Where should we stay in Sydney if we bring our children? When you're ready for an adventure, Sydney is a fantastic city to visit with countless hidden gems. There are places to see in the city that make it worthwhile as a vacation spot.
A great place to stay in Sydney with your loved ones is wherever you and yours feel most at home. Whether you choose to reside in the heart of the city or in a beachfront suburb is often the deciding factor in Sydney.
Manly, Coogee, or Bondi are excellent places to stay if you enjoy water sports, coastline strolls, and outdoor activities.
Staying in Darling Harbour or central Sydney is the greatest option for families that enjoy visiting galleries, museums, zoos, and aquariums, as well as experiencing the rush and bustle of city life.
While it's a lot of fun to make a list of must-see attractions in Sydney, keep in mind that there's always more to see—after ten years of adventuring about the city with our kids, we're far from having seen it all.
It's natural to get giddy at the prospect of taking the kids on a trip to a city like Sydney, what with all the magnificent sights and activities it has to offer. Still, reality strikes in for out-of-town guests when they realise they have to pick a neighbourhood out of hundreds and a hotel out of thousands.
When booking a hotel in Sydney for a family vacation, it's important to think about more than just price. You'll want to find a place that's convenient to the city's many kid-friendly attractions, has rooms large enough to accommodate young children, and is quiet enough for parents with young children who need to get some shut-eye.
Here are some of our suggestions for the best places to stay in Sydney with kids, including the pros and cons of each neighbourhood, some highly respected hotels, and also what sights and things to do that can be found in the area or within easy driving distance.
Best Hotels For Families And Children In Sydney
Coogee Beach
Coogee, a lovely seaside community not far from the heart of Sydney, is a fantastic area for those who want to spend more time outside and near the water.
Coogee offers family-friendly hospitality that belies the city's size, as well as a wide variety of lodging options and convenient access to public transportation; many of these are located in close proximity to the area's world-famous beaches and surf, which is great news if your kids love the beach and water.
You'll find hotels, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a fantastic beach, in this slightly less crowded coastal district than neighbouring Bondi. In addition, there are two beautiful natural rock pools to enjoy. Plus, it's right on the path that leads along the beach, so you can get some great exercise as you relax. Both apartments and entire houses are available for rent.
Choose Coogee if:
- You want to find a less hectic spot to stay for a while.
- You enjoy going to beaches and parks.
- Feeling relieved, you board the bus for downtown.
The Crowne Plaza is the best place for families to stay in Coogee because of its prime location on the beach.
With its intrinsically active lifestyle, dazzling ocean, gorgeous coastal walks, and flowing surf, Coogee is a fantastic choice for active families looking for a vacation getaway. Many of the popular hotels in Coogee have balconies with stunning ocean views, so if you're planning to visit during a popular time of year, it's a good idea to ask for one of these rooms in advance. Among the best places to stay in Coogee with kids are some of the followings:
Hotel and Apartments at Coogee Sands
Guests at the Coogee Sands Hotel can enjoy being practically on the sand throughout their stay in Coogee. The hotel has spacious, spotless rooms, a parking lot right on the premises, and is situated in an area with a wide variety of dining options, making it ideal for families. Parents will love the proximity to parks and public transportation, both of which are a quick stroll away.
Coogee Beach's Crowne Plaza Hotel
The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Coogee is also another popular option for both locals and visitors due to its convenient location directly across the street from the crowded and lively Coogee Beach. The rooms are spacious enough for most families, and there is a designated space near the hotel's buffet just for youngsters, complete with beanbag chairs and video games, so that parents may enjoy their meal in peace.
Dive Hotel
The Dive Hotel is a smaller, more affordable alternative to the previous two hotels mentioned due to its bed-and-breakfast vibe. It's perfect for individuals who want a middle ground between extreme minimalism and extreme luxury. Requesting an ocean-facing room will help ensure that you don't wind up with a view of the wall instead. This hotel, like many others in Coogee, is conveniently located near the beach and is known for its helpful and approachable staff.
Medina Executive Coogee
Although many rooms at the Medina Executive are looking a little shabby, the hotel is still part of one of the most dependable companies and has just undergone a series of renovations. The motel, like most of the others in Coogee, is conveniently located close to the beach and a children's playground. There is also a Woolworths supermarket not far away in case of any unforeseen needs.
Darling Harbour
If you're planning to visit Sydney primarily to view its famous sites like the Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge, then you should definitely book a room in the city's major "tourist centre" region.
Prices for most (good) lodgings in and around Darling Harbour tend to be quite high, as is to be anticipated from such a busy tourist hub. Costs skyrocket during the busiest times of the year.
Darling Harbour is more expensive than other parts of Sydney, but if you can afford it, staying there is well worth it. The area is a major transportation hub, with trains, buses, ferries and even hydrofoils that can take you pretty much anywhere in Sydney, and there are countless high-quality café, restaurants, and other dining facilities in the immediate vicinity.
Staying in this location provides easy access to a wide variety of family-friendly attractions. Darling Harbour is home to many popular tourist attractions, including Wild Life Sydney, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Aquarium, an IMAX theatre, the Powerhouse Museum, and Madame Tussauds Sydney.
The great, big playground in the Darling Quarter area, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants, is equally impressive. Furthermore, not far away is the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a tranquil green space in the middle of the bustling metropolis.
Darling Harbour is the greatest area to stay for many families in Sydney since it is centrally located and has a variety of lodging options, including hotels that cater to children and apartment hotels.
Consider Darling Harbour if you are:
- You wish to be close to a place where your young children can safely run around and play.
- In an ideal world, you'd be able to stroll to a wide selection of eateries that welcome kids.
- You've heard great things about Darling Harbour and want to check it out for yourself.
Staying in or near Darling Harbour could be worth the increased cost if it means less walking or travelling time for your family, especially if you have young children who tyre or grow irritable quickly. There are a number of highly rated hotels and other types of lodgings in and around Darling Harbour that are great for families with children.
Meriton Serviced Apartments
Campbell Street: The Meriton Serviced Apartments on Campbell Street are among the best-reviewed apartment hotels in the Darling Harbour neighbourhood. Despite being located about a kilometre from Darling Harbour itself, the apartments are significantly less expensive than many of the other options in the area that offer similar services.
The building's proximity to the Harbour, Central Station, Chinatown, and the Capitol Theatre, Sydney's most recognisable theatre, together with the building's numerous other upscale amenities and dining options, make it an attractive option for visitors.
It's worth noting that there are several Meriton Serviced Apartments in this general vicinity of Sydney, but the ones on Campbell Street are the best option due to the excellent trade-offs they offer between cleanliness, location, convenience, and (probably most importantly) affordability.
The Grace Hotel
The Grace Hotel is a well-maintained throwback to the "older type" of hotel, perfect for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Apart from its own personality, the Grace's location, just 300 metres from Darling Harbour, is something to boast about.
There is a wide variety of things to do in the region, as the hotel is conveniently located near two railway stations and close to popular attractions including the historic Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Town Hall, and the city's main shopping centre, as well as the waterfront of Sydney Harbour (or days.)
Oaks On Castlereagh
The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, located just 0.6 km from Darling Harbour at an affordable price, might not have the reputation of a few of the larger chains, but, like the Grace Hotel, this gorgeously refurbished, heritage-listed facility has its own unique character that helps it stand out from the competition.
Across the street from the Galleries Victoria railway station is this charming hotel that seems like it was built in the 1920s but actually has all the conveniences of the 21st century. You have easy access to several public transportation options. This is a great option for families seeking for something more intimate than the massive chain hotels in the region around Darling Harbour in Sydney.
Metro Hotel on Pitt
The Metro Hotel on Pitt Street is slightly over half a kilometre from Darling Harbour and features tiny but reasonably sized, clean and quiet rooms that face away from the primary street for an inexpensive price.
The hotel's name gives it away: it's a mere two minutes from Sydney's famed Pitt Street Mall, perfect for any tourists hoping to perform a little retail therapy during their stay.
Town Hall station, one of largest in the Sydney metropolitan region, is also less than a two-minute walk from the hotel, and although some of the rooms are beginning to show their age, renovations are scheduled to begin soon.
Seasons Darling Harbour
With its prime location on the cusp of Chinatown and the Sydney Markets just a few steps away, Seasons Darling Harbour is as close to the action as you can go without really being in the middle of it.
Value-wise, the hotel's rooms are large enough to accommodate a family of four without anyone feeling suffocated. However, there are no actual "bells and whistles" included. It's cosy without being overly simplistic, which is about right. The Chinatown Train Station is directly below Seasons Darling Harbour, while Haymarket and Paddy's Market stations are within walking distance, making it simple to reach all of Sydney's top attractions.
The Rocks.
The Rocks, a historically significant and architecturally significant area of Sydney, is home to numerous galleries, boutiques, cafés, and souvenir stores housed in the repurposed buildings and cobblestone lanes of its former merchants.
The Rocks offers a completely different environment than staying in the main areas in the heart of the Sydney CBD and is ripe with rustic charm while still being accessible to all the great attractions of Sydney Harbour.
The Sydney Visitor Centre is located in the heart of the historic precinct that is sometimes referred to as the "birthplace" of Sydney. Discover the best of Sydney with the help of the kind and knowledgeable staff at this facility, who can recommend tours, attractions, and family-friendly activities for you and your young ones.
If you're staying in the region, this is the place to go to get oriented with a map and pamphlets that will fill you in on all the local happenings and attractions.
There are many museums in The Rocks that provide engaging interactive exhibitions that your children may enjoy, such as the Justice and Police Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Australian Museum, which features an excellent children's programme and a wealth of historical artefacts. Here are just a few of the best-reviewed options for overnight stays in The Rocks that also cater to families with young children:
Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney
The Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney is conveniently located between the city centre and the harbour, and its rooms are affordably priced, especially if you are able to secure a room on a higher floor, which may be possible if you make your request early.
Larger than average rooms are a boon to families, and the hotel's proximity to Circular Quay makes it easy to walk to and from the ferry terminal with little children.
Mantra 2 Bond Street
This upscale chain hotel, like many others in the Rocks region, is in a beautiful location, but it also offers amenities like washing machines and dryers in the rooms, which can be very helpful for families with young children staying for an extended period of time.
Most rooms are spacious, and some even have two televisions, so parents can enjoy separate programming when they need some time to themselves. Mantra 2 is an alternative, high-quality hotel in Sydney, thanks to its convenient location and reasonable rates.
Holiday Inn Old Sydney
The Holiday Inn Old Sydney, as its name suggests, is a striking juxtaposition of the old and the new, as it is located in one of Sydney's oldest residential areas yet being part of one of the most well-known modern hotel companies.
The rooftop patio offers spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and in most cases, breakfast is included in the room rate. It is located in the centre of The Rocks; thus, it is convenient to the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge the attractions in the area.
Conclusion
Visit Sydney, Australia, and uncover its numerous treasures. Darling Harbour and Sydney downtown are great for families. Then, stay in Manly, Coogee, or Bondi to swim, surf, and walk along the beach. Coogee is a coastal suburb of Sydney. Due to its beachfront location, the Crowne Plaza is perfect for families visiting Coogee.
Families love parks and public transportation nearby. Families love the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Coogee for its convenience. The Dive Hotel is cheaper and smaller than the other two alternatives. Medina Executive, a member of one of the most reliable corporations, has undergone several changes. Sydney family like Darling Harbour's accessible location and variety of hotels.
Darling Harbour has many top-rated hotels and other family-friendly accommodations. The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel is 0.6 km from Darling Harbour and is affordable. This charming, old building is repaired. The Metro Hotel on Pitt Street has tiny, well-furnished, clean, and quiet rooms because they are set back from the road. The Rocks is a Sydney must-see for history and architecture.
Art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops occupy merchant buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. The Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney is close to downtown and the harbour.
Content Summary
- When you're ready for an adventure, Sydney is a fantastic city with countless hidden gems.
- There are places to see in the city that make it worthwhile as a vacation spot.
- A great place to stay in Sydney with your loved ones is wherever you and yours feel most at home.
- When booking a hotel in Sydney for a family vacation, it's important to consider more than just price.
- Here are some of our suggestions for the best places to stay in Sydney with kids, including the pros and cons of each neighbourhood, some highly respected hotels, and also what sights and things to do that can be found in the area or within easy driving distance.
- Coogee, a lovely seaside community not far from the heart of Sydney, is a fantastic area for those who want to spend more time outside and near the water.
- Coogee offers family-friendly hospitality that belies the city's size, as well as a wide variety of lodging options and convenient access to public transportation; many of these are located close to the area's world-famous beaches and surf, which is great news if your kids love the beach and water.
- The Crowne Plaza is the best place for families to stay in Coogee because of its prime location on the beach.
- Among the best places to stay in Coogee with kids are the following: Guests at the Coogee Sands Hotel can enjoy being practically on the sand throughout their stay in Coogee.
- The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Coogee is another popular option for locals and visitors due to its convenient location directly across the street from the crowded and lively Coogee Beach.
- Due to its bed-and-breakfast vibe, the Dive Hotel is a smaller, more affordable alternative to the previous two hotels.
- If you're planning to visit Sydney primarily to view its famous sites like the Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge, you should book a room in the city's major "tourist centre" region.
- Prices for most (good) lodgings in and around Darling Harbour tend to be high, as is anticipated from such a busy tourist hub.
- Darling Harbour is more expensive than other parts of Sydney, but staying there is well worth it if you can afford it.
- Darling Harbour is the greatest area for many families in Sydney since it is centrally located and has various lodging options, including hotels catering to children and apartment hotels.
- Consider Darling Harbour if you wish to be near where your young children can safely run around and play.
- Some highly rated hotels and other types of lodgings in and around Darling Harbour are great for families with children.
- The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, located just 0.6 km from Darling Harbour at an affordable price, might not have the reputation of a few of the larger chains, but, like the Grace Hotel, this gorgeously refurbished, heritage-listed facility has the unique character that helps it stand out from the competition.
- Across the street from the Galleries Victoria railway station is this charming hotel that seems like it was built in the 1920s but has all the conveniences of the 21st century.
- This is a great option for families seeking something more intimate than the massive chain hotels in the region around Darling Harbour in Sydney.
- The Metro Hotel on Pitt Street is slightly over half a kilometre from Darling Harbour. It features tiny but reasonably sized, clean and quiet rooms that face away from the primary street for a low price.
- Town Hall station, one of the largest in the Sydney metropolitan region, is also less than a two-minute walk from the hotel. Although some of the rooms are beginning to show their age, renovations are scheduled to begin soon.
- With its prime location on the cusp of Chinatown and the Sydney Markets just a few steps away, Seasons Darling Harbour is as close to the action as you can go without really being in the middle.
- The Chinatown Train Station is directly below Seasons Darling Harbour, while Haymarket and Paddy's Market stations are within walking distance, making it simple to reach all of Sydney's top attractions.
- The Rocks, a historically significant and architecturally significant area of Sydney, is home to numerous galleries, boutiques, cafés, and souvenir stores housed in the repurposed buildings and cobblestone lanes of its former merchants.
- The Rocks offer a completely different environment than staying in the main areas in the heart of the Sydney CBD and is ripe with rustic charm while still being accessible to all the great attractions of Sydney Harbour.
- The Sydney Visitor Centre is located in the heart of the historic precinct that is sometimes referred to as the "birthplace" of Sydney.
FAQs About Sydney
Free things to do in Sydney with kids
- Sydney Playgrounds and Playspaces.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
- Visit Home & Away's Summer Bay.
- The Rocks Discovery Museum.
- Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Chau Chak Wing Museum.
- The Art Gallery of NSW.
- Royal Botanic Gardens.
More things to do in Sydney for older kids
- Do the Bondi to Bronte walk (have a milkshake at the Bogey Hole Cafe before heading back)
- Visit Newtown and watch the colourful street parade.
- Learn to Surf at Manly.
- Climb the Harbour Bridge.
- Tour Sydney University.
- Tour behind the scenes at the Opera House.
The Best Things To Do In The Sydney CBD With Kids
- The Rocks.
- Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Observatory Hill Park and the Sydney Observatory.
- State Library of NSW.
- Powerhouse Museum.
- Museum of Sydney.
- Justice and Police Museum.
- Hyde Park Barracks Museum.
There are dozens of fun activities for teenagers to enjoy in and around Sydney, including some very adventurous things to do.
If you are looking for teenage holiday ideas, Sydney has plenty on offer.
Things For Teenagers To Do in Sydney
- Luna Park Sydney.
- BridgeClimb.
- Taronga Zoo: Wild Ropes course.
- Sydney Aquarium: Shark Dive.
- Sydney Tower Eye.
- Wild Life Sydney.
- Madame Tussauds.
- Jet Boat Ride on Sydney Harbour.
Things To Do In Sydney With A One-Year-Old
- Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
- See A Concert At The Sydney Opera House.
- Rhyme Time At Your Local Library.
- The Sensory Trail, Cumberland State Forest.
- Balmoral Beach And Baths.
- The Grounds Of Alexandria.
- Cuddle Farm Animals At Calmsley Hill City Farm.
- Go To The Movies.