Fun Family Holidays Down Under
When deciding on the ideal location for a family holiday; cost and activities for the kids are two of the main considerations.
With great food, more beaches than you could dream of, blessed weather, plentiful nature, art and culture; Sydney, the 'Emerald City' and capital of New South Wales, has it all - and then some. Cast in a glowing light, its ocean or harbour seem to be there at every turn, while jasmine-scented streets of sandstone terraces wind their way down to shady tree lined parks and harbour beaches. Sydney is beautiful and those who live there wouldn't dream of living anywhere else!
Getting to and Staying in Sydney
Return economy flights can be picked up from just under 800 per person, depending on when you go, so keep your eyes peeled for bargains!
You may be surprised how easy it can be on your wallet once you're in Australia. Food, in particular, is great value, while accommodation is also reasonably priced, from backpackers hostels up to five-star hotels. Expect to pay around $80-$150 per night for a mid-range hotel and $300+ for a five-star.
As in any city, apartments can represent the best value for a family, allowing you to save money on eating out, and Sydney has some good beachside rentals. Or why not try one of the Rydges Hotel chains, which offer rooms with two double beds, connecting family rooms or suites with kitchenettes, and often an indoor or outdoor pool. For something a little different, why not think about a home swap!
Fun in the Sun in Sydney…
Bask on the Beach
Pack the sun cream and head to Bondi beach for the day.While the south end is packed with models and media-types in tiny bikinis and big sunglasses, it's the north end that attracts families and everyone else really. This is where you'll find the Bondi Pavilion that has toilets and cafs and a kids' play park - as if the beach wasn't enough fun already!
Ferry to Manly
Take a ferry across the harbour, past the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, to Manly 20 minutes north of the city. Marvel as the hidden crooks of coast reveal moored yachts, bush-lined beaches and gorgeous houses hugging earth as they peer toward the water. Manly's newly renovated quay is full of fresh eating options: Asian noodle and take-away sushi bars, a chocolate caf and ice-cream outlets galore. About five minutes stroll from the harbour quay; Manly's pine-tree-lined beach has a delightful walk to a bush land park, which backs on to a more secluded beach, the wonderfully named Fairy Bower.
Absorbed in Art
Find your way to the Brett Whiteley Studio where, famed for his explosive life, Whiteley captured the essence of Sydney like no-one else. His studio is set amongst the eclectic, bohemian streets of inner-city Surrey Hills, full of Victorian architecture, cafes and artisan food stores, boutiques and vintage shops.
While you're in an arty mood, head for the Sydney Art Gallery, to see Australian (including Aboriginal), Asian, and other international art. There are plenty of kids' workshops, events and tours to keep the younger ones happy. Why not then walk through the park and down from the city to Circular Quay and on to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where you'll also find family workshops, performances, events, school-holiday programs and kids' activities.
Rock On
If your children seem a little restless after an afternoon of culture, point across the water and promise them a trip to the zoo before seeing just one more part of town. A short walk up old stone steps takes you for a wander around The Rocks, where the first Europeans settled in the 18th century. A very pretty area, it's full of heritage attractions, quirky shops selling everything from vintage clothes to hand-made puppets, galleries and museums, parks and restaurants, pubs and cafs with outdoor space to sit and watch the world go by.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
So you promised the kids the zoo. Well, Taronga Zoo on the north side of the harbour should not disappoint! Another great ferry journey away; with vessels leaving from Circular Quay, it takes only 12 minutes to reach it. Once there you'll see plenty of lizards and crocodiles and native species, along with the usual giraffes, elephants and lounging lions. They even have a Komodo dragon!
If the zoo wasn't enough or you need something for another day, then try the Wonderland Theme Park in Western Sydney. This is New South Wales's premier theme park that the kids will love, featuring amazing rides like the spectacular Space Probe 7, the Bush Beast, the Demon Roller Coaster, Hanna Barbara Land and the Snowy River Rampage - a wild rapids water ride. There's also a beach area with pool and water slides.
Sydney's Darling
Darling Harbour is the family hub of Sydney with days' worth of activities here alone.
Take in the Powerhouse Museum or the new Ettamogah Bar and Restaurant at the Harbourside Centre. Another attraction is Gavala, Sydney's only Aboriginal owned and run Cultural Centre. There is also the Australian National Maritime Museum with a host of displays and great school holiday activities. At Darling Harbour's Sydney Aquarium the kids can see grey nurse sharks, Australian fur and harbour seals, saltwater crocodiles skulking in the swamps and 2 large floating 'oceanariums' with 146 metres of underwater tunnel.
At Home on the River
Palm Beach and Pittwater are Sydney's northernmost beach suburbs and also happen to be where Home and Away is filmed. Just north of Palm Beach, Lion Island can be found at the mouth of the mighty Hawkesbury River. It is a great spot for fishing and is traversable for more than 100km. Why not rent a houseboat for a floating holiday or take a 3-4hr trip on the Riverboat Postman that delivers supplies to the local river communities along the shore. You'll be surrounded by the sounds of wildlife and the delicious scents of eucalyptus on the air…you'll definitely know you're in Australia! Book your flights to Sydney for the perfect family getaway!
With great food, more beaches than you could dream of, blessed weather, plentiful nature, art and culture; Sydney, the 'Emerald City' and capital of New South Wales, has it all - and then some. Cast in a glowing light, its ocean or harbour seem to be there at every turn, while jasmine-scented streets of sandstone terraces wind their way down to shady tree lined parks and harbour beaches. Sydney is beautiful and those who live there wouldn't dream of living anywhere else!
Getting to and Staying in Sydney
Return economy flights can be picked up from just under 800 per person, depending on when you go, so keep your eyes peeled for bargains!
You may be surprised how easy it can be on your wallet once you're in Australia. Food, in particular, is great value, while accommodation is also reasonably priced, from backpackers hostels up to five-star hotels. Expect to pay around $80-$150 per night for a mid-range hotel and $300+ for a five-star.
As in any city, apartments can represent the best value for a family, allowing you to save money on eating out, and Sydney has some good beachside rentals. Or why not try one of the Rydges Hotel chains, which offer rooms with two double beds, connecting family rooms or suites with kitchenettes, and often an indoor or outdoor pool. For something a little different, why not think about a home swap!
Fun in the Sun in Sydney…
Bask on the Beach
Pack the sun cream and head to Bondi beach for the day.While the south end is packed with models and media-types in tiny bikinis and big sunglasses, it's the north end that attracts families and everyone else really. This is where you'll find the Bondi Pavilion that has toilets and cafs and a kids' play park - as if the beach wasn't enough fun already!
Ferry to Manly
Take a ferry across the harbour, past the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, to Manly 20 minutes north of the city. Marvel as the hidden crooks of coast reveal moored yachts, bush-lined beaches and gorgeous houses hugging earth as they peer toward the water. Manly's newly renovated quay is full of fresh eating options: Asian noodle and take-away sushi bars, a chocolate caf and ice-cream outlets galore. About five minutes stroll from the harbour quay; Manly's pine-tree-lined beach has a delightful walk to a bush land park, which backs on to a more secluded beach, the wonderfully named Fairy Bower.
Absorbed in Art
Find your way to the Brett Whiteley Studio where, famed for his explosive life, Whiteley captured the essence of Sydney like no-one else. His studio is set amongst the eclectic, bohemian streets of inner-city Surrey Hills, full of Victorian architecture, cafes and artisan food stores, boutiques and vintage shops.
While you're in an arty mood, head for the Sydney Art Gallery, to see Australian (including Aboriginal), Asian, and other international art. There are plenty of kids' workshops, events and tours to keep the younger ones happy. Why not then walk through the park and down from the city to Circular Quay and on to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where you'll also find family workshops, performances, events, school-holiday programs and kids' activities.
Rock On
If your children seem a little restless after an afternoon of culture, point across the water and promise them a trip to the zoo before seeing just one more part of town. A short walk up old stone steps takes you for a wander around The Rocks, where the first Europeans settled in the 18th century. A very pretty area, it's full of heritage attractions, quirky shops selling everything from vintage clothes to hand-made puppets, galleries and museums, parks and restaurants, pubs and cafs with outdoor space to sit and watch the world go by.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
So you promised the kids the zoo. Well, Taronga Zoo on the north side of the harbour should not disappoint! Another great ferry journey away; with vessels leaving from Circular Quay, it takes only 12 minutes to reach it. Once there you'll see plenty of lizards and crocodiles and native species, along with the usual giraffes, elephants and lounging lions. They even have a Komodo dragon!
If the zoo wasn't enough or you need something for another day, then try the Wonderland Theme Park in Western Sydney. This is New South Wales's premier theme park that the kids will love, featuring amazing rides like the spectacular Space Probe 7, the Bush Beast, the Demon Roller Coaster, Hanna Barbara Land and the Snowy River Rampage - a wild rapids water ride. There's also a beach area with pool and water slides.
Sydney's Darling
Darling Harbour is the family hub of Sydney with days' worth of activities here alone.
Take in the Powerhouse Museum or the new Ettamogah Bar and Restaurant at the Harbourside Centre. Another attraction is Gavala, Sydney's only Aboriginal owned and run Cultural Centre. There is also the Australian National Maritime Museum with a host of displays and great school holiday activities. At Darling Harbour's Sydney Aquarium the kids can see grey nurse sharks, Australian fur and harbour seals, saltwater crocodiles skulking in the swamps and 2 large floating 'oceanariums' with 146 metres of underwater tunnel.
At Home on the River
Palm Beach and Pittwater are Sydney's northernmost beach suburbs and also happen to be where Home and Away is filmed. Just north of Palm Beach, Lion Island can be found at the mouth of the mighty Hawkesbury River. It is a great spot for fishing and is traversable for more than 100km. Why not rent a houseboat for a floating holiday or take a 3-4hr trip on the Riverboat Postman that delivers supplies to the local river communities along the shore. You'll be surrounded by the sounds of wildlife and the delicious scents of eucalyptus on the air…you'll definitely know you're in Australia! Book your flights to Sydney for the perfect family getaway!
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