A family day trip from Sydney can create some truly lasting memories. There are many wonderful family-friendly places to explore beyond the city fringe. Here are all of the Sydney family outings posts on this blog, listed here for you to browse.
Click through to read very detailed posts giving you all the information you need to plan a really fun family day out. Sydney has some many cool spots nearby!
The detailed posts can be done as short trips from Sydney, done as a half day or day. Many can also be happily enjoyed as a weekend away from Sydney too.
Family Day Trips North of Sydney
Here’s a list of all the day trips from Sydney for families heading north. We are north shore Sydneysiders and these are the places we have loved visiting.
The Riverboat Postman – Hawkesbury River
Did you know you can join the postie and cruise up the Hawkesbury River from Brooklyn, visiting little villages along the way which have no road access at all?
You genuinely will get to see the mail being delivered at these islands and riverside communities. We saw all sorts of parcels, packages and main bags being delivered and the same being picked up.
The post is being delivered these days by these cruise ships, which are a similar size to ships you see on Sydney Harbour. The ship is spacious and comfortable for the 3-hour journey. Morning tea and a simple lunch are provided in the price.
On this Hawkesbury River cruise you stop in briefly at gorgeous Dangar island and then at all sorts of little communities, hidden all the way up the river. The captain gives an interesting commentary and the ship’s crew and both helpful and relaxed.
This trip makes an excellent day out for all the family, we met grandparents, new babies and all ages in between. It would be a terrific adventure for a school holiday day out, especially if you caught the train up to Brooklyn.
Read all about this tour on the Riverboat Postman website here.
The Australian Reptile Park at Somersby
Just a hop, skip and a jump away. Check out the crocs and all manner of slithering beasties, plus walks and a great playground too. If you are looking for day trips with toddlers this works really well.
Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga
Meet Australian wildlife and enjoy family-friendly walks at this bush paradise.
Caves Beach at Lake Macquarie
Just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, this gorgeous beach has an amazing sea cave system which can be explored at low tide.
Click here to read about planning a visit to Caves Beach.
Central Coast: To 10 Things to do With Kids
Find all the best kids’ activities on the Central Coast gathered together in one place! There’s so much to do on the Central Coast with the family, you culd easily do several day trips, especially if you live in the northern parts of Sydney.
Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River
A little piece of paradise just a short boat trip from Brooklyn. Beaches, walks, playgrounds, a cafe and great tranquility.
Speers Point Playground at Lake Macquarie
Worth a trip on its own, but can also be combined with the Wyong Milk Factory as a big day out.
Patonga beach: A Beaut Seaside Village
Surrounded by National park, with a cute beach and lovely playgrounds, Patonga also boats the Boathouse, a terrific cafe/restaurant. You can even arrive by ferry from Palm Beach!
Pearl Beach On The Central Coast
Escape the everyday and enjoy a beachside retreat just north of Sydney.
Peats Bite Restaurant on the Hawkesbury River
A river journey and a gorgeous restaurant, a real escape from the big smoke.
Terrigal On The Central Coast
So many things for families to enjoy in Terrigal, walks, beach and playground.
Wisemans Ferry on the Hawkesbury
Great views, lovely food, walks, playgrounds and the famous cable crossing, and so close to Sydney.
Wyong Milk Factory
Such a fun (and yummy) spot on the road north, great alone or combined with another spot up north.
Family Day Trips South of Sydney
Head south on these family day trips from Sydney and you will find a huge variety of fun things to do and places to visit.
Bowral and Berrima in the Southern Highlands
Walks, cafes, playgrounds and the Bradman Museum too, all just 1.5 hours drive from the centre of Sydney. Check out all the info you need and see maps on the Bowral and Berrima blog post here.
Jamberoo Action Park – A Great Family Day Out
Open from Easter to October and a really fun, and exhausting family day out from Sydney.
Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Buderoo National Park
Explore a rainforest here in NSW, enjoy the lush sub-tropical vegetation, the walks along boardwalks and across swinging bridges. A beaut day out in nature.
Symbio Wildlife Park Family Day Trip
Meet lots of wildlife and enjoy the delightful grounds of this animal haven just south of Sydney.
The Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan
Heading towards the southern Highlands, you’ll find this huge garden with a very lovely play area for kids.
Thirroul: Beach, Olympic Pool and Playground
Just out of the city, but a million miles away in terms of pace and space.
Family Day Trips West of Sydney
You can enjoy a delightful family day out at any of these excellent spots to the west of Sydney.
The Everglades Gardens in Leura
A large and fascinating garden that’s a terrific destination in itself.
Jenolan Caves With Kids– currently closed!
This makes a very long day trip from Sydney but is manageable and very interesting for all the family.
Scenic World, Katoomba In The Blue Mountains
So many fun things for kids and adults too at this prime Blue Mountains destination.
Windsor and Surrounds Family Day Trip
Enjoy the countryside just beyond the Sydney fringe; great spots to play and eat and explore.
Fruit Picking Around Sydney
Taking the kids to pick fuit is always a great family day out. Check out our article about this here: A Month-by-Month Guide To Fruit Picking Around Sydney.
More terrific family day trips from Sydney with kids will be added as they are published.
Where else should we add to this list!??
