New South Wales Travel Guide | Budget Rent A Car Australia

 

Sydney

Things to do with Kids

Sydney is one of Australia’s most well-known destinations, with its iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is no shortage of things to do for families in the country’s largest city. Head to one of the many beaches dotted around the city or pay a visit to the animals at Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Ride a historic ferry to Luna Park and explore Circular Quay. Or, simply soak up the hustle and bustle of Sydney's famous city.

Family accommodation in Sydney

Children are well catered for, with many accommodation options in Sydney offering family-friendly dwellings. Novotel Sydney in Darling Harbour is comfortable, great for kids, and quite literally on the doorstep of many popular attractions. If you’re happy to stay a little further out of the city, holiday parks are an affordable option. Check out Ingenia Holidays Avina or Lane Cove River Tourist Park.

Family events

The many museums, art galleries, and theatres put on special kid-friendly events throughout the school holidays. Check out upcoming events at Capitol Theatre, the Australian Museum, and the Powerhouse Museum. Vivid Sydney is a city-wide celebration, and worth exploring if it lines up with your trip.

Airport facilities and services for families

Sydney Airport offers trolley hire services for both departures and arrivals. Kids are kept entertained with free Wi-Fi and dedicated play areas across the T1 International terminal. Bathrooms, parents’ rooms, and nursing facilities are also dotted throughout the airport.

Newcastle

Things to do with Kids

Situated a few hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is a stunning smaller city with plenty to offer. If you’re in Newcastle with kids, pay a visit to Fort Scratchley. The historic lookout offers some of the best views of Newcastle and the harbour. The Blackbutt Reserve gives families a chance to get up close and personal with koalas, wombats, and other native Australian animals. In summer, the Newcastle Ocean Baths are a great place to keep cool.

Family accommodation

Found on the harbour foreshore, Crowne Plaza Newcastle is a fantastic base for any family trip to the region. NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is an option further out from the city. This holiday park offers a variety of beachfront sites, too.

Family events

Newcastle plays host to a number of seasonal family events throughout the year. The Winter Solstice After Dark and My Kids Market are two fun ideas. Also, keep an eye out for the changing exhibitions at the Lovett Gallery.

Airport facilities and services for families

Find a parents’ room in the main terminal, which offer changing facilities and a chair for nursing. Free Wi-Fi and luggage trolleys are also must-haves for families on-the-go.

Free Camping Sites In NSW

  • Swans Creek Crossing - 16 km North West of Kendall
  • Old Olney Camping Area - 16 km West of Cooranbong
  • Rocky River Fossicking - 6 km West of Uralla
  • Ellenborough Reserve - 500m North of Oxley Highway
  • Bretti Reserve - 44 km South of Nowendoc and 34 km North of Gloucester
  • Wingello State Forest - 4 km South East of Wingello

 

NSW Road Trips

Driving is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore Australia with kids. Here are some of the best family road trips in Australia.

The Best Places To Visit From Sydney By Car

You’ll discover many natural wonders accessible by car from Sydney.

The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a simply spectacular drive with a number of walking trails, biking areas, and picnic facilities along the way.

Moss Vale Road will take you through the gorgeous Southern Highlands, complete with luscious valleys and ancient rainforests.

Connecting breathtaking world heritage-listed landscapes, the Greater Blue Mountains Drive covers 1,200km and offers unbelievable panoramic views, walking tracks, picnic spots, and other nature based activities.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway to see dolphins in Port Stephens, visit the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, go surfing in Byron Bay or enjoy a thrill ride at the Gold Coast theme parks.