If you are trying to figure out how to spend 3 days in Sydney with kids, then you have landed on the right post! Sydney is full of activities for the whole family. In this guide you’ll learn how to travel to and get around Sydney. We will even break down the each day with kid approved activities.
Keep scrolling to find out how to spend 3 days in Sydney with kids!
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Getting to Sydney
Whether you’re home base is near or far, a trip to Sydney is absolutely worth it! If you’re located in Australia or in a nearby country, it’s an easy flight to reach this vibrant city. Within Australia you can travel by train, or plan a long road trip, assuming you’re coming from outside of New South Wales.
For those that have a longer travel time (like us from the US), it’s possible to find affordable flights from the US West Coast. Booking with points or miles is also another wallet-friendly way to cash in on this long haul flight.
You May Be Interested in this post too: How to Find and Book Cheap Flights
Getting Around Sydney
Sydney’s public transit system is well designed and easy to use. Their system includes buses, trams, the metro and ferries. If you plan on staying within the city, there isn’t a need to rent a car. Using Google maps can easily help you navigate where you want to go within the city.
Your best bet for getting around Sydney is to use your contactless payment method (on your phone or watch) for adult fares. For children fares, you can purchase an Opal card that you can tap to pay on the public transit system. Get more detailed information here.
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The long-haul flight is the hardest part. Everything after is incredible.
Australia is one of my all-time favourite family destinations — and the logistics of a long-haul international trip are exactly what I help families navigate. Flight routing, the right family hotels in Sydney or beyond, how to beat jet lag with kids — I’ve done it and I book it for families like yours.
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Where to Stay in Sydney
Sydney has so many wonderful areas to stay in that it might be tough to choose a spot!
Here are some neighborhoods to consider, based on their convenience of getting around the city and nearby areas:
- Darling Harbour
- Bondi Beach, Manly Beach
- The Central Business District
- Circular Quay and the Rocks
- Darlinghurst
We found Darling Harbour to be the most family friendly area, which huge playgrounds nearby! Plenty of cafes and attractions for the kids to enjoy too!
Pro Tip: If you’re keeping a budget in mind, consider looking for accommodation with a kitchen, or kitchenette. Cooking some of your meals is a major money saver when it comes to your overall travel budget!
How to Spend 3 Days in Sydney: Day 1
See the Iconic Sydney Opera House
What trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit to see the opera house? Soak in the scenery and culture from this popular spot.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Take a stroll through the oldest botanical garden in Australia. Discover a variety of luxurious plants and flowers throughout the area.
View the Bay from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
You can’t miss taking in the stunning view from this lookout point. Located in the northeast end of the garden area, you will find this historic stone bench and view of the Sydney Bay.
Visit the Australian Museum
Not too far from the Royal Garden is this stunning museum. Founded in 1827, the Australian Museum is host to many anthropological and zoological exhibits. The kids will be sure to love the big dinosaur and animal showcases.
How to Spend 3 Days in Sydney: Day 2
Relax at Bondi Beach
Make the trek to Bondi beach to take in the fresh sea air, and soak in the some Vitamin D! As one of the most popular beaches in Sydney, you will be happy to have checked this one off your bucket list!
Walk to Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
Get some movement in on this 3km coastal walk. Right along the coast, you’re able to walk between beaches and take in some epic views of the ocean.
Bondi Iceberg Pools
One of the most well known pools to cool off in is at the Bondi Iceberg Pools. The pool has a kids area too! Snag a day pass and enjoy the pools, views of the water, sauna and onsite cafe!
Play at the Bondi Park Playground
Right at the beach there is a playground for the kids to burn off even more energy!
How to Spend 3 Days in Sydney: Day 3
Explore Circular Quay
This area is bustling with life and views of the Sydney Harbour. This area of Sydney is right off the train station and easy to get to. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. This is also where you can spot some of the large cruise ships that stop here!
Take the Ferry Across the Harbour
Right from Circular Quay, you can board a ferry using your Opal card! Check ahead to what part of the harbour you want explore on Google Maps, go to the numbered wharf, swipe your Opal card (or purchase fare) and board the ferry when it’s time!
Spend the Day at the Taronga Zoo
If you’re down for some wildlife exploration, grab the ferry to the Taronga Zoo. You can drive here also, but the ferry ride (especially with littles) is so fun! This excursion is definitely an all day or most of the day outing, so plan accordingly. There is so much to see and experience at the Taronga Zoo.
Other Places to Explore
Here are some other considerations to swap out with, or if you are staying longer than 3 days in Sydney with kids.
Related Read: 10 Must-Do Activities for Families Visiting Melbourne with Kids
Kids Travel Tips
Here are some things to consider while trekking through this beautiful city!
Bring a Lightweight Stroller or Carrier
We highly recommend using public transportation while exploring Sydney. Having a lightweight stroller can be easier when navigating the city this way. For toddlers, a hiking pack is a great option if you want to opt out of using a stroller!
Stop at a Local Playground
Use Google Maps to locate your nearest playground. Let the kids run around, while you take a rest from exploring and grab a coffee. Honorable mention to Tumbalong Park Playground for being one of the best parks for kids.
Consider Packing a Picnic
With all of the greenery within the city, it might be a better option to grab some easy lunch from a store, or takeaway and head to a park. Hang out, have lunch and let the kids burn off some of that lunch time energy!
Another post you may like: Top 10 Toddler Travel Essentials
Enjoy Sydney
We hope you enjoy this destination as much as we have! With all of the options and sites to see here, it can be tough to only stick to three days.
Be sure to let us know what things you tried out!
