Sydney Tower from Darling Harbour
Sydney is fabulous. When you say this phrase, and I want you to say it aloud, make sure you pronounce “Fabulous” correctly. “Fahhhbulous” is how it needs to be pronounced because this beautiful jewel of a city on the ocean deserves it. I often visit Sydney for work with the kids and leave wishing we had more time there. This January passed on our mega three kid road trip we did visit Sydney for a glorious five nights. Fortunately our accommodation in Sydney’s heart, Mantra on Kent, was also rather fabulous so that I can include it my family accommodation section as somewhere I recommend.
Our stunning view, breakfast and guest courtyard at Manta on Kent
Probably everybody’s favourite aspect of Sydney is Sydney Harbour and, despite my frequent visits to the city I have never had harbour views before. To say I was delighted then to open the door and discover we had views of Darling Harbour would be an understatement. Darling Harbour is a wonderful place to visit with children and we keep going back. The reason – a winning combination of free activities including Darling Quarter Playground (one of the best in the country), the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Fortunately Mantra on Kent is just a short walk over the Pyrmont Bridge to Darling Harbour so it was our haunt during our stay. Mantra on Kent is also ideally located close to the city centre and I had one amazing morning of wandering the shops of the iconic Queen Victoria Building with only my baby to keep me company.
Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia
The iconic Queen Vic – a historic shopping hub in central Sydney
Our two bedroom, dual entrance apartment consisted of a one bedroom apartment connected to a studio. Plenty of room for our family of five and by sleeping the kids in the one bedroom apartment we were able to have the studio to ourselves in the evening. Decor is sleek and stylish to suit the business traveler, but also comfortable enough for our family (too sleek and I get a little nervous my kids will break something)
The kitchens (we had two!) were slightly more than kitchenettes, stocked well enough with kitchen equipment to cook basic meals. The one bedroom apartment had a small dining table. There was however no bath in the apartment making bathing our baby just a tad tricky.
The buffet breakfast at Cascades restaurant was reasonably priced and above par – nice waffles and some classy extras such as lemon curd shots. The kids ate free at the buffet breakfast making this an affordable breakfast option for us and a great start to the day. A discount is available if you purchase your breakfasts at check in.
The only thing lacking during our stay at Mantra on Kent was a swimming pool however we were allowed to use the pool, a glamorous rooftop affair at Mantra on Bond (a fifteen minute walk away).
Highlights of this trip to Sydney:
- A visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum (walking distance from Mantra on Kent).
- A ferry ride to Luna Park via ferry on a gloriously sunny day.
- Brunch at the Sydney Fish Markets (walking distance from Mantra on Kent)
- A family beach day at Balmoral Beach (ten minute drive from Mantra on Kent).
I will be posting more about all of these places in the coming months but to whet your appetite just a few shots…
Luna Park Sydney
Sydney’s Balmoral Beach
Bub 2 was not enticed to try any of the oysters at the Sydney Fish Markets but he enjoyed looking.
For more Sydney inspiration check out Seana Smith’s blog Sydney Kid’s Food and Travel. I think she knows more about visiting Sydney with kids (and she has four of them) than anyone.
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. I’d love for ya’ll to join us on our adventures by either signing up for the newsletter, joining us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to receive updates.
It has become my Wednesday routine to link up with the Wednesday Wanderlust party over at Brown Paper Packages. Hop on over and have a looksee yourself.
Disclaimer: We received media rates during our stay at Mantra on Kent.
I love the Sydney Fish Markets. I haven’t been for years, how wonderful to take the kidlets. I actually have an obsession with fish markets and it all stems from Sydney. My dad would take me on daddy daughter trips and we would buy fresh yabbies, he would always give me a pet yabby to look after. But they always ended up on the dining table.
Looks like you got some great weather for some of your adventures. YES also to linking to Seana I was going to do so to. You can’t beat the Queen on her home turf haha.
Fahhhbulous post and Fahhhbulous digs at the Mantra.
xo
Rene, as you know weather was hit and miss that week. I’m so glad you said Fahhhhbulous right too. I’m teaching my boys to say it but perhaps it might stigmatise them at Auskick lessons. I had NO idea the fish markets were so awesome. Poor yabbies. It was as good as a visit to the aquarium for my little fella. Have to do one of my little posts on it just because I don’t think families visiting Sydney would think of it perhaps.
I am yet to take my girls to Sydney. I think after lots of work trips there it sort of lost its glamour but I think you may have just reminded me why it is a great place for a holiday. Looking forward to reading more about your trip.
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust againt his week xx
Yes – very familiar with the work trip! Was such a pleasure to have time up in Sydney completely dedicated to family time. Well worth it!