The iconic Sydney Harbour

Disclaimer:

This article is sponsored by Sebel.

I love exploring new places, but it is the places and cities that we return to that own a little of our heart. For me Sydney is that city. As a child we made an annual pilgrimage from Melbourne up the Hume Highway to Sydney where we spent our Christmases enveloped in the love of our extended family. On those trips we rarely ventured further than my grandmother’s 1950s style backyard swimming pool. It was only as an adult that I began to discover how fabulous Sydney is, and as a parent my devotion was taken to a new level.   The reason – we are an ocean-loving family and Sydney is very much a water city – a match made in heaven for us.   When I started writing this article I originally planned to share all our favorite things to do in Sydney with kids.  As I started writing it became clear that at least for our family, the ocean is Sydney’s star attraction.  While I plan to share more in the future about the other amazing experiences that Sydney offers families with kids, just for now I want to focus on the gorgeous Pacific Ocean that laps at Sydney’s doorstep.

Take to the Harbour.

Arriving at Luna Park by ferry

Sydney Harbour is simply stunning – for those of you flying in do try and get a glimpse of it in all its glory as you descend into Sydney airport. The best way to get up close and personal with Sydney Harbour is by boat though. There are all manner of watercraft available to help you do this: Dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, whale watching cruises and water taxis among others. As a family with young kids nothing beats the Sydney Harbour Ferries especially as they are a means to accessing some of Sydney’s family friendly destinations, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park and Manly Beach included. Sunday is a great day to take to the Harbour – Family Funday Sunday allowing families with children to purchase an unlimited fare for trains, buses, ferries and light rail in Sydney and outer metro areas at $2.50 per person. Children under 4 travel for free. Do look up the NSW Transport website before you head off though on other days, fares can be a little confusing and ferry staff are not always as helpful as they should be.

Famiy Funday Sundays – Ride the Sydney Harbour Ferries all day for $2.50 per person

Hit the Beach

Sydney’s iconic beaches  Bondi and Coogee are gorgeous but the surf there is a little rough for my young kids. My pick for families visiting Sydney with kids is Balmoral Beach – a ten minute drive from the Sydney CBD. This Harbour beach has an enclosed shark netted area, gentle waves, plenty of soft sand and family friendly dining options waterside.  For families wanting to experience Bondi and whose kids are a little young for the surf check out the Bondi baths at the southern end of the beach.  Alternatively if you have energetic older kids you might want to walk some (or all!) of the 6km ocean walk from Bondi to Coogee.  This walk does have some steep steps and, not surprisingly is open to the elements so make sure you dress appropriately including a hat and plenty of suncreen, and carry water on warmer days.  I could go on and on about Sydney’s beaches, and, as a developing shutterbug Sydney’s ocean baths.  I am going to direct you to the guru of Sydney with kids though, Seana Smith who has produced an e-book “Sydney’s Best Beaches for Kids”  Her book is free if you sign up to her newsletter and a great resource for families visiting Sydney with kids.

Beautiful Balmoral Beach

Under the pier at Balmoral Beach

Australian National Maritime Museum

When Squids Attack! The Australian National Maritme Museum

Just as we keep heading back to Sydney, our family keeps heading back to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANNM).  This museum gives families the opportunity to explore tall ships, navy vessels, a submarine and restored historic boats.  Even the youngest mariners are invited into the museum’s interactive gallery space for an imaginative journey into the ocean in “Mini Mariners Play” (for under 5s).  The ANNM has truly awesome programs for kids on weekends and school holidays.  Most recently we enjoyed “Voyage to the Deep:  Underwater Adventures” where my kids journeyed in their imagination into an immersive imaginary ocean via Captain Nemo’s submarine.  At any time for adults the ANNM has maritime focused photography and historical exhibits that are riveting.  Do check the Australian National Maritime Museum’s website for current exhibitions and upcoming family events (they have heaps).  The ANNM is located in Darling Harbour (2 Murray Street) and is open 930am-5pm daily excluding Christmas Day.   I recommend purchasing a “Big Ticket” to experience all the museum has to offer (70$ for a family ticket) although cheaper pricing is available to experience only sections of the museum.  Dress appropriately for your visit in comfy walking shoes and ladies – you might want to give the short skirts a miss if you plan to be climbing around the boats.

Piloting a tall ship at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Visit a Sealife Aquarium

There are two Sealife Aquariums in Sydney – the Sydney Aquarium, in Darling Harbour and the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary.  Both are among the best aquariums in the world although the Sydney Aquarium is the only place I have ever seen a dugong.  While there is much at the Sydney Aquarium that focuses on exotic marine life, I get a real kick out of discovering the marine life located just outside the Aquarium in their Sydney Harbour exhibition.  Both the Manly and Sydney Aquariums have plenty of hands on interactive and educational opportunities for young kids including touch tanks at both, and an art aquarium, where children’s art work comes to life in a virtual aquarium in the Sydney venue.  You get the best bang for your buck at both aquariums by pre-purchasing tickets online (you will need to be able to print your ticket) or bundling your entry with other attractions including the Sydney Tower Eye.

Meeting an amazing small tooth sawfish at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium

The Sydney Fish Markets

The Sydney Fish Markets

The Sydney Fish Market was a revelation to me on my most recent visit to Sydney with my kids.  My four year old is mad for marine life and, seriously, the Sydney Fish Markets were as exciting for him as a visit to an aquarium.  He was entranced with the live tanks and all the varieties of seafood.  Everything you can imagine dining on from the sea is on sale and much of it can be cooked onsite.  Soft shell crab, lobster, barramundi and much, much more were all on offer for our brunch as we roamed the markets mid morning.  If your children are over ten you may want to take a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Fish Markets with insights regarding sustainable fishing.  This is very much a visit with or sans kid destination.  Next time we are back in Sydney I am tempted to book a babysitter just to go back to the markets and enjoy a mega seafood feast with  my husband (or take a seafood cooking class). The Sydney Fish Market retailers are open from 7am every day except Christmas Day and generally close at 4pm Monday – Thursday.  Retailers are open a little later, until 5pm Friday – Sunday.  The Sydney Fish Market is located at Blackwattle Bay in Pyrmont.

Bub 2 was not enticed to try any of the oysters at the Sydney Fish Markets but he enjoyed looking.

Serviced Apartments Sydney

 Sebel offers some great options for families visiting Sydney particularly those that like us favour self contained accommodation.

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.

Disclaimer:  On our most recent trip to the Australian National Maritime Museum we were the guests of the museum.  We received media rates during our stay at the Mantra on Kent.

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