Where to Stay with Kids

Highlights

Inner city

The Novotel Sydney in Darling Harbour makes a great base for families. Nearby attractions include the sharks, penguins and dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum, where you can climb aboard a submarine.

Family enjoying breakfast at Novotel Sydney Darling Square, Darling Square

Novotel Sydney Darling Square, Darling Harbour

Swissotel Sydney is right in the thick of the action, just behind Pitt St Mall and across from the QVB. Parents stay in a king room and the adjacent twin kids' rooms are designed for a fun play and sleep experience with children’s bed linen, toys and DVDs. The Family Fun package at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney includes a welcome gift for kids, a kids' movie with snacks and a tent experience for suite stays.

Kids Room at Swissôtel Sydney in Sydney City

Swissôtel Sydney, Sydney City

Vibe Hotels has outposts in the city centre, Darling Harbour and North Sydney. The locations make for easy access in and around the CBD, harbour and beaches and the suites come with the extra room that families need.

Outdoor lap pool at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour, Darling Harbour

Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour, Darling Harbour - Credit: Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour

By the beach

You’ll find great family hotels just steps from the sand of all of Sydney’s most popular beaches. In Manly, the Manly Pacific has two-bedroom suites and an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean. Manly Paradise offers spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus a rooftop pool, and The Sebel has stylish one-bedroom suites. Down south, Rydges Cronulla Beachside has one- and two-bedroom suites with plenty of space for the kids.

Check in to the Adina Apartments Bondi Beach for modern multi-bedroom suites directly across the road from the famous strip of sand. In Coogee, the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is so kid-friendly that they run special programs during the NSW school holidays and a dedicated Kids Zone with games, crafts and movies over the summer.

Birds Eye View of Crowne Plaza at Coogee Beach in Coogee, Sydney East

Crowne Plaza Sydney, Coogee Beach

Glamping

For something extra special, Cockatoo Island Camping is a campsite right on Sydney Harbour. You have the best view in town plus picnic spots, barbecue facilities and a licenced cafe. You can also opt for a deluxe package with a pre-furnished tent. The island is a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Family relaxing and roasting marshmallows at their Cockatoo Island waterfront campsite

Cockatoo Island waterfront campsite, Sydney Harbour

Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo is Sydney's wildest slumber party. Families will enjoy good food and be treated to a night zoo safari, spectacular harbour views and a luxury tent right on the water for a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation overlooking Sydney Harbour for Taronga Zoo's 'Roar and Snore'

Holiday parks

These little-known affordable gems not far from the city centre have self-catering cabins and powered sites for caravans, so you have all the convenience without the cost. Head north to find Ingenia Holidays Avina and Discovery Parks – Lane Cove; the latter once doubled as the fictional Summer Bay Caravan Park in TV show Home and Away.

Cabin at Lane Cove Holiday Park in North Ryde - Sydney North

Further afield

Wanting to travel just a little bit further afield to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Del Rio Riverside Resort fronts the beautiful Hawkesbury River at Wiseman's Ferry, just over a 1.5-hour drive from the Sydney CBD. With a swimming pool, water park, BMX track and putt putt golf course, there's endless fun for little ones.

Del Rio Resort, Webbs Creek

Also enjoying a peaceful location on the river, Percy's Place Caravan Park is just 10km from the historic town of Windsor, home to some of Australia's oldest buildings, great restaurants, markets, and historic walking and driving trails.