OTHER COUNTRIES: SYDNEY WITH KIDS

I’m from Melbourne but we have been lucky enough to visit Sydney with our kids many times.
The first set of stairs my daughter ever “climbed” was actually the steps of the Sydney Opera House, in fact!

Sydney is really spread out so I was caught out when the kids were babies by overly stacking the itinerary OR by assuming it would be a quick trip between locations.

WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY WITH KIDS?
Sydney Harbour Hotel
I love how this hotel is in the middle of The Rocks area. The rooms are a bit old but it has everything you could need and it’s just so central. I also love the pool on the roof for those views!!!!!!
The Ken Done Gallery is literally across the road too!
Super easy to take the train (to Circular Quay) and then walk for just a couple of mins when arriving from the airport.
See my recommendations for ‘The Rocks’ below.

Swissotel Sydney
This is a more modern hotel with a prettier interior, for sure. I don’t love the location quite as much but it was a good spot for us while we were in Sydney to see a show at the Lyric Theatre or 14 mins walk or 9 mins in a cab from the Capitol Theatre. It is close to the shopping precinct/ central business district.

Buffet brekkie at the **Swissotel Sydney**

**Swissotel Sydney** – this is in the bar / restaurant.

He is loving chocolate donuts with breakfast at the **Swissotel Sydney**

Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach
I loved our stay here. Bondi is just so beautiful and the perfect spot if you want to spend lots of time by the beach and doing amazing beachwalks. The apartment was clean and spacious and the kids loved having their own kids’ room.
It’s also 1 min walk from Bills Bondi for breakfast and 4 mins walk from The Nine Cafe (pictured below.)
This hotel is 10 mins walk from the Bondi Icebergs Pool (mentioned below.)

In the lobby at **Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach**.

Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi.

The pool at the **Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach**.

The Shangri-La Sydney
This is a fancy, fancy budget option but the views area BREATH-TAKING here (and my kids also loved getting room-service here so much. This is in The Rocks area – see below for our favourite things to do while in this area with kids.

Room service at the Shangri-La in Sydney.

WHERE WE LOVE SPENDING TIME IN SYDNEY WITH OUR KIDS

Take the Ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay
This is such a special thing to do with kids – at night, especially. The best views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Luna Park. The ride isn’t long so you can stand outside and take it all in with kids. It’s really cute.

Taking the ferry under the Sydney Harbour Bridge with kids.

Taking the ferry in Sydney with kids. Darling Harbour -> Circular Quay.

Taking pics as a family from the Opera House steps
Taking photos of the Harbour Bridge from the Opera House – nothing says “iconic Sydney” more, right?
The Opera House is 4 mins walk from Circular Quay and 14 mins walk from The Rocks.

The first stairs my little girl ever climbed were those at outside the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Opera House with kids.

If your kids are big Bluey fans they may be excited to spot a bin chicken “in the wild” (watch out – some stole our chicken nuggets at Taronga Zoo!)

Taronga Zoo
It’s a little tricky to get to without a car so plan for traffic congestion if you’re taking an uber or a cab. The whole zoo is on a hill so be sure to bring a stroller for little ones.

That view of the harbour from Taronga Zoo.

The “Sky Safari” Ropeway at Taronga Zoo.

MY favourite monkey at Taronga Zoo, Sydney

The “Sky Safari” Ropeway at Taronga Zoo with kids.

And here are things we like to do as a family in Sydney – by area:

DARLING HARBOUR WITH KIDS
As mentioned above, I recommend taking the ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay.

Chinese Garden of Friendship
This is the most beautiful garden to walk through with kids. Lots of wildlife and little bridges to cross. The most beautiful inner city park to explore with kids. Check out the giant koi in the pond too.

See a Musical at The Lyric Theatre
Not a pretty theatre or anything but this is one of the main spots to see some of the biggest musicals while in Sydney.

A play on the statues outside the Maritime Heritage Centre (just 3 mins walk from the Lyric Theatre)

THE ROCKS WITH KIDS

The Oriana Pub & Restaurant
Best views from here and they have a kids’ menu! Whether you book at the pub or restaurant section, ask for a seat near the window when making a reservation.

Celsius Coffee Co (10 mins by car from The Rocks AND it means crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the way there!)
Go early or on a weekday as this place is popular on weekends. I love how you are sitting right on the water. I really like this spot as a morning outing – that drive in a cab across the bridge and then a lovely slow brekkie. So nice.

Celsius Coffee & Co in Sydney with kids.

BONDI WITH KIDS
Have a swim in the Bondi Icebergs Pool
It costs $30 for a family of 4 or $10 for adults and $7 for kids.

The Bondi Icebergs Pool with kids. Sydney.

The Nine (Cafe for brekkie, brunch or lunch)
This is a beautiful cafe and breakfast spot.

Bondi Beach Playground
Right next to the Bondi Beach Pavilion. 4 mins walk from here are the Bondi Markets (see here for the Bondi Market schedule for each weekend.)

THE SYDNEY CBD AREA WITH KIDS

See a Musical at the Capitol Theatre
I love this beautiful theatre – right in the middle of town.

The Grounds of the City (for lunch, coffee or dinner)
I love visiting this restaurant as a family so much. It’s a kind of fancy vibe so best to bring a few stickers or colouring options while waiting for food (this is very much a bums on seats kind of restaurant.)