Tee off with Woody and friends at the pop-up mini golf experience, Pixar Putt at Bankwest Stadium, Sydney.
After making its successful worldwide debut in Melbourne in January 2019, with over 25,000 enjoying a round of Pixar Putt, then Sydney in May, 2019, our fave putting experience is back for a limited time ay Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta.
Tickets are now on sale for the attraction. Due to Pixar Putt’s popularity, it’s highly advisable to book a session in advance.
Pixar Putt was inspired by beloved stories, characters and icons from some of Disney-Pixar’s most iconic films including Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Wall-E, Inside Out and Coco.
It is located right next to the new Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta, where guests can choose between playing 9-holes or the full 18-hole course. We chose 18 holes and it took us almost 2 hours to complete the course on a busy day. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water as the weather has been all over the shop.
We loved Pixar Putt when it first came to Sydney in 2019 and loved it just as much again for our second go. There are two new holes to represent the new films Onward and Soul, plus some extra photo ops.
Bankwest Stadium is located right next to Parramatta Park, so I highly suggest making a day of it in the park with a picnic lunch or with a cafe and trying the two playgrounds in Parramatta Park.
There is a parking lot right next to the putt putt course for easy access.
There are also adults only “After Dark” sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-10pm.
Pixar Putt
Dates: Currently through to January 31. Bankwest Stadium, 11-13 O’Connell St, Parramatta. Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm (Adults Only from 7pm-10pm) Prices: 18 holes $39.90 Adult, $29.90 Child, $119.60 Family (2A/2C or 1A/3C), 9 holes $24.90 Adult, $19.90 Child, $79.50 Family (2A/2C or 1A/3C) pixarputt.com.au
The Central Gardens Nature Reserve, also known as Central Gardens Merrylands, is a nature reserve in south-west Sydney. The 12-hectare park features two playgrounds, animal enclosures, BBQ areas, a flat path perfect for scooters and bikes, plus a small waterfall feature.
Both playgrounds were updated this year (you can see what the park looked like last time we visited here) with an accessible design.
The main playground is located closest to Paton St. It has a massive shade cloth over the bulk of the playground, with an inclusive ramp structure and slides at the end, sand pit with water feature, swings, liberty swing, tyres that make music when you jump on them, merry go round, in-ground trampolines, walking see-saw, a rock climb feature on the ramp structure on the centre, talking tubes, a tunnel and a spinning teacup.
There is also a large rope climbing structure outside of the shade cloth area and a toddler play area.
The second playground is a much smaller one located near Merrylands Street car park. It is also all-abilities and has a liberty swing.
Behind the main playground you’ll find the native animal exhibits. It’s free to wander through them and see the very well cared for animals, including birds, particularly scary emus, wallabies with babies in their pouches, and kangaroos.
There is also a nocturnal house with possums and fruit bats.
Central Gardens Merrylands also features a waterfall right in the middle of the park. It’s a lovely spot to wander around, with water birds and cockatoos in abundance. Behind the waterfall is a koala sanctuary.
The park has plenty of wide open green space for kids to run around and picnics, plus free barbecues and picnic tables.
Near the main playground is a Bush School that meets monthly.
Central Gardens can be accessed from Merrylands Road or Paton Street, where there is a free car park. If you are going via public transport, take bus 806 (from Parramatta to Liverpool) or 818 (from Westmead to Merrylands).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Darling Harbour is 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 in Darling Harbour. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
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.
Yots Cafe
Located underneath the Maritime Museum, Yots is a fab waterfront dining spot for families with its casual atmosphere, a special kids’ menu and colouring-in activities for kids. A giant Connect Four and building blocks also keeps them buys.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
A large shopping centre in Darling Harbour, Harbourside has plenty of family-friendly restaurants as well as a food court and shops. Kids will adore Caterpillar Lane, a free area for kids to play.
Fratelli Fresh
Our fave eatery in Darling Harbour! Fratelli Fresh is located underneath the new ICC and serves up plenty of Italian pizza and pasta faves in a family-friendly atmosphere.
This iconic fountain encircled by the Dancing Brolgas is a favourite spot for children to play in Cockle Bay Wharf, while their parents sit nearby at one of any waterfront dining options. The sculpture is by Australian artist Terrance Plowright.
Darling Harbour Woodward Water Feature
Any child who grew up in Sydney will remember running up and down this spiral water feature, which has been enthralling kids since its completion in 1988.
A peaceful way to spend a few hours in Sydney is with a stroll through the Chinese Garden of Friendship at the south end of Darling Harbour.
Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour
The gardens were built in 1988 as a symbol of friendship between Sydney and the southern Chinese city of Guandong. It was designed and built by Chinese landscape architects and gardeners to reflect the “yin-yang” Taoist principles and the elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood.
The two lions at the entrance, guarding the gardens, also represent yin and yang. If you’re into in Feng Shui, you’ll be interested to know that the garden is also designed to encourage the flow of “qi”, or “life force”.
We really enjoyed strolling through the gardens. They are serene, even when travelled through at high speed by a six-year-old. The gardens feature waterfalls, lagoons with lotus plants, lakes, pavilions, sculptures, and wildlife such as koi carp, birds and water dragons.
A feature we particularly liked was the Dragon Wall with its two imperial dragons. The brown dragon represents Guangdong and the blue New South Wales, playing with the pearl of friendship. It’s just stunning.
Kids will enjoy the free Emperor’s Quest, a self-guided adventure for ages 5-12. The quest takes visitors to find the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar hidden throughout the garden. Each animal has a clue to help find it, and information on it once it’s found.
Visitors, both adult and children, can also dress up in traditional Chinese costumes from the Ming and Ching dynasties (costs and extra $10 adult $5 kids).
The gardens holds plenty of free programs throughout the year including school holidays, with activities such as tai chi classes and lantern painting.
Visitors can also enjoy the daily koi feeding at 11:30 am.
Last stop before leaving the gardens is the Teahouse, where a range of traditional Chinese refreshment are served. I’ve heard the scones are fantastic.
Chinese Garden of Friendship Darling Harbour Hours: Open daily 9:30am-6pm (Apr-Sep), 9:30am-5:30pm (Oct-Mar). Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Cost: Adult $6, kids under 12 $3, family (2 adults, 2 kids) $15, concession $3, senior $4.50. Accessibility: the lower pathways and pavilions are very accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The steps and rocky pathways in the upper garden are more difficult. Facilities: Accessible toilet and baby change facilities.
Online: chinesegarden.com.au
Having a kid these days doesn’t mean your foodie adventures have to come to an end. Spectacular Sydney is serving up plenty of delightful choices for families to take their mini-gourmets to enjoy fancy babyccinos along with a perfectly smashed avo.
Check out my top kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney – where the wee ones can eat and play while adults dine on fine cuisine.
Kid-friendly Restaurants in Sydney
acre Artarmon
Enjoy farm-inspired food grown on-site at acre Artarmon. This open-air urban oasis features indoor and outdoor seating, picnic style areas, kids’ play area and chicken coop.
acre Artarmon is a cafe, restaurant, bar and bakery set within sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens that produce the food that goes straight into kitchen to produce the meals.
Acre Artarmon 1 Frederick Street, Artarmon Hours: Cafe Bakery: Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm | Sun 7am – 3pm Restaurant: Thursday 4.30pm – 10.30pm | Fri 12pm – 11pm | Sat 12pm – 11pm | Sun 12pm – 4pm acre-artarmon.com.au
Glenorie Bakery in Glenorie
Technically this is a bakery but it’s still one of our top go-tos in Sydney for a delicious brekkie. Glenorie Bakery serves a top brekkie and lunch as well as award-winning pies and sensational eclairs. Kids will love the play area out the back.
Glenorie Bakery 4/930 Old Northern Rd, Glenorie NSW (02) 9652 2624 Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat & Sun 6am-5pm glenoriebakery.com.au
Lab Kitchen Five Dock
Lab Kitchen Five Dock serves up delicious, seasonal, modern Western-Eastern dishes at a reasonable price – and has a massive backyard filled with play equipment and toys for kids. What more could you ask for?
Get more info on visiting Lab Kitchen.
Lab Kitchen Five Dock
Hours: Daily, 7am-4pm 108 Great N Rd, Five Dock
Website: labkitchen.com.au
The Picnic Burwood
The Picnic at Burwood is a whimsical elevation of the humble outdoor dining experience. The outdoor cafe is located inside a pavilion in a park in Burwood, a few metres from a large, fenced in playground. The menu is delightful and delicious. Adults can order the very insta-worthy pavlova hotcakes while kids’ eyes light up to see the adorable “bear” dish of bear-shaped toastwith banana and blueberries.The Picnic is our constant go-to and is always on the list of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.
The Picnic Burwood Burwood Rd & Park Ave, Burwood Hours: Tue-Sun 8am-4pm. Closed Mondays. Website: facebook.com/Thepicnicburwood
Black Star Rosebery and Entertainment Quarter
The home of delicious pastry such as the famous watermelon cake as well as quiche that tastes like heaven, Black Star’s Rosebery and Moore Park cafes are perfect places to take the kids to appreciate the finer tastes in life. Both have large seating areas with plenty of tables and space for strollers, and the Rosebery one has a nice little set of toys for kids to play with while they’re munching their way through some of the best cake in Sydney.
Black Star Pastry C1, 85-113 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm Sat & Sun 8am-4pm
210 Bent St, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park Hours: Mon-Thur 8am-5pm, Fri & Sat, 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-4pm Website: blackstarpastry.com.au
Burnt Orange – Mosman
The Burnt Orange cafe is housed in an historic sandstone manor overlooking Sydney Harbour. Adults are spoiled for choice with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, while kids can enjoy fine dining of their own with options such as the crumbed whiting fillets with chips, pasta spirals with fresh tomato sauce or mini organic cheeseburger with chips served with a smartie cookie and a choice of fresh orange juice, strawberry or chocolate milk for $15. Next to the dining area upstairs is a gorgeous boutique store filled with kids toys and clothes.
A cheerful little cafe on Annandale, a part of Sydney with loads of young families. A kids play area with sturdy toys keeps little ones entertained while their parents enjoy their baked eggs and fresh juice. While the breakfast menu is light on kids meals the lunch menu has a choices such as the every-popular toastie.
A cafe in the trendy part of Redfern, Three Williams is a delightful surprise for families looking to dine in the area. A peek inside the entrance into the cavernous underground cafe reveals plenty of space. Kids love to race up and down the ramp intended for disabled access, that leads them straight to a giant chalkboard and small play area. The food is fantastic and the staff extremely kind towards their youngest guests.
Three Williams 613a Elizabeth St, Redfern Hours: Daily, 7am-4pm Website: threewilliamscafe.com
The Grounds of Alexandria
This cafe is constantly rated one of Sydney’s best for a very good reason. The Grounds of Alexandra is a cornucopia of whimsical delights. From the farm animals (meeting the famous pig, “Kevin Bacon” is a must) to the play area, fountain and rambling paths leading through gardens and lanes bursting with flowers, statues and tiny creative details, the external grounds at The Grounds is, in itself, worth a visit alone.
The food is excellent: the popular “signature avocado” set a new standard in smashed avo brekkies when introduced a few years back. The Grounds is such a special place to visit that it is always right up the top of lists mentioning the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.
The Grounds of Alexandria 7A, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm, Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday 7:30am-10pm, Sunday 7:30am-9pm Website: thegrounds.com.au
Bitton Gourmet – Alexandria and Oatley
Ask for a table out the back next to the small toddler play area when dining at Bitton Gourmet with littles. Adults enjoy the delicious French-Australian cuisine while the kids love that they have somewhere to play while waiting for their scrambled eggs. We love their all-day breakfast menu and the can-do staff who are always happy to help in anyway they can.
Bitton Gourmet can now be found at Oatley, too, where they have the same menu in a bigger venue with a backyard and play area for kids (photo above).
A popular cafe for families on Sydney’s North Shore, the cafe is inside old incinerator that has been given a new lease of life. Outdoor tables and grassy areas give kids plenty of room to roam while their parents enjoy “Have it your way” free range eggs and Ti Tam milkshakes. A nearby playground provides a convenient place to let kids run around if there’s a wait for tables.
The Incinerator Willoughby 2 Small St, Willoughby Hours: Sun-Thurs 7am-4pm, Fri & Sat 7am-4pm, 5pm-10pm Website: theincinerator.com.au
Coogee Pavilion
Head to the back of the Coogee Pavilion to find a paradise for kids and their parents. Giant games of Connect Four and Scrabble, building blocks, board games and a colouring table entertain the kids, leaving adults free to enjoy a well-deserved drink. The wood-fire pizzas are our fave dishes to order.
Order a meal from acre, the sustainably-focused eatery at Camperdown Commons, while the kids play nearby. Diners can choose between a large, sit down restaurant and bar, container with takeaway coffee and snacks and a casual outdoor area on the terrace or lawn area outside. Many of the ingredients in the dishes come directly from the pocket gardens onsite, making the dining experience very literally farm-to-table. Families will particularly love the outdoor area with its interactive kids’ play space and chicken coop where rescue hens from battery farms now live a life of luxury.
Located at Harold Park, The Tramsheds is a must-visit for kids who are obsessed with wheels. The old Rozelle Tramway Depot, originally built in 1904, has been beautifully refurbished and given a new life as a hub for restaurants and facilities for local residents.
The full-sized resorted tram inside the Tramsheds is now part of the dining area for the Butcher & The Farmer cafe, so you can ask for a table inside and let your little one pretend to drive it while waiting for their babyccino to arrive.
Get more info on our visit to the Tramsheds here and all the kid-friendly dining options it offers.
While the Vogue Cafe sits inside busy Macquarie Shopping Centre, from the inside it feels like Wonderland. It’s an adorable, whimsical place, with a straightforward menu and fantastical shakes. Called “Magical Milkshakes”, they are topped with things like whipped cream, rice bubbles, pop corn and jelly snakes, with a chocolate and sprinkles rim.
The food is always delicious and the staff friendly. A small, enclosed play space has been a welcome addition to the cafe by families of younger kids.
The Vogue Cafe 109 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm Website: facebook.com/TheVogueCafe
Bills at Bondi
When you want hotcakes, you go to Bills, even if you have kids in tow. What I really enjoy about Bills is happy and easy-going vibe. The friendly staff bring little ones coloured pencils and paper to entertain them while you wait for your brunch.
Scrambled eggs or boiled eggs and toast soldiers will keep the little ones happy from the breakfast menu, or order a linguini, junior burger or schnitzel for lunch. Their French fries are also excellent.
Bills Bondi 79 Hall St, Bondi Beach Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat & Sun 7:30am-10pm Website: bills.com.au
Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour
This big, bright and bold restaurant is an excellent edition to Darling Harbour, situated near the ICC building. The seating is casual – grab a table and order at the bar. There’s plenty for kids to look at, including the pizza kitchen and fresh pasta station, plus a games area (best suited for older kids) and house-made dessert and gelato counter. The kids’ menu is massive and has something to suit everyone, rather like the menu for adults. Keep an eye out for special kids eat free deals.
A few steps outside Fratelli Fresh is the excellent Darling Quarter playground.
Hop aboard a beautifully resorted 1930s tram at this bright and cheery cafe on Narrabeen Lake. Not only is the tram excellent fun itself, the cafe serves up delicious Modern Australian cuisine and offers its youngest diners and excellent kids’ menu. A large playground is situated outside the cafe, and the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail starts directly behind the cafe, making it the perfect outing for families.
Read more about our visit to the Tramshed Cafe here.
The Cove Dining Co cafe is located inside the community hall of what was once the Abbotsford Nestlé factory site, a heritage-listed building. The dining room is spacious, with long tables, or choose alfresco seating on the outdoor verandah with a lovely view of the lush gardens surrounding the building and let the kids play while they wait for their meals.
This is one incredible family-friendly cafe, as evidenced by how accessible it is for strollers and wheelchairs, and provide use of highchairs, baby change tables, toys and colouring in equipment.
The Cove Dining Co 378 Great N Rd, Abbotsford, NSW Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat & Sun 8am-3pm Phone: (02) 9713 7896 Online thecovediningco.com.au
The Innocent Kitchen – Sydenham
The Innocent Kitchen is a sweet and simple cafe run by two sisters in Sydney’s inner west. The menu is basic and located on a blackboard. Choose from items like a bacon and egg roll and toasted sandwiches. Kids can order fairy bread, raisin toast, vegemite or peanut butter sandwiches and toasties. The babyccinos are free!
This tiny little cafe in Sydney’s inner west is a hot spot for pretty and tasty dishes. Expect creative and delicious breakfasts including their famous brioche toast which is completely clouded in bright-pink fairy floss, berries and cinnamon ricotta. The Tiny Giant makes the list because their kids dishes are just as cute and creative as the grown-up versions.
Frankie’s Food Factory at Flower Power Milperra 479 Henry Lawson Drive, Milperra
Hours: Daily, 8.30am-5pm Phone: (02) 9899 2299 frankiesfoodfactory.com
The Marsden Brewhouse – Marsden Park
The Marsden Brewhouse is a hotel and brewery located in Marsden Park, north-west Sydney. The large and airy interior is perfect for casual dining with little ones, and with their huge outdoor playground attached they are prepared for the smallest diners to come, eat and play.
The kids’ menu features plenty of choice at a good price point ($10 for most meals, including a drink). On weekends there is often a small animal farm set up in the playground for kids to enjoy, free of charge.
This casual, modern eatery is perched right above the extremely calm Frenchmans Beach, making it the perfect destination for both a swim and a delicious meal.
The outdoor deck is large, sheltered and has a stunning view, so it’s guaranteed to make everyone in the party happy.
The Boatshed La Perouse 1609 Anzac Parade, La Perouse Phone: (02) 9661 1817 Hours: Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat & Sun 7am-4pm theboatshedlaperouse.com.au
Bodhi – Sydney CBD
Our long-time go-to restaurant for vegan yum cha, Bodhi is a family-owned restaurant located under St Mary’s Cathedral in the heart of the CBD. Bodhi is great for kids, with long tables underneath ancient Moreton bay fig trees, overlooking Cook and Philip Park . As well as offering a completely vegan menu, Bodhi also has great gluten-free and nut-free options. Kids will love trying to spear brightly-coloured dumplings with chopsticks and sampling the custard-filled pig buns for dessert.
Bodhi Restaurant Bar 2/4 College St, Sydney Hours: Yum cha Wed-Fri 11am-3pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Dinner (a la carte) Tue-Sun 5pm-10pm. https://www.bodhirestaurant.com.au/
Armory Wharf Cafe – Newington
The Armory Wharf Café in Sydney Olympic Park is a family-friendly, waterfront cafe with a casual vibe and al fresco seating.
Located on the edge of the Parramatta River in the Newington Nature Reserve, the Armory Wharf Café is a licensed venue that has stunning 270-degree water views of mangroves and the industrial Armory wharf.
Right next door to the cafe is the excellent Blaxland Riverside Park playground – you’ll have to pry the kids off the equipment to leave at the end of the day!
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Centennial Park, the newly opened Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden is designed to connect children with nature and engage all five of their senses.
Inside the Garden, children can indeed run wild and explore the environment which includes around 12,000 plants, a water play area featuring 11 water jets and mist machines, a 7-metre tall treehouse with a bridge leading to it and slide leading down, a 10-metre tunnel, a bamboo forest, a sand pit, and, our favourite, a wide open space with logs and rocks for climbing and branches for building teepees or cubby houses.
The Garden was created for children aged 2 – 12, of all abilities. Within each of the “spaces” of the garden there are plenty of ways for kids to engage with their surroundings regardless of their age or background. Every section of the Garden has been created in a way that it is a blank canvas that is open to interpretation by the child to project their own imagination onto, and create their own world and games inside.
We visited the Garden on its opening weekend and it was absolutely packed, which is understandable. It’s a delightful place with a lot of attention to small details such as trails for kids to run down and a forest of bamboo that they can disappear into.
While the garden is a decent size it’s not massive and it wasn’t big enough to cope with the amount of people who visited when we were there. Plants were getting trampled and even ripped out by kids (where were their parents???? I have no idea!!), and the line to get up into the treehouse and slide back down again was so crowded it looked unsafe for littles to get involved.
Hopefully when its newness has worn off the Garden will have less less people there on a regular basis so it’s able to be a safe and enjoyable environment for the little kids it was designed for.
We spent the majority of our time in the garden building a cubby house made out of the big sticks that are provided and decorating it with rocks, bark and ferns we found lying around. Unfortunately the greenery had been ripped off plants by other kids before we arrived – we used it to decorate since it was already on the ground, but did tell Cheese that we don’t rip branches off trees.
Entry to the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden is free. There is a van serving coffee, drinks and snacks inside the garden plus excellent bathroom facilities.
Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden Centennial Park Hours: The Garden is open daily, 10am-5pm. Where to find the Garden: Located in Centennial Park, off Grand Drive and adjacent to the Education Precinct.
Sydney kids are so spoiled! There are literally so many things to do in Sydney with kids that it will take you an entire childhood here to discover them all. If you’re visiting for a day, a week, a month or are a local, here you’ll find a multitude of things to do in Sydney with kids.
The Best Things To Do In Sydney With Kids
In The City Centre
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take little builders to Sydney’s 2nd LEGO Certified store inside the Broadway Sydney shopping centre. Kids will love playing with bricks, building their own minifigure and more.
The Coal Loader is an historic venue in North Sydney, including a large green space, community garden, elevated platform with harbour views, bush walks and the Coal Loader Cafe.
Enjoy some of the most beautiful harbour views in Sydney from Berry Island Reserve, a bushland island in North Sydney.
Berry Island Reserve is a small, circular island, connected to the mainland by a grassed causeway. It features bushwalks, picnic facilities and a small but excellent adventure playground.
The 123-hectare garden is dedicated to growing Australian native plants. It’s a great spot for bushwalking, picnicking and learning about the environment. Kids can ride bikes along the trails or play in the playground.
The Canopy is a vibrant new precinct in Lane Cove, featuring a village green and children’s playground, restaurants, living green wall and solar arbour.
A serene spot in Lavender Bay, the garden was created in 1992 by Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse to artist Brett Whiteley, following her by then ex-husband’s death.
We love Wendy’s Secret garden. It’s a really special space for kids to follow the weaving pathways through lush foliage and discover little secrets hidden in nooks and crannies.
Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation that supports wildlife conservation. Opened in 1816 overlooking Sydney Harbour, the zoo is home to over 4,000 animals; Australian native wildlife plus rare and endangered exotic animals. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo for a scenic 12 minute voyage, then catch the Sky Safari, Sydney’s only cable car, to the top of the zoo.
Zoo highlights include the QBE Free-Flight Bird Show that features spectacular birds flying against the stunning Sydney Sydney Harbour, the new Tiger Trek exhibit and Lemur Forest Adventure where visitors can walk into the lemur enclosure.
There are two excellent playgrounds at Taronga Zoo, one at the Lemur Forest Adventure and the other at the farm animals section.
Take adventurous kids and adults to Wild Ropes at Taronga Zoo for a challenging walk among the trees, with the best view in Sydney to boot. Wild Ropes is located right in the heart of Taronga Zoo Sydney, winding through the treetops above the Australian Walkabout. It’s seperate entry to the zoo, however, so if you want to visit the zoo as well, you will need to buy a combined ticket that includes entry to both.
Nutcote is the house of renowned children’s author and illustrator, May Gibbs, creator of the Gumnut Babies. The house is now a museum dedicated to Gibbs’ life and work. While parents and older kids will enjoy reading about the history of the property and author while walking through the museum, littlies will love darting around the gardens and spotting Gibb’s characters and dressing up as a gumnut baby.
Located at Milsons Point right on the waterfront, Luna Park is a superbly restored 1930s amusement park. Particularly popular is Coney Island, an old-school funhouse that has been entertaining families for almost 80 years.
This pool, located next to Luna Park on the waterfront, has the best views in Sydney! Swim with the iconic Sydney Harbour as your backdrop. The North Sydney Olympic Pool features an outdoor 50 metre pool, toddler pool and baby splash pool, plus an indoor 24 metre pool, wading pool and spa.
North Sydney Skate Plaza
A great spot for kids to bring their scooters, skateboards and bikes to try the various angled ramps, grinding edges and bars. There are bubblers and public toilets available. park on Earnest Street.
Little Succers, Neutral Bay
Get your hands dirty at Little Succers Build Your Own Terrarium Bar in Neutral Bay. Create your own succulent masterpiece to take home. Little Succers runs special holiday workshops and can be hired to host children’s parties.
Walkers, runners and cyclists all enjoy the Bay Run, is a 7-kilometre-long path that encircles much of Iron Cove. The scenic path runs right on the water front and is an enclosed loop which makes for an easy start and finish location. Popular places to begin are King George Park, Leichhardt Park or Callan Park. If your kid is into cycling or scooting, this is a gorgeous place to take them. There is a playground right off the path where it passes Leichhardt.
Ballast Point Park
Located at the very tip of the Balmain peninsula, Ballast Point Park was once home to local Aboriginal tribes before European settlers arrived in the early 19th century. The park’s indigenous history is recognised in a dual name – Walama – which means ‘to return’. The 2.6-hectare park opened in 2009 with several design features that highlight its history. Ballast Point Park has stunning harbour views and is a popular picnic and barbecue spot for families.
Newtown street art and cafes
Catch the train to Newtown Station and wander the streets of one of Sydney’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. Walk down alley ways to discover works of art painted on buildings around almost every corner, grab a bite to eat on King Street and let kids run off steam at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. There is an excellent gated playground in the park.
We love this large, shady park with its gated playground, right in the heart of Newtown. Kids love the climbing equipment and sand pit.
There are benches for sitting and a water bubbler. There are no bathrooms in the park. Camperdown Memorial Rest Park is located at Federation Road, Lennox and Church Streets, Newtown.
Enmore Park, Marrickville
Kids can play astronauts at this excellent park which features two space rockets, a large grassy area with plenty of trees, swings, slides, a climbing net and see-saw. The park has partial shade so bring a hat and sunscreen.
The Annette Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre is located in the park so bring swimmers if it’s hot. There are plenty of kid-friendly cafes nearby, including Petty Cash, which is just across the road from the playground.
Livvi’s Place in Five Dock, Sydney, is a playground designed for children of all abilities. The equipment and unique design of the playground ensures that all kids, including those with special needs, are able to enjoy playing side-by-side.
This brand new library opened in September 2019 with a collection of 85,000 books. The Marrickville Library and Pavilion also features a landscaped outdoor garden and children’s playground and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.
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.
Get more info on visiting the Sydney Bus Museum here.
Tramsheds and Harold Park
One of our fave places to eat and play in Sydney! The Tramsheds is home to a full-size restored tram that kids can climb inside, plus a wide range of family-friendly restaurants.
Outside the Tramsheds lies Harold Park, an expansive park featuring a custom-built playground.
This beautiful park is an oasis of calm on busy Norton Street. There is a large playground with sand play area, a memorial to the service people of Leichhardt who lost their lives in WW1, a rotunda and lovely rose garden as well as plenty of shady space under trees to enjoy.
In Sydney’s South West and West
Fairfield Adventure Park Playground
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.
Bigge Park in Liverpool, a south-west suburb of Sydney, received a $5 million upgrade a few years back. The upgrade included a fantastic free water play area. Bigge Park also includes an accessible playground, a regular playground and climbing equipment.
Parramatta’s first all-inclusive playground opened in early 2019. It features climbing structures, water play with a splash play area and water pumps, an elevated sandpit, an accessible carousel, swings, BBQ facilities and excellent bathrooms.
The Canterbury-Bankstown area’s first all-abilities playground opened in late 2018, a joint project between Variety, the Children’s Charity, and the Touched by Olivia foundation. The fully-fenced playground features picnic and bbq facilities, bathrooms, Variety Livvi’s Place includes a sensory zone, flying fox with accessible seats, a climbing net, trampoline, swings with accessible seats, water play area, a climbing tower with ground level play features, two nest swings, roller table, accessible carousel, slides, a nature trail, sand play and a lizard log carved from wood.
The delightfully zen Auburn Botanic Gardens are located in Auburn, in South-West Sydney. Established in 1977, the gardens are surprisingly tucked away in a suburban pocket between rows of houses. Spread over 9.7 hectares, the gardens are a serene place to enjoy nature. They include a waterfall, inclusive playground, Japanese garden and plenty of native animals like kangaroos and wildlife.
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.
The brand new Casula Parklands has something for everyone, from toddlers to adults. Located near the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, the park features play equipment and fitness training for all ages.
The $15 million park includes a ninja warrior training course for teens and adults, toddler climbing equipment, older kid / tween climbing equipment, flying foxes, swings, on and off-leash dog parks and a fitness area.
The Central Gardens Nature Reserve, also called the Central Gardens, is a nature reserve in the southwest Sydney suburb of Merrylands. The 12 hectare park features two playgrounds, animal enclosures, BBQ areas, a flat path perfect for scooters and bikes, plus a small waterfall feature.
A gorgeous spot for families with one of the biggest playgrounds in Sydney set among three hectares of rolling hills and big open spaces. The playground caters for kids of all ages and abilities with a fantastic water play area (the largest outdoor water play facility in NSW), moving play elements, high and steep landforms and hidden and confined spaces. There’s a double flying fox, mega-swing, tunnel slides, scramble wall, spinning play disk, Viking swing and a multi-level tree house to be discovered and enjoyed.
Inside the Museums Discovery Centre you’ll find millions of treasures and the opportunity to learn about museum collecting, conservation and research practices.
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.
Explore Australia’s unique plant life at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, a 416-hectare botanical garden located in Mount Annan, between Campbelltown and Camden. The wide, flat paths are a delight to follow as they weave in and around the garden areas, as are the grassy hills to roll down!
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has free entry, picnic shelters, barbecues and a playground with an excellent flying fox, making it the perfect outing for families.
A privately-owned zoo in Doonside, near Blacktown, Featherdale Wildlife Park specialises in Australian native wildlife and birds, as well as reptiles and marsupials.
The place to introduce city kids to a farm! Calmsley Hill City Farm has plenty of farm animals to get up close to, plus tractor rides and interactive shows such as sheep shearing, a small playground, picnic area and cafe.
Watch a movie under the stars at Sydney’s last remaining drive-in movie theatre. Introduce kids to the movie experience of a bygone era complete with a Happy Days-style diner, spiders and choc-tops. The gates open at 5:30pm, with parking allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Tune your car’s FM radio or bring along a portable radio to hear the movie. Before you leave home, check session times for what’s on.
Sydney Olympic Park
The site of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games is now a monument to sporting legends and a peaceful parkland. Visit Cathy Freeman Park to see the Olympic Cauldron that was used throughout the games and has been transformed into a water feature that kids love to play under in summer, located next to a shady playground and vast grassy field.
To get there: Take a 30 minute train trip from Central Station to Olympic Park Station or a ferry from Circular Quay to Sydney Olympic Park Wharf.
While adults will enjoy swimming in the same pool that Ian Thorpe won his Olympic gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, kids will go wild over the water slide, Splasher’s Water Playground that caters for kids aged toddler and up, and Rapid River Ride that caters to all ages. Comfortably heated to 26 degrees, the Aquatic Centre is year-round fun.
To get there: Take a 30 minute train trip from Central Station to Olympic Park Station or a ferry from Circular Quay to Sydney Olympic Park Wharf.
Bicentennial Park
A fave for families with its wide expanses of undulating hills, plenty of shade and picnic spots. Bicentennial Park is a beautiful location that combines mangrove wetlands with 40 hectares of gentle hills, meadows, lakes, playgrounds and picnic shelters. Driving to this park is the best option but parking can also be a challenge so arrive early.
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.
Carnes Hill Community & Recreation Precinct & Skate Plaza
This lively community precinct includes an excellent library with large kids’ area, excellent playground, community centre, outdoor fitness stations, gym, cafe, sports courts and picnic areas. The Carnes Hill Skate Plaza is also located in the precinct, a fab spot for kids to bring their scooters and bikes and enjoy a sprawling park that is suitable for all ages and levels of experience.
Images courtesy of Liverpool City Council
Parramatta
The second oldest city in Australia, Parramatta was founded in 1788 – the same year as Sydney. Walk up Church street to discover its vibrant, multicultural food scene, or walk along the river to discover the city’s rich history.
This World Heritage Listed park is a must see. Gazetted as a People’s Park in 1858, Parramatta Park been a place for locals to enjoy for over 150 years. It’s also home to Old Government House, a historic site and museum and Australia’s oldest surviving building. Parramatta Park also features wide open spaces with shady trees for picnics, a large formal rose garden, a creek and two playgrounds. Get info on upcoming events in Parramatta Park.
Domain Creek Playground Parramatta Park
The largest and most modern playground in Parramatta Park, the Domain Creek Playground is nature-based and features mazes made from branches and wires, water pumps and sand diggers, a flying fox and sunken trampolines.
Paperback Playground is the newest playground in the park and has some inclusive features. Located in the historic Gardens Precinct near the George Street Gatehouse, the playground is best suited to children and toddlers. Features include an accessible sandpit, swings and a carousel which kids with varied mobility, including wheelchair users, can use, as well as the ‘explorer dome’ centrepiece – a maze made of nets, ropes, ladders and tubes best suited to older children. The playground floor is covered with ‘Softfall’ pavements and there’s plenty of seats for parents and carers.
An urban park and nature reserve located in Sydney’s western suburbs, the Western Sydney Parklands contains various parks and attractions that are perfect for families to enjoy.
Plough and Harrow
This popular picnic spot is surrounded by bush and features a playground, cafe, high ropes course and wide open spaces for kids to run free. The playground’s hamster wheel is particularly popular!
Adventurous kids will adore getting up high in the gum trees with the Treetop self-guided rope courses. With rope ladders, wobbly bridges and zip lines to navigate, it’s the perfect place for kids to test their problem-solving ability as well as push physical boundaries. Kids must be aged three and older to participate, with the children’s rope course designed for ages 3-9. Treetops Adventure park is located at the Plough and Harrow park.
Located next to the sprawling Western Sydney Parklands, Sydney Zoo is home to over 2000 animal species, housed in 30 custom, state-of-the-art exhibits.
Cool down at Raging Waters Sydney (formerly Wen ‘n’ Wild), a water theme park filled with over 40 slides, a zone dedicated to kids under 5 and a sandy beach. Popular with younger kids is the Nickelodeon Beach water splash park area that features characters like Dora, Spongebob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Opened in 2017, Bungarribee is a 200-hectare recreational space that features walking and cycling tracks, 20 barbecues, 13 picnic shelters and a playground with a climbing tower, flying fox, plenty of slides, swings and a water play area.
Livvi’s Place is a full-enclosed playground located in Yamble Reserve, Ryde. The reserve features formal gardens, deciduous trees, picnic shelters, large green grassed areas, barbecues and the excellent all-abilities playground, Livvi’s Place. Livvi’s Place playground includes a water pump play area, dual flying fox, nest swing, musical instruments, climbing frame and tunnels.
Designed especially for children to get close to farm animals, at Golden Ridge kids can hold baby chicks, ducklings and rabbits, milk a cow and bottle feed baby lambs.
Putt your way through two 18-hole themed mini golf courses at Dural Putt Putt. The perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Dural Putt Putt has two themed 18-hole mini golf courses to complete, Camelot & Space Trek. Each course winds its way through picturesque landscaped gardens and are equally challenging.
A great spot to take kids in summer, Putney Park features climbing equipment for kids of all ages plus two shallow pools connected by a pebble creek and a large climbing web.
Vaucluse House was built in 1803 and was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution. It’s oOne 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.
A play centre like no other in Sydney, Nubo is an innovative and educational play space that is designed to spark children’s creativity and imagination. Connect with your children as they explore the library, art studio, dramatic play room and ball pit. There’s even a rope climbing structure with slides and a cafe serving healthy food.
La Perouse is located on the north headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The headland is an historic part of Sydney as well as a place to enjoy stunning beaches, explore rock pools and spot wildlife. Bare Island is home to a fort, rock pools and an indigenous market.
Located at the southern head of the entrance to Sydney Harbour, Watson’s Bay is a very popular place for families to spend weekends. It features stunning Sydney Harbour view, gentle waves on the shore that are perfect for kids to paddle in, a massive park with a shaded and gated playground, plus the iconic Doyle’s fish and chips. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay for the ultimate family day trip.
Get more info on Watson’s Bay and other Sydney beaches.
Bondi to Bronte Walk
This 6km return walk will take you past some of Sydney’s most breathtaking scenery. Starting at the iconic Iceburgs Dining Room and Bar at the south end of Bondi Beach, the walk winds south along the rocky cliff face past Tamarama to Bronte Beach.
Start at either end and either walk or take a bus back to the starting point. There are plenty of cafes and facilities at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Beach, or you can bring a picnic lunch. At the halfway point there is a playground for kids to enjoy. Note: the path is too rocky for a stroller and runs along a sheer cliff face so take older kids or babies in carriers.
Green Square Library
The underground Green Square Library opened in late 2018. It features a water play area in the outside plaza, public artworks, dedicated kids zone with books and DVDs, vintage game stations for rent, a piano for hire, a sunken garden, kid-friendly cafe and take-home makerspace kits for kids aged 5+. The library also runs school holiday workshops and story time sessions.
Sydney’s first certified LEGO® store is located in Westfield Bondi Junction. The Store features inspiring creations built out of LEGO® bricks, hands-on LEGO® experiences and plenty of LEGO® kits to buy.
A 40 hectare green space near St Peter’s, Sydney Park was built in the space once occupied by Bedford Brickworks – the chimneys of which have been left and are a feature of the park that can be seen from some distance away. Features of the park include a large playground on its western side, the Sydney Park Cycling Centre on its northern side, winding pathways over hills for walking and cycling, wetlands, a kiosk and bathrooms.
Consists of 360 hectares including Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queen’s Park. The Parklands are listed on the NSW Heritage Register.
Centennial Park
The largest of the three parks that make up Centennial Parklands, Centennial Park is one of Australia’s most famous parks, and a haven for inner city families to ride bikes, horses (there are several horse riding stables located in the park as well as pony ride on weekends), picnic, play and explore. The park features ponds with ducks, formal gardens, statues, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden
The brand new Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden opened in Centennial Park in October 2017. The 6500sq m nature-based play area features a 7m-high climbing tower, wooden bridge, water play area and an open play area where kids are encouraged to use sticks and natural materials to make their own shelters, artworks and games.
This park consists of 115 hectares of open spaces and playing fields, including the ES Marks Athletics Field, an 18-hole public golf course and golf driving range, tennis courts and netball courts.
The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park has plenty for kids to do, from plaster painting, a Hoyts movie cinema, Monkey Mania play centre, Strike Bowling as well as two partially shaded playgrounds with excellent bathroom facilities.
Queen’s Park
A 26-hectare urban park with panoramic views and natural sandstone cliffs. Queen’s Park has an excellent gated and partially shaded playground for kids next to a kid-friendly cafe, Queen’s Park Shed (read more here).
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Bounce it out with more than 117 interconnected trampolines at Sky Zone, Alexandria. Kids can also tackle 30 different climbing challenges at Sky Climb.
Opening in March 2020, Newmarket Dining is a place to eat at cosy cafes and restaurants, picnic in the park and play at a state-of-the-art playground. The playground features inclusive elements and an amazing spiral slide.
Home to hundreds of animals including a koala breeding sanctuary, reptile house and a Sumatran tiger, Symbio Wildlife Park is a great family outing particularly for little kids thanks to its relatively small size. The kangaroo paddock with roaming roos happy to be pat and pose for photos is a particular favourite.
Oatley Park is a 45-hectare bushland reserve on the northern side of the Georges River. It is bounded by the Georges River, Lime Kiln Bay, and Jew Fish Bay. Oatley Park features an inclusive adventure playground, a netted swimming bath, short, easy bush walking tracks, picnic areas and other free amenities for the local community to enjoy.
The Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground is an adventure playground designed to blend into its bush setting, incorporating nature-based play elements and built with predominantly natural materials.
The park features seperate play zones with a toddler play area, a flying fox with river views, an active play zone, giant tube slides and a teen zone.
Jubilee Park Adventure Playground, Mortdale, Sydney
The Jubilee Park Adventure Playground in Mortdale, Sydney, features a large climbing frame with nets and slides, a children’s bike track, junior swings, flying foxes and multi-purpose sports courts.
The excellent new multi-million dollar Jubilee Park Adventure Playground is a great addition to the community. Built behind the existing Mortdale Community Centre, the playground has revitalised the park and given the community a great spot to picnic, play and get fit.
This 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!”
Australia’s only dedicated children’s museum is located on the campus of the University of Wollongong in Sydney’s south. The Early Start Discovery Space is designed for kids aged 12 and under and features 14 interactive spaces designed to spark the imagination as they build, create and explore through play. A particular hit is the Tummy Tour, where kids can imagine themselves as a piece of food and crawl through an inflatable digestive system.
Science Space in Wollongong has over 100 interactive science-based exhibits, a planetarium, live shows, plus a gift shop and cafe.
The major hands-on science venue of southern New South Wales, Science Space is suitable for all ages, with two floors of interactive exhibits, plus live shows in the science theatre and Australia’s most digitally advanced Planetarium. Science Space is the major hands-on science venue of southern New South Wales.
The Royal National Park is one of the oldest in the world. Established in 1879 the park spans 160 square kilometres and makes for the perfect family day trip with plenty of spots for picnics, bbqs, bushwalking, swimming, fishing and whale watching. There’s wildlife to discover and Aboriginal heritage to explore. Enter the park by car, ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena or a tram from the Sydney Tramway Museum in Loftus.
A popular spot for families in the Royal National Park, Wattamolla is the name of a cove, lagoon, and beach. It’s an absolutely stunning spot with a flat lagoon for kids to swim in, a waterfall and a beach with rocks to climb on.
Visit local libraries across Sydney to spend a few hours perusing books in quiet children’s areas. There are 11 public libraries in inner Sydney alone, with many offering activities for kids. Find an inner Sydney library and what’s on.
Sydney has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, ferries and light rail. If you’re in Sydney for a few says, buy an Opal card to use public transport – the one card gives you daily travel caps and enables you to use all four transport systems, plus lets you use the $2.50 per person Sunday cap. Taxis and Uber in Sydney are expensive so walking plus public transport are your best options.
Driving in Sydney
To see a lot of Sydney and its surrounds, it’s advisable to hire a car. International visitors may use a foreign driver’s licence in NSW. Note that all speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 per cent or higher, or to drive under the influence of illegal drugs.
When to visit
Sydney is the perfect year-round travel destination due to its temperate climate. It does, however, get extreme heat in summer (December to February). While the average maximum temperatures are around 26°C (78.8°F), it can reach over 40°C (104°f) during this time of year. Summer is also the most humid time of year to visit, with average humidity of 65%.
Winter (June – August) average maximum temperatures are around 16°C (60.8°F). Sydney’s highest rainfall is between March and June.
National Emergency Services
The national phone number for all emergency services in Australia, including ambulance, fire and police, is 000. You can dial Triple Zero within Australia from any fixed line, mobile phone, pay phone and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. If you have a GSM digital mobile phone, you can also dial the international standard emergency number 112.
Where to stay
For a short stay, hotels in the CBD particularly around Circular Quay and The Rocks will make it easy to get around as they’re close to public transport as well as main attractions. Darling Harbour is also a good choice particularly for families.
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Vivid at Taronga Zoo is back! 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.
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, this year’s 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.
“Lights for the Wild” is a spectacularly interactive and immersive event. The sculptures have been especially designed to interact with a state-of-the-art wristband worn by visitors, making for a very special evening where you can become the light the wild needs (more on the wristbands below).
Our favourites this year included the new buzzing bees, the chameleon from last year that now is even more interactive (you can use your wrist band to activate it!) and a giant interactive Port Jackson Shark that “swallowed” us.
Everything you need to know about Vivid at Taronga Zoo 2017
Getting there
While you can catch the ferry, we prefer to drive and park there for $9 after 4pm. 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: the more kid-friendly 5:30pm-7:30pm slot and 7:30pm-9:30pm.
Buy tickets in advance
Buy your tickets from the Taronga Zoo website.
Prices: Adult $21.95 + booking fee, Child (4-15 years) $16.95 + booking fee, Child (under 4) are 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 well before the lights go on at 5:30pm so you get in ahead of most of the people in your timed session. The lights are projected onto the entrance well before 5:30pm so if you arrive early you can watch this screening and then head through, check out the sculptures that are placed before the ticketed gate, and be first in line when 5:30pm strikes and the doors open.
Watch the show at the entrance
The front entry wall has a spectacular light show projected onto it that many of the kids say is always the highlight of their evening. We often watch the show at the beginning before heading in, and then linger longer as we are existing. The wall comes to life with animals and colour, all moving over the entrance gates. Well worth watching the entire show cycle through at least once.
Collect your wrist band
This year, all visitors get a very high tech wristband that changes colour over the course of the light trail through the zoo. When you approach sculptures the colour on the wristband changes.
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.
Recycle Your Wristband
The interactive wristbands are recyclable, but they need to be sent to a specific facility for this to happen. On your way out, drop your wristband into the dedicated bin in the top plaza (the location can be found on the Vivid map). Wristbands are free to all paid ticket holders. Additional wristbands can be bought on site for $5 each.
The light trail takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. The whole trail is extremely stroller and wheelchair accessible.
There are family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms available for use at the entrance at throughout the trail (please check the map).
A tale as old as time has captured the imagination of a new generation. I never thought when I sat down to watch Beauty and the Beast in a movie theatre in 1991 that 16 years later I would be sharing the same classic experience with my own daughter.
The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel is heritage-listed 5-star hotel located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and shopping district. We often stop by for high tea because they are brilliant at theming them to current cultural events such as the release of the new live action version of Beauty and the Beast. (In the past I’ve enjoyed their Sleeping Beauty and Archibald high teas, run in collaboration with the Australian Ballet and the Art Gallery of NSW).
This tea could not have been a more perfect fit for my little Belle-want-to-be. She is deep in the “Disney princess” stage and was enchanted at the beautiful decorating inside the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel.
I couldn’t hold her back as she fluttered from one themed area to the next – from the gorgeous rose inside the glass dome at the check in desk to the roses and books in the foyer and the gigantic rose inside the Soiree, where the high teas are served.
Our table was made up with exquisite attention to detail: rose-shaped napkins in the tea cups, themed menus and a gold leaf runner that all hinted at the enchantment to come.
A Beauty and the Beast activity pack kept the little one well and truly occupied until our food arrived. The look on her face when she saw the platters of rose-themed goodies? Priceless. The smile says it all.
Savouries
Tomato tartlet
Roasted Angus beef on whole wheat bread
Salmon gravlax and tomato on Viennese baguette
* Vegetarian alternative to these were two avocado and tomato sandwiches
Desserts
Strawberry tartlet
Rose and Raspberry Religieuse
Passion cheesecake
Berry macaron
White chocolate dome
Homemade scones
Cream and homemade jam
The children’s high tea was almost the same as the adult one, with one less sandwich and the white chocolate dome replaced with a more kid-friendly cupcake with a rose on top.
As the high tea is light on savouries with more of a focus on the sweets, I would recommend having this high tea as an afternoon tea rather than as a substitution for lunch.
We both really enjoyed the variety of sweets. My favourites were the passion cheesecake with its tart notes of passionfruit and the exquisite rose and raspberry religieuse topped with delicate gold leaf, while Cheese loved the berry macaron, the rose cupcake – not to mention the avocado and tomato sandwiches, of which she ate all, even mine.
After the kid polished off her food and completed the activity book we took a walk around the hotel to see the rest of the Beauty and the Beast theming. A Belle-inspired dress rests in the back of the foyer, near the entrance to the Wentworth Library, where a special corner has been set aside to become “Belle’s Reading Corner”.
We sat and read through all three versions of Beauty and the Beast that were available, then decided it was time to check into our room.
I’ve never had a hotel check in into a room feel like a special experience before, so it was a first for me, too, when we were presented with a gorgeous silk rose along with our room keys.
Inside our junior suite on the 12th floor, another surprise awaited us – a delightful display of rose cupcakes, a Beauty and the Beast book and activity pack, plus the masterpiece of the theming, an Enchanted Rose Bluetooth Speaker that played music from our phones and lit up like magic.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that we spent a lot of time that evening just playing with the speaker ….
After a night sleeping on some of the most comfortable beds ever, we head down stairs for breakfast in the Garden Court. A buffet breakfast is included in our package, as is a complimentary dinner for kids up to age 12. The buffet has a fantastic array of breads, cheeses, meats, cereals, fruit and yogurt, with a hot section where you can also order eggs, waffles, French toast and pancakes to order.
We check out of the hotel rested and enchanted after our special Beauty and the Beast night at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Most of our hotel stays are purely functional, but this one has been special. As we walk out of the lobby, Cheese turns to us and says, “We have special memories here”. That we do.
Beauty and the Beast High Tea prices:
$69* per adult
$29** per child
$79* per person including a glass of sparkling wine
$89* per person including a glass of Veuve Clicquot
*Subject to availability and conditions apply. Available daily in Soirée 11am till 5pm until 30/06/2017. Bookings are required. Accor Plus discount does not apply.
**Available for children aged 3-12 years, includes “Beauty and the Beast” activity kit.
Offer available during the promotional period 9 March – 30 June 2017
Inside the Garden, children can indeed run wild and explore the environment which includes around 12,000 plants, a water play area featuring 11 water jets and mist machines, a 7-metre tall treehouse with a bridge leading to it and slide leading down, a 10-metre tunnel, a bamboo forest, a sand pit, and, our favourite, a wide open space with logs and rocks for climbing and branches for building teepees or cubby houses.
Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation that supports wildlife conservation. Opened in 1816 overlooking Sydney Harbour, the zoo is home to over 4,000 animals; Australian native wildlife plus rare and endangered exotic animals. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo for a scenic 12 minute voyage, then catch the Sky Safari, Sydney’s only cable car, to the top of the zoo.
While adults will enjoy swimming in the same pool that Ian Thorpe won his Olympic gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, kids will go wild over the water slide, Splasher’s Water Playground that caters for kids aged toddler and up, and Rapid River Ride that caters to all ages. Comfortably heated to 26 degrees, the Aquatic Centre is year-round fun.
