7 Family-Friendly Attractions to Visit in Sydney

Sydney is a popular vacation destination for families, but without the right prep you may find yourself unsure of where to go or what to do upon your arrival. It has a notably upscale–and even uptight–feel to it, especially if you’ve come from the more laid back Perth or Melbourne. But fear not, there are plenty of places for families to visit in the stunning city. If you’re planning a trip to Australia’s most populated metropolis, consider these kid-friendly destinations for a spot on your itinerary:

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

This is the perfect place to spend a rainy day while in Sydney. From the walk-through shark tunnel to the huge dugong exhibit, you’ll have plenty of chances to get up close with all kinds of friendly aquatic creatures. Make a point to see the aquarium’s amazing dugong named Wuru (pictured below). Do yourself a favour and buy a 5-attraction pass (available in a family pack as well), which gives you access to 4 other popular tourist hot spots while in Sydney.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Entrance to this national treasure is free, though families may want to spring for the scenic train tour which runs every day and costs $5 per child and $10 per adult. You can also sign up for the Aboriginal heritage tour, which gives guests the chance to learn about this unique culture and even taste some bush foods.

Luna Park

This sweet little amusement park is referred to by some as the “Coney Island of Sydney.” The ferris wheel is easily the park’s greatest attraction and is located right on the water, giving riders absolutely incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Your family will love traveling here via ferry from Circular Quay.

Bondi Beach

Spend a day exploring the city with unlimited “hop on/hop off” bus passes for the whole family and be sure to make a stop at the world-famous Bondi Beach. It can be hard to find a good spot on weekends and other busy days, but your kids will have fun splashing in the water or flying a kite on shore. You can even buy a day pass to the iconic Bondi Icebergs Club and enjoy the adult and kids pools that overlook the sea.

Centennial Park

Hire (or “rent,” if you’re used to American English) bikes for the family and head out to explore this beautiful urban park. Before long, your kids will be competing to see who can spot the most wildlife–swans, ducks, flying foxes (those are bats to us out West), and lots of other animals call the park home. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sydney.

Sydney Tower and SKYWALK

If your kids can’t get enough of heights, do not miss your chance to visit “Sydney’s highest outdoor adventure” at Sydney Tower. Sure the views from inside are spectacular, but the real fun is strapping in and heading out to check out the Sydney in the open air–at nearly 900 feet above ground level.

Powerhouse Museum

This eclectic museum features exhibits covering topics as vast as “Interface: People, Machines, Design,” “Student Fashion,” and “Engineering Excellence.” There are lots of opportunities for hands-on interaction, and kids are bound to think the steam engine and Strasbourg clock demonstrations are pretty cool, too!

Half of the fun in Sydney is exploring the area via train, bus, boat, and foot. Give yourself plenty of time to get from place to place so that you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination. And if you’re visiting from abroad, get ready to hear the locals’ own take on the English language.

Even if you consider yourself an English-language expert, you’re bound to be occasionally confused–and often entertained–at Australia’s own version of English. Embrace the quirky differences by making sure your English is up to scratch: contact us for courses today, and get ready for a fun family vacation in Sydney!