself the perfect early night Vivid experience.

Read about Vivid Sydney at Chatswood

Circular Quay

The best view of the Sydney Opera House is from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Read about Vivid Sydney at Circular Quay

City and Surrounds

A must-see tis year is the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie projection on the Customs House.

Read about Vivid Sydney in the Sydney CBD

Darling Harbour

This year Darling Harbour will feature an inclusive light playground, Tumbalong Lights. The light display has four interactive play installations that give children of all ages and abilities an inclusive and accessible experience.

Darling Harbour is a top pick for families.

Harbour Lights

Read more about Vivid Sydney Harbour Lights

Kings Cross

Read more about Vivid Sydney at Kings Cross

Luna Park

Read more about Vivid Sydney at Luna Park

Taronga Zoo

We attend Vivid at Taronga Zoo every year. Their “Lights for the Wild” display focuses on animal conservation. Over 100 sculptures are ready to be discovered on a light trail through the zoo.

Read more about Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo

The Rocks

Duck in and out of historic laneways and discover a treasure trove of light sculptures.

Read more about Vivid Sydney at The Rocks

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

Always a beautiful location to see light sculptures by the ocean, with the Sydney Opera House in the background.

This year, grab a cupcake ($7) from a Sprinkles cupcake vending machine on the trail.

Read more about Vivid Sydney at The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

General Vivid Sydney Tips

Arrive BEFORE the lights turn on

Find a prime position near the lights that you want to see the most without a hoard of people and wait patiently until the lights get switch on. BAM – lights minus the crowds.

Lights go on at 6pm at all locations other than Taronga Zoo, where the lights go on at 5:30pm.

Hit up the most popular installations first

This has always been a key for me in conjunction with the point above. I circle back to those that it’s easy to see even with a crowd last, such as the Customs House, MCA and Sydney Opera House.

See the lights without the crowd

There are a few spots where you can see Vivid lights that are away from the general crowd. For a good view of the Harbour head to the top of the Cahill Expressway (lift at Circular Quay).

You can also visit the Observation Deck of the Sydney Tower Eye for a birds-eye view of the lights, zero crowds!

Lastly, walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s free to walk the pedestrian and bike path. I would suggest walking in one direction from The Rocks to Milsons Point, and catching the train back again.

Dedicate several nights to see it all

I’m sure it’s possible to see everything in one go, but why do it if you can spread it out? With so many locations, Vivid really needs at least three nights to see everything. Break it down into sections that can be covered together. Taronga and Chatswood or Luna Park, Circular Quay, Martin Place and Botanic Gardens plus Barangaroo and the Rocks, and lastly Darling Harbour, which can be done with another of the options with a bit of commuting in between.

Rug up!

It gets cold at night, especially near the water. Dress warm including a coat and a beanie and gloves.

Take the kids to Taronga

This is my pick for kids because it’s ticketed, so less people, and the lights go on earlier than the other locations.

Read about what to expect from Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo here.

Don’t bypass the smaller Vivid locations, especially with kids

With kids in tow, the locations such as Darling Harbour and Chatswood are also an excellent idea as these spots don’t get as large crowds as the CBD does.

Pick a quiet day to go

We always go the first weekend or Monday to Thursday. The first few days are always the quietist, before photos start appearing in the news and reminding people that it’s on. The second weekend, from Friday onwards, is when it starts to get really busy. If there is a big event on elsewhere while Vivid is on, that is also a great night to go!

Take public transport to the city or pre-book parking

Pre-book a car spot if you ca’t take public transport as parking is an absolute nightmare. When taking public transport, be aware that Circular Quay train station might be busy and be prepared to walk to another station if needed.

Find the best places to park for Vivid here.

Bring carriers or strollers for kids

This is for two reasons – one, because it’s night time and little people get tired, but also to keep them out of the way of being stepped on by adults.

Eat food first

We always arrive early in the city and eat before the lights even turn on. My pick is Gateway Sydney for casual, great food.

Tips for seeing Vivid with kids

Take them to Taronga or Chatswood, where lights go on at 5:30pm instead of 6pm and the crowds aren’t as bad. Darling Harbour, with its interactive light playground, is an excellent choice for families as well.

Take a stroller or baby carrier for little ones.

Feed them first or bring plenty of food for on the go.

Pick up free Lost Child Wristbands for the kids at info booths located on near the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Customs House and Darling Harbour.

Dress kids in high visibility clothing and keep them in sightline at all times.

Photography Tips

Take a good camera

Take the best one you have. If you have an SLR, bring it. If the best you have is a point and shoot or your phone, then that will do. One of my old photography teachers once said “the best camera is the one you’ve got” and I’ve always remembered it!

A better camera will however produce better results, so when you’re in a tricky lighting situation such as an event after dark, I find it’s always worth bringing the best camera you’ve got.

Turn off the flash

Please, please, please turn off your flash! A good flash on an SLR camera only has a range of about a metre, so a flash on a phone is even more ineffectual. Use light from the installations to illuminate your subject matter rather than the flash.

Caveat: If your subjects are standing in front of an extremely large light sculpture and you want them facing the camera with the object BEHIND them, then this is the one time when I would suggest using the flash. There is a photography op at Taronga with gorillas that is exactly this circumstance.

Use the sculptures to light faces

Instead of using the flash, position people near the sculptures with the light directing onto them faces. Move yourself into a position where you can see the faces illuminated. Then take the photo.

Take a tripod

Obviously this is a “if you have one” scenario. In any lowlight situation a tripod is your best friend to providing camera stability and resulting in sharper images without needing to over compensate for the low light by adjusting other camera settings as much.

Lean on fences or props

If you don’t have a tripod or, like me, don’t take one because they’re quite hard to manage with a crowd or you’ve got kids in tow, wedge your camera on solid, immovable objects to get sharper shots. I use fences, the backs of chairs, you get the picture.

Bump up the ISO

If you have manual settings on your camera, bump up the ISO A LOT. I bump mine way up to ensure that the photos are in focus. The photos are grainier as a result, but at least they’re in focus.

Give kids an old camera or phone

I gave Cheese my iPhone to shoot with this year and I loved the photos she came up with. Kids have a different perspective to adults so the angles and perspectives she shot were completely different to mine.

Get more info on Vivid Sydney here.

Tips For Visiting Taronga Zoo Vivid Sydney 2019

May 20, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Taronga Zoo Vivid Sydney is back for its third year! One of our fave family nights of the year, it’s also our top pick for taking kids to see to see the lights at the annual Vivid festival of lights in Sydney.

In 2019, Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo runs from May 24 – June 15, Wednesday to Sunday evenings, plus the Queen’s Birthday public holiday, Monday 10 June.

The beautiful light show on the entrance is back this year, which is mesmerising for kids and adults alike. Set aside time at the beginning and end for this light show.

Taronga Zoo Vivid Sydney is the only ticketed light show. While you do pay an entrance fee for Vivid at Taronga Zoo, the timed and ticked sessions mean that the crowds are way less and it’s much better managed than the other areas of the festival.

In line with Taronga Zoo’s focus on conservation, the light show, “Lights for the Wild”, aims to entertain, but also educate the public on 10 of the special animals they are trying to save from extinction in the next 10 years. Each light installation and sculpture tells an important story about conservation.

While “Lights for the Wild” isn’t as interactive as it was last year (sadly the multimedia bracelets have gone), with only one sculpture that can be touched and manipulated, it’s still a beautiful series of light sculptures in an extremely family-friendly environment.

What you need to know about Taronga Zoo Vivid Sydney 2019

What’s new this year?

While many favourites from the past three years return again, there are four new lanterns to experience: Sumatran Tiger cubs, a pride of Lions, a Koala and laser gardens.

The Taronga Centenary Theatre once again shows an multi-award winning animated film, presented as a 270-degree cinematic experience. It’s a great place to stop for a rest beneath a canopy of stars and a glowing planet earth as designed by children, before continuing on the journey back to the top of the zoo.

Getting there

While you can catch the ferry, we prefer to drive. If you stay under 90 minutes it’s free. Unlimited parking is $18. We never have any problems finding parking or with traffic either getting there or going back home again.

Pick your session

There are TWO sessions each night for Taronga Zoo Vivid Sydney: 5:30pm and 7:30pm, with last entry at 8:30pm. Zoo closes at 9:30pm

Buy tickets in advance

Buy your tickets from the Taronga Zoo website. There is a slight price increase this year.

Dates: Wednesday- Sunday, Mon 10 June public holiday

Prices:
Adult – $26.95
Child (4-15 years) – $19.95
Under 4 – free

A limited number of Blue Pass tickets are available each night and include a round trip on the Sky Safari. The Blue Passes cost the same as the regular tickets so I suggest getting them if possible. The Sky Safari DOES NOT STOP, it runs along a loop from the top of the pack back to where it started from.

While I saw a lot of people heading straight to the sky safari when they entered, I suggest seeing the other lights first to get ahead of the crowds, and taking the Sky Safari last before you go home when there is no queue.

Make a day of it

If you plan to visit the Zoo during the day before your evening Vivid outing, either buy the tickets online in advance at the same time as your Vivid tickets, or you can buy your Zoo day entry tickets at the Zoo ticket desk on arrival to enjoy a 30% discount off General Admission prices*

Please note: Taronga Zoo closes at 4.30pm and Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo commences at 5.30pm. If you are staying on you will be asked to come up to the main entry plaza to get ready for the beginning of your Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo experience. There is a cafe in the main entry plaza and plenty for the kids to enjoy while you’re waiting for the Vivid lights to turn on.

The Zoo Admission ticket is only valid for use on the same day as your Vivid ticket.

Pack food

While there are cafes open with basic food if you don’t have time to do this, we always like to bring our own.

Get there early

This is really my mantra for anything we go to! Arrive before the lights go on at 5:30pm so you get in ahead of most of the people in your timed session. I would suggest 5pm. Kids can watch the light show on the entrance and see the first batch of sculptures inside the entrance before the sessions begin, and you’ll be first in line when 5:30pm strikes and the doors open.

Follow the trail

The trail winds throughout Taronga Zoo on a circular path. It is completely stroller and wheelchair accessible. The multimedia light sculptures are dotted along the path.

Final Taronga Tips

The light trail takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. While the whole trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible there are some steep sections.

There are family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms available for use at the entrance at throughout the trail (please check the map).

Catch Vivid at Taronga Zoo from May 25th to June 15, 2019.

Vivid Sydney Tips

Arrive BEFORE the lights turn on

Find a prime position near the lights that you want to see the most without a hoard of people and wait patiently until the lights get switch on. BAM – lights minus the crowds.

Hit up the most popular installations first

This has always been a key for me in conjunction with the point above. I circle back to those that it’s easy to see even with a crowd last, such as the Customs House, MCA and Sydney Opera House.

Dedicate several nights to see it all

Take the kids to Taronga

This is my pick for kids because it’s ticketed, so less people, and the lights go on earlier than the other locations.

Don’t bypass the smaller Vivid locations, especially with kids

With kids in tow, the locations such as Darling Harbour and Chatswood are also an excellent idea as these spots don’t get as large crowds as the CBD does.

Pick a quiet day to go

Take public transport to the city or pre-book parking

Find the best places to park for Vivid here.

Bring carriers or strollers for kids

This is for two reasons – one, because it’s night time and little people get tired, but also to keep them out of the way of being stepped on by adults.

Eat food first

We always arrive early in the city and eat before the lights even turn on. My pick is Gateway Sydney for casual, great food.

Get more info on Vivid Sydney here.

Additional images thanks to DNSW.

Where To Find Cheap Parking In The Sydney CBD

May 17, 2018 / CBD, Sydney / 0 comment

Where To Find Cheap Parking in the Sydney CBD

Finding cheap parking in Sydney is like a competitive sport. The city is littered with parking stations and metered parking zones, but they are not made equal. Some are cheaper than others and some are in sneaky locations that not many people know about. While I prefer to take public transport where possible, I will often drive into the city for events at night and on weekends when I have the kid in tow. Over the years I’ve found what I think are best places for cheap parking in Sydney CBD.

Note: these great rates are for after 5pm and weekends. During the week the Sydney CBD parking prices are outrageous so I never take the car.

The best early bird parking options are the Sydney Opera House and Darling Square car parks. See below for more details.

I highly recommend booking parking in parking stations in advance where possible (called “Book a Bay” on the websites) as they are almost always a few dollars cheaper when you book online. I have noted with each parking station if they do not offer an added discount when booking online.

While the prices below were correct at time of writing this article they are subject to change, so please check the website before going if you are concerned about price increases.

Attractions: Museum of Contemporary Art, Vivid Sydney CBD

Location: Circular Quay, The Rocks

There are three parking garages that have decent evening rates from 5pm Mon-Fri. Note: Sat & Sun are much pricer, although they are available at a discount when booked in advance through the websites below.

Gateway Car Park
25 Reiby Pl, Sydney
Night: Mon – Fri $15.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 6am following day
Weekend: Sat – Sun $20.00

Online

155 George St Car Park
155 George Street, The Rocks

Night: Mon – Fri $15.00
Entry after 5pm and exit before close.
Weekend: Sat – Sun $20.00
Online

Clocktower Car Park
55 Harrington Street, The Rocks

Night: Mon – Fri $10.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before car park closes
Weekend: Sat – Sun $25.00

Online

Attractions: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madam Tussauds Sydney

Location: Darling Harbour

Car Park: Darling Park Car Park
201 Sussex Street, Sydney

Night: Mon – Wed $10.00, Thurs – Fri $12.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 6am the next day
Weekend: Sat – Sun $12.00
Online

Attractions: Darling Quarter playground, Monkey Baa Theatre

Location: Darling Quarter

Darling Quarter Car Park
1-11 Harbour Street, Sydney

Night: Mon – Wed $12.00, Thu – Fri $15.00, Sat – Sun $12.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 6am the next day
Weekend: Sat – Sun $15.00
Online

Attraction: Maritime Museum, Star City Casino, Lyric Theatre

Location: Pyrmont

The Star
80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont

This parking garage has odd hours as it’s underneath a casino, so read carefully! The best rates are during the day.

11:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday to Thursday: $15
Friday to Sunday: $20
Public Holiday: $20

5:00pm to 11:00pm
Monday to Thursday: $20
Friday to Sunday: $25
Public Holiday: $25

No discounts available online

Online

Attractions: QVB and shopping

Location: CBD Centre

QVB Car Park
I suggest parking here after 5pm only. Weekends are not discounted.
Night: Sun – Wed $12.00, Thu – Sat $15.00
Entry after 5:00pm & exit before car park closes

No discount available online.

Online

Citipark Car Park
431 Kent Street, Sydney

Night: Mon – Wed $9.00, Thu – Fri $12.00, Sat – Sun $9.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 6am the next day
Weekend: Sat – Sun $12.00

Online

Attraction: Seeing a show at the Capitol Theatre

Location: CBD near Central Station

Goulburn Street Car Park
101 Goulburn Street, Sydney

Night: Mon – Fri after 5pm $10
Weekends:Sat, Sun & public holidays $12.00

No discount available online
Online

Attraction: Sydney Tower Eye, Pitt Street shopping, AGNSW, Royal Botanic Gardens

Location: The Domain

The Domain Car Park
St Mary’s Road, Sydney

Night: Mon – Fri $12.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 12am
Weekend: Sat – Sun $12.00

Online

Attraction: Barangaroo

Location: Barangaroo

Barangaroo Reserve Car Park
Towns Place, Sydney

Night: Mon – Fri $10.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 12am
Weekend: Sat – Sun $12.00

Online

Attraction: ICC Sydney Theatre, Powerhouse Museum, Chinese Garden of Friendship

Location: Darling Square

Darling Square Car Park
Zollner Circuit, Haymarket

Cheapest parking in the city and best early bird parking rate. My number one find for cheap parking in Sydney CBD.

Early Bird: Mon – Fri $16.00
Entry between 6am & 9.30am, exit between 3pm & 7pm
Night: Mon – Sun $3.00, Event Night* $19.00
Entry after 5pm, exit before 6am following day
Weekend: Sat – Sun $9.00, Event Day* $19.00

Online

Attraction: Chinatown, Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets

Location: Chinatown

Market City Car Park
2 Quay Street, Haymarket
Night: Sun-Thur $11.00, Fri-Sat $13.00
Entry after 5pm
No discounted weekend day parking

Online

Attraction: Sydney Opera House

Location: Bennelong Point

They have an amazing early bird day rate and weekend rates, but evenings are expensive. Book a Bay online for a good discount. We often park here for shows on weekends and it’s a great deal – one of my best finds for cheap parking Sydney CBD.

Early Bird: Mon – Fri $16.00
Entry between 6am and 10am, exit between 3pm and 7:30pm
Not valid Public Holidays

Weekend: Sat – Sun $15.00

Online

Have I missed anything? Please tell me if You have a cheap parking in Sydney CBD find that I can add to the list.

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.

Boronia House High Tea, Sydney

May 8, 2018 / High Tea, Mosman, North Shore, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Dine inside a Victorian mansion built in 1885 at Boronia House, situated on Sydney’s North Shore. We experienced the Boronia House High Tea when celebrating a wedding at the venue. The historic Boronia House, surrounded by a beautiful garden, is the perfect location for a special function such as a baby or bridal shower, special birthday party or wedding reception.

The Classic High Tea Experience includes a selection of light breads, sophisticated savoury bites, house-made scones with double cream and jam, desserts and cakes, served with a choice of a T2 tea or coffee.

Kids aged 3-12 can enjoy the Little Ladies High Tea, which includes ham and cheese finger sandwich, scone with cream and jam, fairy bread, Remi’s homemade chocolate chip cookie, chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, homemade sweet treat of the day, mini pancake stack with maple syrup and a choice of T2 tea, hot chocolate, iced chocolate, fruit juice, pink lemonade or soft drink.

A Devonshire Tea is also available and includes six bites per person; two finger sandwiches, two scones with cream & jam, two dessert bites and a choice of T2 tea, coffee, hot chocolate, iced chocolate or soft drink.

Boronia House
624 Military Rd, Mosman
Online

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.

Featherdale Wildlife Park: Behind-The-Scenes Experiences

April 24, 2018 / Animal Experiences, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Featherdale Wildlife Park has long been the place in Sydney to take kids and tourists for an up close experience with Australian animals. Established on 7 acres of land 1953, Featherdale has evolved from a poultry farm into one of the best privately owned wildlife parks in Australia. With the largest collection of Australian animals in the world, Featherdale is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

Featherdale Wildlife Park: Behind-The-Scenes Experiences

While we have visited Featherdale many times of the years (you can read more here about our experiences at Featherdale Wildlife Park) this was a special visit, both because we were treated to a VIP behind-the-scenes tour, but also because we learned so much about the animals and the park’s conservation efforts.

I was so inspired after visiting that I did a bit of extra research into the breeding and conservation programs run by Featherdale (a bit of info on a few of the programs is below).

Featherdale Wildlife Park is one of the only Wildlife Parks in New South Wales to be endorsed by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF). The park has also partnered with The Australian Museum on the Koala Genome Program, a conservation program where scientists have mapped the entire genome of over 20,000 specific koala genes which is contributing to the health and survival rate of future koalas worldwide.

With koala reproduction has been in serious decline, our little furry friends need this research to help them survive.

On our tour we learned that the majority of wallabies and kangaroos in the park were either rescued as joeys after their mums were killed, or were born at Featherdale. We met Flo, a baby wallaby whose mother had rejected her and is now being reared by hand until she is able to be released into the wallaby enclosure.

We also met a gorgeous wombat baby whose mother had been hit by a car. Luckily a good Samaritan checked the pouch and found the baby inside, unharmed. He is now being hand-raised at Featherdale.

It’s not surprising to learn that Featherdale works with NSW Emergency Services, State Emergency Services (SES), WIRES and local council to operate as a Native Animal Rescue Hospital. They take in thousands of sick, injured and orphaned animals from the community and surrounding parklands every year, including this tawny frogmouth bird who was found with a hole in his beak and unable to be released back into the wild as a result.

You can read more about the breeding and conservation programs at Featherdale here.

Since so many of the animals have been rescued or hand-raised, a lot of them are really tame and happy to be handled by humans.

Visitors to Featherdale can choose from a variety of personal encounters with animals like the ones we met. Options include getting to meet unique birds, scaly reptiles, friendly wallabies and other furry marsupials.

Not only are you able to touch the animals, but you’ll learn so much about their lives and challenges faced by the breed in the wild. It’s an incredibly educational experience as well as engaging and interactive. Plus you get a great selfie out of it!

A few options at the moment include a personal dingo encounter, saltwater croc encounter, private mammal or reptile encounter, or personal koala encounter. Each encounter includes a souvenir photo to take home. Get more info on the current options for animal encounters and prices online.

During our tour we also learned a lot about some incredible Australian animals such as the Cassowary. I’ve long thought they were beautiful birds but I had no idea that, firstly, they were the world’s most deadly bird and are the only bird to have killed humans (note it was through self defence), but also that they have talons on their feet and are descended from velociraptors. Incredible!

We also got up close to some saltwater crocs during the croc feeding. The big man croc came to Featherdale 26 years ago after he was being a bit of a pest and eating local pet dogs.

It’s mind blowing to think that when he was one year old he was this size!

In the Reptile House we met a gorgeous python and a shingleback lizard (who apparently make great pets!). We learned that lizards smell through their tongues. As we were holding the shingleback he flicked out his tongue “smelling” us in a ticklish move that left us both giggling.

Our last stop for the day was feeding one last Aussie icon – the wallabies. We’ve fed them so many times but it’s never enough. They’re such cute little creatures it’s always a joy to end our day with a furry encounter of the macropod kind.

Featherdale Wildlife Park
217-229 Kildare Road,
Doonside, Sydney NSW 2767
(near Blacktown) Australia
Phone: 02 9622 1644
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Get Directions

Get more ideas on things to do in Sydney with Kids!

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.

Our VIP tour was hosted by Featherdale Wildlife Park. All opinions are our own.

Bitton Oatley: Sydney’s Best Cafes For Families

April 23, 2018 / Oatley, Southern Sydney, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

We have been fans of the flagship Bitton cafe in Alexandria for years, so were extremely happy to hear about the new Bitton Oatley site when it recently opened. Both Bitton cafes offer a French-inspired menu and share the same philosophy of “five star gourmet at café prices in a friendly atmosphere”.

The new Bitton Oatley has a huge outdoor area wth a little play area and some cute landscaping features to discover. The menus are seasonal and baristas serve Grinders coffee.

The family-friendly atmosphere of Bitton Alexandria is mirrored here, and on our mid-week visit we see mums and bubs enjoying babyccinos in the spacious yard.

The cafe is extremely accessible for strollers and also wheelchairs. There is a flat path that leads from the front all around the back and directly into the back of the cafe and yard. There is also clear access to the bathrooms and a large family and wheelchair accessible bathroom with a change table and even a few spare nappies and wipes.

I also appreciated how easy it was to park at the cafe! There is plenty of street parking available on the site streets.

There is a dedicated kids’ menu featuring Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon and Toast, French Crêpes, Steak and Fries, Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, Crumbed Fish Fillets and a Kids Beef Burger (French Crêpes pictured above).

We ordered Breakfast Salad Bowl (Soft Boiled Egg, Avocado, Quinoa, Pistachios Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Kale, Crispy Bacon, Baby Spinach, GF, $17) and the Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Sourdough Toast with Basil Oil ($17).

I always know what to expect when we dine at Bitton and this time was no exceptions. Delicious food made with the freshest of ingredients and served quickly. Impeccable and friendly service. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, every single time.

This brunch was made even sweeter by the surprise gift of two free mini creme brulees for dessert. Yum!

Bitton Oatley
119a Mulga Rd, Oatley
Hours: Tues & Sun 7am-4pm, Wed-Sat 7am-9pm, Mondays closed.
Phone: 02 9570 5777
bittongourmet.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.

7 Awesome Day Trips On Sydney Harbour Ferries

April 13, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sydney Harbour is such a showoff. Sparkling blue water with white cut cliffs, pristine beaches and fascinating history to boot. It’s easy to see the best Sydney has to offer by simply heading out for a day trip on the Sydney Harbour ferries.

7 Awesome Days Trips On Sydney Harbour Ferries

Cockatoo Island

The largest island on Sydney Harbour is also a fascinating historical site. Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the only remaining dry dock in Australia built using convict labour. Before the First Fleet arrived and used convict labour to turn the island into a prison and then shipbuilding dock, the island was a base for the local Aboriginal tribe, the Eora people, to fish from and built canoes.

After a significant restoration, Cockatoo Island has been opened to the public and makes for an incredible day trip exploring the convict relics, industrial buildings and historic maritime dock.

The island also plays host to events and exhibitions such as the Biennale of Sydney, Australia’s largest contemporary visual arts event. Open until June 11, 2018, the exhibition is held in multiple venues across Sydney. On Cockatoo Island the artworks reflect the history of the site around themes such as movement, migration, production and participation. The artworks, by 20 artists from all over the world, are designed to evolve over the course of the Biennale.

The Biennale of Sydney is brought to Cockatoo Island this year with the support of principle partner TWT Property Group, whose mission is to enrich the communities they create with art.

You can read more about a day trip to Cockatoo island here.

Taronga Zoo

Catch the ferry directly to Taronga Zoo for a walk on the wild side. A non-profit organisation supporting wildlife conservation, a visit to Taronga is as educational as it is entertaining. There are over 4,000 animals to meet at the zoo, including Australian native wildlife and rare and exotic animals.

The QBE Free-Flight Bird Show is a highlight for us, to witness spectacular birds, most of whom have been rescued and rehabilitated, soar across the sky with the Sydney Harbour as an impressive backdrop.

Kids will love the two playgrounds, water features, up-close animal experiences such as the lemur walk-in enclosure and the new Wile Ropes adventures through the treetops.

Get more info on a day at Taronga Zoo with kids here.

Watson’s Bay

A short 20 minutes ferry trip from Circular Quay will take you to Australia’s oldest fishing village, Watson’s Bay. This sparkling gem of a spot is home to the iconic seafood institution Doyles, perfect for grabbing takeaway fish and chips or, for a more upmarket dining experience, try the celebrated restaurant Doyle’s on the Beach.

We love Robertson Park, the large, leafy park behind the beach, for a picnic or a run around the excellent playground.

Don’t forget to pack the swimmers as Watson’s Bay is excellent for a splash on the beach with the gorgeous city view behind you.

Get more info on a day trip to Watson’s Bay here.

Manly Beach

A 30 minute ferry trip will take you to Manly, the site of the first world surfing competition in 1964. Manly Wharf has plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy, and, if you’re lucky, you might even see some of Manly’s Little Penguins underneath the wharf.

Stroll down the Corso, a pedestrian mall filled with cafes, surf shops and pubs, to the ocean beach.

At the beach you’ll be enticed by the white sand and sparkling water to dive on in. If you want to give surfing a go, local businesses Manly Surf School and Manly Surf Guide can lend a hand.

We love to take the scenic walking path south to Fairy Bower Pool and Shelly Beach, the later of which is the perfect family spot for a swim in calm waters.

Get more info here on a day trip to Manly.

Luna Park, Kirribilli

Catch a Sydney Harbour ferry to Kirribilli and Luna Park, an historical Sydney icon that was listed on the State Heritage Register in 2010. Constructed in its current scenic spot at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1935, Luna Park is an amusement park with the best view in town.

We particularly love Cony Island Funnyland, which is the only operating example of a 1930s funhouse left in the world.

Coney Island was built in 1935, and although there have been some changes made over the years, the layout is almost identical to when it opened, including the rotating barrels, moving platforms, long slides and arcade games that line the walls.

Get more info on visiting Luna Park here.

Darling Harbour

This entertainment precinct is jam packed with attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Get up close to rescued dugongs and king and gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, meet a koala and gigantic croc at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, or take a selfie with a celebrity at Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum.

We also love the ever-changing exhibitions at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), which is particularly kid-friendly and offers plenty of kid-focussed activities during school holidays, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship for a tranquil afternoon.

The Darling Quarter Kids Playground is one of the best in Sydney. The slides, flying fox, swings, climbing ropes and splash area are not to be missed.

Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

Get more info on visiting SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Penguin Expedition at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, the ANMM, Chinese Garden of Friendship and Darling Quarter Kids Playground.

Parramatta

Catch a Sydney Harbour ferry along scenic Parramatta River to Parramatta Wharf and enjoy a day exploring Australia’s fascinating past and vibrant, culturally-diverse present.

Parramatta was founded in 1788 and is the second-oldest city in Australia, only 10 months younger than Sydney. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Australian Convict Sites: the Convict-built Old Government House, which was the country residence of the first 10 Australian governors, and Parramatta Park, where colonists, both convict and free, grew their crops before being gazetted as a People’s Park in 1858.

Parramatta Park has two playgrounds, including the exceptional Domain Creek Playground, and an enclosed, formal rose garden featuring a are collection of heritage roses.

Stroll down Church Street for a diverse variety of restaurants and a scoop of innovative gelato at Messina Gelato.

We love nearby Elizabeth Farm, family home of wool pioneer, John and his wife Elizabeth Macarthur, and Australia’s oldest European building.

Get more info on visiting Parramatta, the Domain Creek Playground and Elizabeth Farm.

Get more info on catching a Sydney Harbour Ferry 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.

This post is a collaboration with TWT Property. All opinions are my own.

16 Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day (Or a Stinking Hot One!)

March 26, 2018 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sydney is known for it’s beautiful harbour and the great outdoors. But what to do when it’s too wet to go out, or there’s a heatwave, and all you want to do is find entertainment indoors? This list of things to do in Sydney on a rainy day will help you beat the bad weather blues.

17 Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day (Or A Stinking Hot One!)

See a movie

Is there anything more relaxing than cozying up watching the latest flicks on the big screen? Check movie times at a cinema near you by clicking here.

Image credit: Event Cinemas

Watch a live show

Check out what’s on at the Sydney Opera House, the Capitol Theatre, Sydney Lyric Theatre or Parramatta Riverside Theatre. Each venue shows for all ages and demographics.

Check out the Monkey Baa Theatre Company for shows the kids will love.

Image credit: Daniel Boud

Zap and chase at laser tag

Dashing through the dark with neon lights and laser guns sound like fun? Team up and challenge your friends and family to a game of laser tag.

M9 Laser Skirmish at Darling Harbour, laser tag at AMF (various locations), laser tag at Kingpin Bowling (North Strathfield and Darling Harbour), Laser Siege (Turrella), laser tag at Strike Bowling (various locations)

Indoor skydive with iFLY

See what it feels like to fly without jumping out of a plane at iFly in Penrith (second location coming soon to Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Anyone aged 3 and up can iFly!

Let the wind take you higher in an state-of-the-art, fully-controlled, ultra-safe vertical wind tunnel.

How does it work? Just lean into the wind inside our giant glass tunnel and a column of air lifts you up! You’ll float effortlessly into flight, guided by qualified instructors.

Get more info on iFLY here.

Image courtesy of iFLY.

Strike it lucky at ten pin bowling

Retro fun all across Sydney. Challenge the whole family to a game of ten pin bowling.

Check out locations and prices at AMF Bowling (various locations) Ten Pin City (Lidcome), Strike Bowling (various locations), King Pin Bowling (various locations).

Find your inner Pac-man playing arcade games

Go old school with classic and new arcade games. From air hockey to dodgem cars and a bit of Street Fighter, there’s something for everyone to play.

Find arcade games at Playtime (various venues) and Archie Bros Cirque Electric at Alexandria for a circus-themed arcade extravaganza.

Tee off at mini putt putt

Putt putt has gone upmarket with mini golf courses that have a bar serving drinks and cocktails. Holey Moley turns traditional putt putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes that’ll keep you on your toes across the craziest round of golf you’ve ever played. Choose between 9, 18 or 27 holes, or try karaoke at one of Holey Moley’s three Sydney locations: Newtown, Darlinghurst or Castle Towers.

Putt Planet in Miranda is indoor miniature golf course is travel themed and accessible, so a great option for strollers or wheelchairs. The theme of the mini golf course is a trip to Mombasa, with a plane at the entrance symbolising the start of your journey.

The Putt Planet website says, “Discover another time and place when you board your Putt Planet flight from Miranda to Mombasa. Putt through the bustling market places, homes and even the sewers of Old Mombasa whilst exploring this ancient doorway to Eastern Africa. We’ve put a roof over the charming streets and laneways so any time is a good time to visit; the weather is always fine!”

Get more info on Putt Planet.

Burn off steam at an indoor play centre

Kids going bananas? Take them to an indoor play centre to run out their crazies. There are plenty all around Sydney to choose from!

Check out this list of indoor play centres in Sydney to find one near you.

Bounce the day away at a trampolining centre

Visit an indoor trampolining centre to literally bounce your cares away. Check each centre to see that facilities they have for kids before taking little ones – some have special toddler times available.

Find a trampolining centre in Sydney on this handy list of indoor play spaces.

Test your agility indoor rock climbing

Kids and adults can all enjoy scampering up walls at indoor rock climbing centres. Start at the easiest level and work your way up to pro. Kids can try the beginner walls or special areas designed just for little ones.

Find an indoor rock climbing gym in Sydney on this handy list of indoor play spaces.

Channel Your Inner Ninja

Try one of several ninja courses or parkour centres popping up all over Sydney. They’re suitable for kids (generally over aged 5) and adults – why should kids have all the fun?

Find a ninja gym or parkour centre in Sydney on this handy list of indoor play spaces.

Spend the day at an art gallery or museum

Enjoy the peaceful calm of one of Sydney’s excellent museums and art galleries. All are extremely kid-friendly as well as having top-notch exhibitions year-round.

Check out this list of Sydney’s art galleries and museums to find one near you.

Take a dip in an aquatic centre

It may seem counter intuitive but rainy days are perfect for getting even wetter indoors! Swim some laps and take kids to splash in the water features of these excellent centres all across Sydney.

Check out this list of aquatic centres in Sydney to find one near you.

Get your Tonya Harding out ice skating

Trying to twirl on ice is the perfect way to forget miserable weather outdoors. Spend a few hours getting exercise as well as having fun working on your triple axel.

Check out this list of ice skating rinks in Sydney to find one near you.

Image courtesy of Macquarie Ice Rink.

Dine in style with a high tea

A rainy miserable day is the perfect excuse to eat something delicious! Take your mind off the weather by dining on scones, finger sandwiches and delectable pastries.

Check this list of high tea venues in Sydney to find the right one for you.

Read a good book at a library

Head to the stunning State Library of NSW to check out their exhibitions or read a book. Established in 1862 it’s the oldest library in Australia. I personally love the idea of reading when it’s raining, so a library always tops my list of things to do in Sydney on a rainy day!

Get more info on visiting the State Library of NSW here.

You could also visit your local library! Check this site for the City of Sydney libraries and locations. You can also visit here to find the location of every library in NSW.

Find your inner Picasso while plaster painting

Little and big kids will love painting up a masterpiece at one of these plaster painting studios across Sydney. Candyland Playhouse even offers ceramic painting, which is where the art work is baked in a kiln after being painted.

Check out your nearest plaster painting venue: Little Plaster House (Bella Vista), Candyland Playhouse (Hawkesbury) who offer plaster and ceramic painting, Plaster Painting Studios (Moore Park), Plaster Master Fun (North Bondi), The Little Plaster Shop (Concord).

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.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney here.

26 Of The Best Museums In Sydney

March 26, 2018 / CBD, Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sydney is renowned for it’s natural beauty, but it’s also full of history and culture. We love to spend our weekends learning about art, anthropology and archaeology, particularly when the weather is not so favourable outside. Check out the best museums in Sydney below.

The Best Museums In Sydney

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

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.

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.

MCA
The Rocks
General Admission is free
australianmuseum.net.au

Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM)

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.

Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray St, Sydney
anmm.gov.au

Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW)

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.

Get info on visiting the AGNSW with kids here.

Art Gallery of NSW
The Domain
General Admission is free
artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Australian Museum (currently closed for renovations)

The oldest museum in Australia, The Australian Museum has excellent exhibitions focusing on natural history and anthropology.

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.

Australian Museum
1 William St, Sydney
Admission required a fee
australianmuseum.net.au

The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS)

The MAAS is Australia’s contemporary museum for excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences. Their venues include Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and Discovery Centre.

Powerhouse Museum

An interactive art and science museum located in Ultimo.

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. More on the Wiggles exhibition here.

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.

Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris St, Ultimo
maas.museum/powerhouse-museum

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. The Sydney Observatory runs and family tours and activities throughout the year which are perfect for mini star gazers.

Sydney Observatory
1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point
maas.museum/sydney-observatory

Museums Discovery Centre (MDC)

Inside the Museums Discovery Centre you’ll find millions of treasures and the opportunity to learn about museum collecting, conservation and research practices.

Museums Discovery Centre
172 Showground Rd, Castle Hill
maas.museum/museums-discovery-centre

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.

Image credit: Edge of Trees Photograph (c) Brett Boardman

Museum of Sydney
Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/museum-of-sydney

NSW Rail Museum

Bring your locomotive-loving kids to get up close to trains at the NSW Rail Museum in the historic town of Thirlmere. Since 1975 this little town has been home to a large collection of NSW’s railway heritage, including over 100 vehicles that move on a railway including locomotives, railroad cars and more.

Get info on visiting the NSW Rail Museum here.

NSW Rail Museum
10 Barbour Rd, Thirlmere
https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/

Sydney Bus Museum

The 100-year-old Leichhardt Tramshed is home to a vast collection of historic buses, open to the public every first and third Sunday of the month. Jump aboard a vintage double-decker bus over the ANZAC Bridge to the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD and back again.

Sydney Bus Museum
25 Derbyshire Rd, Leichhardt
sydneybusmuseum.info

Museum of Fire

Enjoy exhibits focusing on fire safety and firefighting and explore historic fire trucks at the Museum of Fire in Penrith.

Junior firefighters will enjoy puzzles, dress-ups, fire safety activities and computer games.

Museum of Fire
1 Museum Dr, Penrith
museumoffire.com.au

Image credit: Destination NSW Adam Hollingsworth

Sydney Jewish Museum

The Sydney Jewish Museum is dedicated to the documentation of the Holocaust and the history of the Jewish people in Australia.

Sydney Jewish Museum
148 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

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.

Justice and Police Museum
Phillip St & Albert St, Sydney
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/justice-police-museum

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.

Casula Powerhouse

Located in South West Sydney, the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is a place to experience the arts including performances and exhibitions. As well as featuring six galleries with rotating exhibitions, the Powerhouse also has a pair of three-story decommissioned tanks that are open to the public as legal graffiti spaces.

The Casula Powerhouse runs family-friendly art programs throughout the year. Check out their upcoming events and workshops here.

Casula Powerhouse
1 Powerhouse Road, Casula
casulapowerhouse.com

Image credit: Casula Powerhouse

The Rocks Discovery Museum

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).

The Rocks Discovery Museum
Kendall Ln, The Rocks
therocks.com/things-to-do/the-rocks-discovery-museum

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre

The Big Dig Cumberland Street Archaeological Site is a heritage-listed archaeological site in The Rocks. The centre is part of Sydney Harbour YHA,, and while it is no longer an “active” excavation site, it does facilitate hands-on archaeology educational experiences and opens the archaeological site to the public.

The general public are welcome to visit the Big Dig site during daylight hours. This visit is best in conjunction with The Rocks Discovery Museum, where significant finds from the site are displayed.

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre
110 Cumberland St, Sydney
thebigdig.com.au

Savannah Place

Built in 1844, Savannah Place is a heritage-listed former grocery store and workers’ cottages. The terrace of four houses was built by Irish immigrants, home to more than 100 families over 150 years.

Savannah Place is now a historic house museum, telling the stories of the people who called this place and this neighbourhood home.

Savannah Place
58/64 Gloucester St, The Rocks
https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/susannah-place

White Rabbit Collection

Stroll through four floors of one of the world’s largest and most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. There is also a tranquil street-level Tea House to enjoy.

Rea more about visiting the White Rabbit Art Gallery.

White Rabbit
30 Balfour Street, Chippendale
whiterabbitcollection.org

Elizabeth Farm

Built in 1973 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm is one of the oldest homes in Australia. Inside the house you’ll find reproductions of furnishings and objects that belonged to the home’s original owners. Wander the recreated 1930s garden or enjoy a Devonshire tea at the tea room. The scones are some of the best we have ever tasted.

Elizabeth Farm runs year-round family tours and programs to engage kids in the history of the property and introduce them to what life was like during the early 19th century. Kids will get a kick out of trying to do the laundry in a tub, throwing quoits or doing some craft. Get info on upcoming events and programs here.

Elizabeth Farm
70 Alice St, Rosehill
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/elizabeth-farm

Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House was built in 1803 and was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution. It’s one of Sydney’s few remaining 19th-century mansions that is still surrounded by its ten hectares of original gardens and grounds.

Take a tour through the house for a glimpse of what life was life for the families who once lived there, stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a high tea at the tea rooms.

Vaucluse House runs year-round family-friendly programs to immerse kids in colonial life. Get info on events here.

Get more info on high tea at Vaucluse House here.

Vaucluse House
69A Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/vaucluse-house

Carriageworks

Carriageworks is the largest multi-arts centre in Australia. The centre is free to enter and see the contemporary works commissioned for the space by Australian and International artists. The works displayed inside the Carriageworks are usually ambitious and monumental in size, and are always inclusive.

This is an excellent venue for wheelchairs and strollers. The Carriageworks also contains a theatre where shows are held, often with a family-focus.

Carriageworks
245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
https://carriageworks.com.au

Museums Outside of Sydney

Early Start Discovery Space (Wollongong)

This is one just for the kids! The Early Start Learning Space is Sydney’s only dedicated children’s museum, so well worth the drive to Wollongong to visit.

Inside the museum, kids can let their imaginations run wild with interactive and engaging playful exhibits. Everything is designed to be touched!

Kids will particularly enjoy crawling through a giant stomach, constructing a house, acting on stage and captaining a ship among many other things.

Get more info on visiting the Early Start Discovery Space here.

Early Start Discovery Space
UOW Building 21 Early Start Facility
Keiraville, Wollongong
earlystartdiscoveryspace.edu.au

Space Science (Wollongong)

Science Space is the only dedicated science experience in NSW and is home to DIGISTAR 6, Australia’s most digitally advanced Planetarium.

The museum focuses on educating and inspiring through hands-on learning with over 100 interactive exhibits, science shows and workshops.

Space Science
Innovation Campus, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong
sciencespace.com.au

Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum (Blue Mountains)

I’ve been visiting Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge for over 15 years and it always enchants. Norman Lindsey (1879-1969) was an Australian artist, cartoonist, and writer. His former home and studio have been turned into a gallery and museum run by the National Trust, showcasing his work and life.

We love to wander around the landscaped gardens and admire his sculptures, or wander through the gallery to see his beautiful paintings and etchings. Norman Lindsey is also the creator of the Magic Pudding. Visiting the gallery is a great introduction for kids to this Aussie masterpiece.

Get more info on visiting the Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum here.

Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum
14 Norman Lindsay Cres, Faulconbridge
normanlindsay.com.au

Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame (Southern Highlands, Bowral)

Take a trip back to the glory days of cricket with a visit to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in the country town of Bowral in the NSW Southern Highlands.

The museum features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a large collection of cricket memorabilia. Adjacent to the park where the Bradman Museum is housed you’ll find a cricket-themed children’s playground.

Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame
St Jude Street, Bowral
bradman.com.au

Image courtesy of DNSW.

More things to do in Sydney

Looking for more things to do in Sydney with kids? Head over here.

Find the best beaches to visit in Sydney here.

Get a list of free things to do in Sydney here.

Find the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Novotel Darling Harbour: Sydney Hotel Review

March 22, 2018 / CBD, Darling Harbour, Sydney / 0 comment

The Novotel hotels are renowned for being an extremely family-friendly choice, and the Novotel Darling Harbour is no exception. We took a tour of the hotel recently and thought it made an excellent choice for Sydney accomodation.

Novotel Darling Harbour

The Novotel Darling Harbour was the first Accor and Novotel hotel in Australia. All rooms are undergoing a soft refresh in 2018 with new carpet and furniture.

Of the 525 rooms at the Novotel, 50% face Darling Harbour, and 50% have inter-connecting rooms. The rooms are comprised of 441 standard/superior rooms and 72 executive rooms and junior suites. The interconnecting rooms have one room with a queen bed and one with two double beds, a perfect set up for families.

As with all Novotels, the hotel has a kids’ only activity space next to the Trenery Restaurant. Kids also receive a welcome pack at check in. During the school holidays the Novotel Darling Harbour offers special family activities such as movies in the conference room. They also partner with merlin Entertainment year-round to provide guests with great deals on attractions as part of their stay at the hotel.

The Novotel is the only Sydney CBD hotel with its own tennis court – this can be found on the roof, next to the pool. There is also a gym for guests over 16.

The Trenery Restaurant is a beautiful, bright space for dining in. They offer a very reasonably priced Kids menu with activities and crayons.

Location is one of the most important factors for choosing a hotel and the Novotel Darling Harbour is in an excellent position. It’s a short walk over a walkway into the Darling Harbour shopping centre, where you’ll also find plenty of restaurants. Nearby attractions include the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC), Australian National Maritime Museum, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, the Powerhouse Museum and Star Casino.

If you are relying on public transport to get around, there is a nearby light rail station including light rail (nearest station is Convention), ferry (nearest stop is Pyrmont Bay Wharf) and train is only a 15 minute walk to Town Hall station.

In April 2018 the Novotel also launched new wellness items for kids including in-room programs and menus.

The kids in-room program stars Sally Fitzgibbons and Rachael Coopes and takes kids through exercises designed to keep them active on vacation, or help them wind down in the evenings.

A new menu has been designed for kids featuring classics including spaghetti bolognaise with hidden vegetables, fruit smoothies and tasty desserts like berries and yoghurt.