3 ways to enjoy a family holiday in Sydney

Those of us lucky enough to call Sydney home know there’s always something to see or do here. Bustling with activity, our vibrant city is the perfect family holiday destination. The only downside of visiting Sydney is that with so much fun stuff on, you might not know where to begin!

Although you may be happy to chill in your gorgeous room or have a relaxing day in one of the parks within walking distance of The Macleay Hotel, chances are the little ones will require more stimulation. Luckily, we’ve done the leg work for you, and come up with three ways for you and the family to experience Australia’s most iconic city.

Luna Park

If you’ve checked out the harbour, chances are your kids have already begged to go into that big funny looking park where you have to enter through the mouth! Originally opened in 1935, Luna Park was modelled after the famous amusement park of the same name on Coney Island.

Luna Park has been renovated many times and now boasts live music venues and fine dining establishments. Regardless of all of the changes, the atmosphere of a quirky, old-school carnival is still very much alive.

The daredevil in your family will love the park’s more than 20 rides, including the Hair Raiser, which elevates you 50 metres above the harbour before dropping you at a racing 80km per hour back to Earth.

Everyone will appreciate Sydney’s amazing skyline from Luna Park’s Ferris wheel. Like to keep your feet on the ground? There are heaps of sideshow games that bring out your competitive side as you play to win prizes.

Sydney’s iconic Luna Park features rides for the timid and daring in every family.

Northern Beaches

Sydney is now Australia’s most populated capital city, with 5 million people calling the growing metropolis home. Our city is busy – that’s why we like it so much! Fortunately, if you are tired of making sure your brood make it safely across the road, it’s easy to get out and find natural spaces.

Seeing some of the most pristine beaches in NSW is as simple as hopping on the L90 from Wynyard Station. The bus cruises through all of the can’t-miss beaches in Greater Sydney and the further you go, the better they get!

We recommend riding the bus through Dee Why, Narrabeen, and Avalon to the final stop: breathtaking Palm Beach.

Palmy, as the locals call it, is ideal for families because the long stretch of golden sand lets you to spread out without disturbing other sunbathers. The beach is renowned for its surf and kids can spend hours playing around in the waves.

Keen for more adventure? Kids will love the easy one kilometre walking track to the Barrenjoey lighthouse, which you can climb for a bit of exercise and the best ocean views imaginable.

The Art Gallery of NSW

If you’re in Sydney on school holidays, the kids might initially groan at the idea of visiting a museum. That is, until they see what’s on at the NSW Art Gallery.

The Gallery has a dedicated children’s area and offers events, tours and workshops year round. Crafts and activities at weekly kids clubs range from origami to fashion design.

Have an art connoisseur in the family? The gallery offers an audio tour that analyses famous pieces in kid-friendly language.

Centrally located in Potts Point, The Macleay Hotel is an excellent choice for families. We offer a range of accommodation to suit parties of any size. Many of our suite style rooms even include kitchens so you don’t have to suffer the hassle or expense of constantly dining out.