Sydney Olympic Park and Blue Mountains
Sydney Olympic Park is a must-visit destination and is home to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Located about 30 minutes from the city center, this sprawling park offers a range of outdoor activities for the whole family. Strap in for an exhilarating ziplining adventure through the treetops, cycle the 22-mile Bicentennial Park pathway, swim at the Aquatic Centre, or just enjoy the 1,000 acres of parkland. Sydney Olympic Park also offers archery lessons for beginners and seasoned archers alike.
A two-hour train ride from Sydney is the Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Take a trip to this two-million-acre natural wonderland and spend the day exploring. Start your journey at Scenic World, where you can ride the world’s steepest incline passenger railway through the rainforest and later admire the panoramas on a glass-floored cable car. The Blue Mountains also offer ample opportunities for picnicking and wildlife spotting, so be sure to pack a picnic basket and binoculars.
Hike up to Echo Point (a stunning lookout) and marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation, an iconic symbol of the Blue Mountains. You can also book a tour to see the 340 million-year-old Jenolan Caves, one of the oldest open cave systems in the world (budding geologists will love this!). Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous trails that are fun and accessible for families with children. Don’t forget to visit the enchanting waterfalls, such as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Falls, for a refreshing dip.
Sydney wildlife, beaches, and travel tips
An hour’s drive outside Sydney brings you to the Australian Reptile Park. Here, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s wildlife, including quokkas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and various reptiles. The park offers interactive wildlife shows where you can learn about Australia’s unique creatures. There are opportunities to feed kangaroos and take photos with koalas, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids and adults alike.
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the beach. The top three family-friendly beaches are Bondi, Manly, and Balmoral Beach. The latter is well-known for its gentle crystal-clear waters and enclosed swimming areas, perfect for families with little ones. For more action, head to Bondi or Manly Beach, where surfing, snorkeling, and delectable dining options will delight and satisfy everyone.
As far as planning your trip goes, Sydney has a plethora of accommodation and transportation options. Renting a car might be the best solution for a family, especially if you’re heading out of the city center for those outdoorsy adventures. You can do so right at the airport and then drive off to your accommodations. For a five-star experience, the Four Seasons Sydney is an excellent choice for its location, beautiful rooms, kid-friendly menus, resourceful concierge, and even babysitting services. Alternatively, you can book an Airbnb apartment or rent a holiday home with Stayz. So, pack your sense of adventure and head to Sydney for an unforgettable, outdoorsy family trip!
