Luna Park Sydney, Milsons PointCredit: Destination NSW
Kids enjoying fairy floss during a day out at Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point
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Fill the school holidays with fun for the whole family in Sydney and across New South Wales this summer. From educational activities at leading cultural institutions to unforgettable road trips along the coast and adventures through country NSW, here’s some inspiration to help plan your journey.
Revel in Sydney’s summertime diversions
Feel your head spin with the variety of family entertainment options on offer in Sydney during school holidays. Immerse in a magical multimedia show, complete with colourful holograms, at Luna Park Sydney’s recently launched Dream Circus experience. Then emerge from the harbourside amusement park’s Immersive Big Top and step onto one of its signature rides for thrills of a more physical kind.
Give your budding performers and junior theatre buffs a taste of life in the creative arts with school-holiday classes and workshops at the Sydney Opera House. Encourage visual creativity with artmaking sessions in the Kids on deck maker space at the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, before the whole family explores the museum’s interactive displays and clambers onto the ships docked in the harbour’s waters.
If your kids have expressed an interest in working with animals in the future, they’ll love Taronga Zoo Sydney’s Junior Keepers program – children aged 8 to 11 can join a Taronga Keeper behind the scenes as they go about their day caring for some of the zoo’s native animals.
Burn off energy while learning how to surf in a controlled environment in URBNSurf’s wave pool at Sydney Olympic Park, a 20-minute drive from central Sydney. Bring your bikes to explore Sydney Olympic Park’s massive Bicentennial Park, gaze down into an old quarry filled with frogs on the Brickpit Ring Walk, or survey the ship graveyard hidden in the mangroves from the park’s shipwreck viewing platform.
Watch your younger kids’ faces light up at the incredible Planet Mino indoor play centres in Chatswood and the Northern Beaches suburb of Warringah – each play centre has an array of sensory experiences, including role-play zones and interactive augmented-reality walls. Or enjoy the more down-to-earth sensory experience of milking a cow and riding a tractor at Calmsley Hill City Farm in Abbotsbury, Western Sydney.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a giraffe encounter at Taronga Zoo in Mosman
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Taronga Zoo, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a giraffe encounter at Taronga Zoo in Mosman
Head to the mountains – and beyond
Go west on an epic road trip your family will be talking about long after school has started back again. Begin your western wanderings in the Blue Mountains, an hour’s drive from Sydney’s city centre, following walking trails to scenic outlooks throughout the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
Notice how everyone falls silent in awe as you descend into rainforest on Scenic World’s Scenic Railway – the world’s steepest passenger train – or travel high above a bushland valley on the Scenic Skyway outside the main Blue Mountains town of Katoomba.
Venture into the expanses of the plains beyond the Blue Mountains, making your way to the historic town of Bathurst. Imagine you’re in a epic motor race, albeit at a much more sedate pace, on the public road that becomes the Mount Panorama racing circuit a few eventful times each year, before soaking in the lore of the racetrack at the National Motor Racing Museum.
Push on west, stopping for a gourmet lunch in the epicurean haven of Orange, on your way to Dubbo’s safari-style Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to rare and endangered animals from the African, Asian and Australian continents.
National Motor Racing Museum Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying The National Motor Racing Museum located at Murray’s Corner, Mount Panorama in Bathurst
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National Motor Racing Museum Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying The National Motor Racing Museum located at Murray’s Corner, Mount Panorama in Bathurst
Choose your own northern adventure
Make memories as the miles go by when you embark on a Legendary Pacific Coast road trip, following the Pacific Highway to the tourist hubs of Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads on the NSW North Coast.
Or stay closer to Sydney and enjoy a more sedate pace by holidaying on the Central Coast, seeking out aquatic adventures on Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, and exploring the sea port of Newcastle, all within a two-hour drive north of Sydney.
Spend the day getting to know native Australian wildlife, from koalas and kangaroos to snakes and lizards, at Australian Reptile Park, on the Pacific Highway near the Central Coast town of Gosford. Slow down and attune to the beauty of the bush with Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, also near Gosford, which offers horse riding, quad biking, kayaking and more in a heavenly wilderness setting.
Plunge into the waves at one of Newcastle’s surf beaches before checking out the military displays at the city’s Fort Scratchley Historical Site or swinging from ropes at Treetops Adventure Newcastle. Or venture north of Newcastle to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to meet wild koalas receiving treatment at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Credit: Destination NSW
Australian Reptile Park located in Somersby on the Central Coast offers interactive animal experiences as well as close encounters with wildlife. Set in a natural bushland setting, the experiences include educational and entertaining shows.
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Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Credit: Destination NSW
Australian Reptile Park located in Somersby on the Central Coast offers interactive animal experiences as well as close encounters with wildlife. Set in a natural bushland setting, the experiences include educational and entertaining shows.
Cruise down south for family fun
Take your pick of countless beaches lining the NSW South Coast to make your base for carefree summer days relaxing by the water. In between swims, head inland for unforgettable outdoor adventures and animal encounters.
Get up close to native Australian wildlife and exotic animals at Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh, a 70-minute drive south of Sydney, before following the epic Grand Pacific Drive down the coastline.
Cool off with a dip in the waves at Austinmer Beach or Thirroul, stop in the beachside city of Wollongong for lunch, or drop in to see an amazing collection of heritage aircraft brought back to life by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society at HARS Aviation Museum, a 20-minute drive south of Wollongong.
Make a splash on the water rides at the Jamberoo Action Park, around a 10-minute drive inland from HARS Aviation Museum, or push on to Kiama to check out the beach town’s famous blowhole.
Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
The Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh provided interactive animal experiences and an opportunity to explore the Conservation Splash Park Adventure Playground.
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Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
The Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh provided interactive animal experiences and an opportunity to explore the Conservation Splash Park Adventure Playground.
Feast on experiences in the Riverina
See – and taste – for yourself why the Riverina is called the country’s food bowl when you cruise through the southwest NSW region’s seemingly endless farmland, passing countless citrus groves and fruit trees. Wow the finicky eaters as well as the foodies in your family as you stop in at charming country towns for a memorable meal or an indulgent snack, on your way to an immersive farm stay.
Connect your kids with the produce they usually only see in a supermarket by staying in a farmhouse at Catania Fruit Salad Farm outside of Griffith. And savour a punnet or two of the juicy strawberries you’ve just picked yourself at Bidgee Strawberries and Cream in Wagga Wagga, the Riverina’s largest town, before picking up home-made strawberry ice-cream and jam from the farmgate shop.
Inject a sense of unrestrained joy into the day by visiting Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, a wonderland of confectionary housed in an old flour mill in Junee, around a 30-minute drive from Wagga Wagga. Take a guided tour of the licorice and chocolate factory and take pride in watching your kids make their own giant chocolate freckle, before or after a hearty lunch at the in-house Millroom café.
Junee Licorice and Chocolate, Junee Credit: Destination NSW
Family-friendly tourist attraction located in Junee. Guided tours and chocolate tasting as well as hands on interactive chocolate experiences.
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Junee Licorice and Chocolate, Junee Credit: Destination NSW
Family-friendly tourist attraction located in Junee. Guided tours and chocolate tasting as well as hands on interactive chocolate experiences.
More Inspirational Stories
Wilga Station, Evans PlainsCredit: Destination NSW
Wilga Station offers exceptional levels of contemporary, luxury accommodation. This idyllic country lifestyle is now open to guests, and you are invited to explore the winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling in to toast marshmallows and watch the sunset at one of the two beautiful accommodation options.
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Escape to a luxe countryside retreat
Wilga Station, Evans Plains Credit: Destination NSW
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Whether you’re travelling as two or 10, the NSW countryside has an array of premium accommodation options to make your rural stay feel unique, luxurious and designed just for you. With your retreat as a base, sojourn in some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes.
Mudgee
Set on a scenic farm along the Cudgegong River, Evamor Valley lets you revel in luxuriously furnished glamping tents that are fitted out with plush king beds and a private hot tub. The family-run Budgalong Spicers Creek similarly offers a luxury safari-style set up. Accommodating eight guests across two camps, be treated to mountain or countryside views; minimal, refined amenities; and ensuite bedrooms. Wherever you stay, after a day spent exploring Mudgee’s charming town centre and surrounding wineries, relax with a glass of your favourite local wine by the fire pit, cook up a feast or just while away an evening, surrounded by nature. a luxury safari-style set up. Accommodating eight guests across two camps, here you’ll be treated to mountain or countryside views; minimal, refined amenities; and ensuite bedrooms. Wherever you stay, after a day spent exploring Mudgee’s charming town centre and surrounding wineries, relax with a glass of your favourite local wine by the fire pit, cook up a feast or just while away an evening, surrounded by nature.
Bathurst
Experience a different kind of farmstay at Wilga Station, just outside of Bathurst, where the secluded Farmers Hut blends into the surrounding landscape via a living-grass roof. Enjoy luxe touches including a designer bathroom, king-sized bed, wood-burning fireplace and kitchenette complete with a gourmet breakfast hamper. Treat yourself to a lie-in and luxuriate with views across the 100-hectare working sheep farm from the comfort of your bed. Visiting with a group? Retreat to the station’s characterful but stylish, five-bedroom Shearers Hall, which sleeps 10.
Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin.
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Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin.
Wilga Station, Evans Plains Credit: Destination NSW
Wilga Station offers exceptional levels of contemporary, luxury accommodation. This idyllic country lifestyle is now open to guests, and you are invited to explore the winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling in to toast marshmallows and watch the sunset at one of the two beautiful accommodation options.
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Wilga Station, Evans Plains Credit: Destination NSW
Wilga Station offers exceptional levels of contemporary, luxury accommodation. This idyllic country lifestyle is now open to guests, and you are invited to explore the winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling in to toast marshmallows and watch the sunset at one of the two beautiful accommodation options.
The Blue Mountains
Find yourself drawn into nature on an escape to Spicers Sangoma Retreat, situated on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, 90-minutes’ drive from Sydney. Here, every stay is an all-inclusive package featuring fine dining catering, cosy evenings spent by the fireplace and utter comfort in nature-surrounded lodgings (book in a spa treatment for an extra luxe stay). Further up the mountain, Chalets at Blackheath boasts luxury chalets with fireplaces, soaking baths and king-sized beds, ideal for a getaway for two. Belle Bois resides on the north-west side of the mountains. Set on 40 hectares with views of the escarpment and Capertee Valley, this luxury country house is ideal for those wanting to stay put and unwind in comfort, as much as it is for those wishing to explore the nearby Wollemi National Park.
Snowy Valleys
Marvel at the morning mist gracing the Snowy Valleys when you wake up at Nimbo Fork, nestled between Gundagai and Tumut, a little over four hours’ drive from Sydney. Choose from one of six charming standalone cottages overlooking Tumut River or check into one of six upstairs suites in the main lodge. After a day spent walking, cycling or peddling the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, trying your hand at fly-fishing with Tom’s Outdoors or exploring Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool, tuck into a wholesome feast at Nimbo Fork’s on-site Three Blue Ducks restaurant, lauded for its dedication to sustainable dining.
Hunter Valley
Lean into the relaxed luxury experience at Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin, a contemporary property in the Hunter wine region. Begin your stay on a high note with a hot-air balloon rideover the vineyards (straight from the property) followed by a refreshing dip in the infinity pool overlooking serene bushland. After a day exploring the area's , enjoy the convenience of an evening meal at the in-house Italian restaurant, éRemo, or take a seat on the terrace to enjoy a lighter meal before retiring to your elegant room. Cedars Mount View similarly offers luxury in the Hunter with self-contained romantic villas kitted out with spa baths and fireplaces cellar doors and restaurants, enjoy the convenience of an evening meal at the in-house Italian restaurant, éRemo, or take a seat on the terrace to enjoy a lighter meal before retiring to your elegant room. Cedars Mount View similarly offers luxury in the Hunter with self-contained romantic villas kitted out with spa baths and fireplaces.
Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat.
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Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat.
Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
A girl looks out over the Hunter Valley during a ballon flight with Balloon Aloft. Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights over the Hunter Valley - Australia’s premier vineyard region - for over forty years. Flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke.
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Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
A girl looks out over the Hunter Valley during a ballon flight with Balloon Aloft. Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights over the Hunter Valley - Australia’s premier vineyard region - for over forty years. Flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke.
Southern Highlands
Make new memories with your favourite people at Burrawang House, a designer five-bedroom, 14-guest holiday home in the Southern Highlands hamlet of Burrawang. Enjoy leisurely days lazing by the nine-metre pool, and cosy nights with a glass of local wine beside one of the property’s three fireplaces. Flex your culinary skills in the huge high-end kitchen, or head out for a meal at the renowned Burrawang Village Hotel. During your stay, enjoy the ease of getting out into nature, with Morton National Park’s breathtaking Fitzroy Falls, just a 10-minute drive away.
Nearby, Osborn House in Bundanoon is a charming hotel offering sweeping views and laid-back elegance. Here, premier suites are home to four-post beds, double showers and juliette balconies, while Forest Lodges have uninterrupted views of the national park, baths, fireplaces and bespoke lighting. Drop into the onsite Fire Kitchen for a taste of Latin American over-fire cooking made with premium Australian produce.
Central West
Take in the uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains from one of the four Sky Suites at Callubri Station, a luxury outback farmstay experience near Nyngan. Sign up for a fascinating farm tour or ask your hosts for a map and head out to explore the 11,500-hectare property by foot, mountain bike or car, followed by a restorative dip in the heated mineral pool. Spot birds of the Aussie bush while sipping a sundowner, then head back to the station and book into the Premium Moonbathing Experience. The property also offers an accessible River Suite.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the cabins at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the cabins at Osborn House.
Callubri Station, Buddabadah Credit: Monique Wye
Woman relaxing in a hammock with views across the countryside during a stay at Callubri Station, Buddabadah.
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Callubri Station, Buddabadah Credit: Monique Wye
Woman relaxing in a hammock with views across the countryside during a stay at Callubri Station, Buddabadah.
The Tweed
Nestled in the foothills of the Tweed, Avion Retreat is an exclusive adults-only retreat set on 65 hectares. The glasshouse-like cabins give you uninterrupted access to the surrounding mountains, as does the outdoor stone bathtub. Nearby, spend time exploring Husk Farm Distillery, Australia’s only single-estate paddock-to-bottle rum distillery, or fill your day with activity tackling the accessible Northern Rivers Rail Trail, passing through villages, farmland and scenic valleys.
South Coast
Tranquil, rural extravagance and abundant, expansive views await at Somnium at Bingie, tucked away on a private lakeside peninsula on NSW’s South Coast. This luxurious stay sleeping 14-16, has two bespoke dwellings: a four-bedroom house and an accompanying two-storey barn. Both spaces have oodles of room and are fitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete, marble textures, bespoke joinery and brass finishes. The Main House has underfloor heating, an outdoor fire pit, kayaks, mountain bikes and two living rooms. Over in The Barn (which can only be reserved with a Main House booking) find a spacious loft bedroom, a cosy living room with water views and a kitchenette.
Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
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Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.