Between the Blue Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Sydney is a popular city in New South Wales, Australia. A family vacation to the capital city is fantastic no matter how old the kids are because there is something for everyone to enjoy. From the sandy beaches to the theme parks, you’ll all have fun.
Photo by April Pethybridge
You can dive with the sharks and see some amazing marine creatures at the Sea Life Aquarium and meet some cool animals at the Taronga Zoo or the Wild Life Sydney Zoo. They even have a few theme parks to enjoy. Just find the nearest suitcase storage locker in Sydney to drop off your backpacks and heavy bags before going.
Photo by David Clode
Animal Parks
- Taronga Park Zoo
The zoo is a blast for everyone no matter their age and Taronga Zoo has over 5,000 animals in 350 different species. Opened in 1916, this zoo has 69 acres of fun from the Asian elephant exhibit to the tiger trek and you don’t want to miss the wild ropes course. Be sure to stop and get souvenirs at the gift shop.
- Wildlife Sydney Zoo
For a more intimate zoo trip, the Wildlife Sydney Zoo has a bunch of endangered Australian animals including the Aussie Big Five. The big five include the koala, kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, quokka, and the echidna, which is the oldest mammal on earth. They also have a numbat named Frankie who was saved by Project Numbat.
- Featherdale Wildlife Park
Winner of the Major Tourist Attraction, this park is popular with superstars like Matt Damon, Robert DeNiro, Gwen Stefani, and Leonardo DiCaprio. You can meet the animals with a quokka encounter, croc deck visit, walk through lorikeet aviary, or help with a kangaroo feeding. They even have koala encounters.
Photo by TJ Fitzsimmons
Fish and Reptiles
- Sea Life Aquarium
If you would rather see some marine animals, you and the kids will love Sea Life Aquarium. Some of the exhibits include Pig the Dugong, shark valley, the penguin expedition, and the discovery rockpool. See jellyfish, turtles, rays, and vibrant colored tropical fish, and then get some souvenirs at the gift shop.
- Discovery Whale Watching Cruise
See the wildlife out in their own habitat on a whale watching cruise. There are six different cruises to choose from. The two-hour speedboat tour gets you out there in a hurry, but they slow down and let you get pics when you find a pod. The four-hour luxury cruise includes in-depth info and an open bar.
- Australian Reptile Park
For croc lovers, the Australian Reptile Park has a plethora of attractions to enjoy. Elvis the crocodile is always home, or you can go see Ploddy the diplodocus. Spider world and the Komodo dragon exhibit are exciting, and the alligator lagoon is full of toothy gators. Don’t miss the platypus house and frog hollow.
Photo by Annie Spratt
Theme Parks
- Luna Park
Luna Park has been open since 1935 and they are open all year long. They boast 23 park rides and four roller coasters, and the Midway is the main section of the park with all the carnival games, rides, and food. The Super Shot drop tower is one of the most popular, but the Ferris wheel gives you a great view of the city.
- Tree Tops Adventure Park
Get out into the Australian bush and see things from up in the treetops with activities for kids and adults from three years and up. They have more than 100 obstacles like ziplines, cargo nets, tunnels, bridges, and rope ladders. There are four courses for the young kids and four courses for those 10 years and up.
- VR Quest
Blast some aliens and zombies with your machine gun, race around a track on a bike or race car, or fly over Paris and Singapore on the VR Sled. VR Quest is Australia’s first VR theme park. Kids five and up can enjoy a boxing workout, play Belly Bots or Fruit Ninja, and go to Candyland, or ride with Santa through the skies.
Photo by madeleine ragsdale
Beaches
- Balmoral Beach
Protected from the wind and waves, the waters at Balmoral Beach are perfect for families with little ones. You can all go swimming or rent some equipment for kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. Or just enjoy the sandy beach and sunny skies with some fish ‘n’ chips from a nearby concession stand.
- Manly Beach
This is a fantastic beach for surfers or for those who just want to watch since it is Australia’s most famous surfing beach. They also have a long promenade with restaurants, bars, and small shops to explore. Or get some snorkeling equipment and check out the beautiful coral reef and tropical fish.
- Bondi Beach
Another great surfing beach, Bondi is actually the Aboriginal word for surf. The nearby headlands are the perfect spot to see some whales and dolphins between May and November. You can also see fairy penguins here swimming around. Also nearby are award-winning eateries and great shops for souvenirs.
Photo by April Pethybridge
Fun Museums
- Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Get some selfies with the late Steve Irwin, famous croc hunter at Madame Tussaud’s. See superheroes Spiderman, Iron Man, Batman, and Superman. And strike a pose with Taylor Swift, Adele, Pink, or Keith Urban. You can even get selfies with E.T, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth II, or the Dalai Lama.
- Australian Museum
Opened in 1827, Australia’s first museum is also one of the most interesting according to the local kids. From anthropology to zoology, you and the kids can learn about everything from ancient humans to zebras. The little ones will be in awe of the T-Rex and other giant beasts and will even get a chance to dress up like one.
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not
When you want to see something strange, odd, or fascinating, Ripley’s is the place to go. See how you measure up next to the tallest man, 8’11” Robert Wadlow, check out some real shrunken heads and get some cool shots of undersea mysteries. The World of Illusions will really stretch your imagination.