Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about Sydney without a car and for first-timers(I will put the links to them at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Sydney for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Sydney for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Sydney and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for various budgets.
Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and is the largest and most populous city in Australia. The city is known for its stunning harbor, iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, beautiful beaches like Bondi Beach, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Is Sydney a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Sydney is a great place to visit with family as it offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to various age groups and interests.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city boasts beautiful beaches, including Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, where families can relax, swim, and enjoy various water activities.
Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are popular attractions that allow families to get up close with a variety of animals and marine life.
The city has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries, making it convenient for families to navigate the city.
Where to stay in Sydney for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Sydney for families with kids are Darling Harbour, Sydney CBD, Circular Quay/The Rocks, Surry Hills/Darlinghurst, and Bondi Beach. These are all popular areas in Sydney for tourists, so your family will have easy access to family-friendly amenities and attractions.
Darling Harbour and Sydney CBD are the most popular areas to stay in Sydney with kids. These areas provide central locations with easy access to family-friendly attractions, and a wide range of accommodations for all budgets.
Circular Quay/The Rocks is also a great base with children but it is expensive due to its proximity to the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If your family has a generous budget, this area is a great option.
Darlinghurst/Surry Hills are trendy neighborhoods with a variety of dining options. It offers more local feel and more affordable accommodations while still being close to the CBD and major sights.
Bondi Beach is a great location for beach vacation. Plenty of family-friendly activities, including beach outings, coastal walks, and Bondi Icebergs Pool.
On one of my trips to Sydney, I stayed in the 4-star good value for money YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB in the CBD area, near the QVB and tram stop. It is also a family-friendly accommodation, with a decent room size room for a family of 4. You can also request interconnected rooms if you have more members.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Sydney for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Sydney, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Sydney have been carefully selected by me from well-known booking websites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best areas to stay in Sydney with family:
1. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a popular area in Sydney for families who want a central location, vibrant atmosphere, and close proximity to numerous kid-friendly attractions and activities.
Darling Harbour is home to several family-friendly attractions, including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. These attractions offer interactive exhibits and experiences for children.
There are open spaces and playgrounds along the waterfront, providing a great opportunity for kids to play and enjoy outdoor activities.
The area has a diverse range of restaurants and cafes with options to suit various tastes. It’s convenient for families to find dining options that cater to both adults and children.
Darling Harbour often hosts events, live performances, and fireworks displays, especially during special occasions and holidays.
It’s easily accessible by public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries. The proximity to the city center makes it convenient for exploring other parts of Sydney.
Best places to stay in Sydney in Darling Harbour with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, great family-friendly hotel, in a prime location, great base for easy access to kid-friendly attractions and activities. Short walk to many restaurants, massive playground, museum. Buffet breakfast has amazing many options for kids and kids will enjoy the pool and the views from the room.
Mid-range ($$): Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, 4.5 children-friendly hotel conveniently located in Darling Harbour area of Sydney, close to the family-friendly attractions such as Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, and National Maritime museum. Children 16 and above will be charged as adults at this hotel. You can request an extra Crib for free, and extra beds will be charged AUD 60 per stay.
Mid-range ($$): PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, 4.5 star kid-friendly hotel in a prime location with easy access to the CBD, Darling Harbour, and Town Hall Station.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DARLING HARBOUR2. Sydney CBD
Sydney CBD (Central Business District) is the bustling and dynamic heart of Sydney. It is a great base for sightseeing and has a wide range of family-friendly accommodations for all budgets.
Your family can go shopping at Pitt Street Mall with a wide range of retail stores, including international and local brands. Queen Victoria Building shopping center has many more upscale boutiques and cafes.
You can also explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park, which offers a peaceful environment for a family picnic or a relaxing walk.
For those who are interested in art and museums can visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is a contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions.
The CBD is well-connected by public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries. Central Station is a major transportation hub in the CBD.
The CBD also has a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Areas like Barangaroo have waterfront dining options.
Best places to stay in Sydney for families with kids:
Luxury ($$$): The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, great 5-star family-friendly hotel in the heart of the CBD, right next to bustling Martin Place. Easy distance from famous Darling Harbor, Chinatown, and the Opera House. The hotel has comfortable family rooms and welcomes children of all ages.
Luxury ($$$): Meriton Suites World Tower, Sydney, great family-friendly accommodation that can accommodate up to 6 adults in the Three-Bedroom Penthouse/Suite. Great base for a big family and group of friends. It also has a prime location in the CBD, close to Hyde Park, Chinatown and Queen Victoria Building. Easy access to shops, supermarkets and restaurants.
Mid-range ($$): The Grace Hotel, popular 4.5 children-friendly hotel in central Sydney, close to the iconic Harbor Bridge, Opera House, the QVB and Pitt Street Mall. It has an Indoor swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, onsite parking, and kids’ meals with additional charge.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CBD3. Circular Quay/The Rocks
Circular Quay and The Rocks are historic and iconic areas, offering a blend of history, culture, and stunning waterfront views. It can be expensive staying in these areas due to their prime locations and proximity to the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Circular Quay is a major transportation hub with ferry terminals connecting to various parts of Sydney, including Manly and Taronga Zoo. Numerous harbor cruises depart from Circular Quay, offering scenic views of the harbor, the Opera House, and the city skyline.
Located adjacent to Circular Quay, the Opera House is one of the most famous landmarks globally, hosting a variety of performances and events. Circular Quay provides excellent views of the Harbour Bridge, and the Bridge can be accessed by walking from this area.
The Rocks is one of Sydney’s oldest areas, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a rich maritime history. The area has preserved its heritage while offering a mix of modern amenities.
The Rocks Markets are held on weekends, offering a variety of arts, crafts, and local products.
The Rocks is known for its historic pubs, many of which have been in operation for decades.
Restaurants and cafes in The Rocks provide a diverse range of dining experiences.
Best places to stay in Circular Quay/The Rocks with children:
Luxury ($$$): Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, great 5-star family-friendly hotel on George Street, welcomes children of all ages, and Children 18 and above will be charged as adults. Prime location, close to the Rocks and Circular Quay. The hotel has very good breakfast, Outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk.
Luxury ($$$): Sir Stamford Circular Quay, popular 4-star kid-friendly accommodation in a prime location on Circular Quay, offering views of the Sydney Harbor and Circular Quay. Great base for getting around the city as it is close to ferries, trains and metro.
Mid-range ($$): A by Adina Sydney, 4.5 children-friendly sustainable condo hotel in central Sydney, close to popular Royal Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Harbour Bridge. The two bedroom interconnecting apartment can accommodate up to 4 adults. Easy access to light rail stations.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CIRCULAR QUAY/THE ROCKS4. Darlinghurst/ Surry Hills
Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are popular for families seeking a more urban and trendy lifestyle while still being relatively close to the Sydney CBD.
Darlinghurst is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and eateries offering a range of international cuisines.
Oxford Street runs through Darlinghurst and is famous for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and various entertainment options.
Surry Hills is renowned for its diverse and high-quality dining scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a range of culinary experiences. Bourke Street Bakery is a famous bakery known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and gourmet pies.
The area is known for its fashion boutiques, design stores, and creative industries, making it a hub for those interested in design and style.
Surry Hills is relatively close to Centennial Parklands, offering a large green space for recreational activities.
Best places to stay in Sydney in Darlinghurst with family:
Luxury ($$$): Zara Tower – Luxury Suites and Apartments, family-friendly apartment style accommodation in central location, close to Hyde Park Barracks Museum, convenient access to the Opera House and Darling Harbour. Comfortable base for a family of 5,6,7,8.
Mid-range ($$): Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar, 4-star children-friendly accommodation, in great location, walking distance from Central Station, Darlinghurst, and great dining in Surrey Hills. Children 13 and above will be charged as adults at this hotel. They have spacious rooms for a family of 4, 6, and 7.
Mid-range ($$): Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Surry Hills, great family-friendly accommodation on Crown Street, great base for family of four. You can choose to stay in a spacious 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DARLINGHURST/ SURRY HILLS5. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is the best place to stay in Sydney for a family beach holiday. Bondi Beach is one of the most famous and iconic beaches in Sydney, known for its golden sands, surf culture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Bondi Beach is renowned for its long stretch of golden sand, making it a popular spot for sunbathing, and picnics. The beach is a hub for surfing, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers.
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a scenic coastal trail that offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It passes by other beautiful beaches, rock pools, and parks.
Overlooking the beach, the Bondi Icebergs Club includes a famous ocean pool, which is open to the public, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the ocean.
Bondi Junction, a short distance away, is a major shopping and entertainment complex with a wide range of retail outlets.
The beach and its surroundings offer family-friendly amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and shallow areas for children.
Best places to stay in Sydney in Bondi Beach with kids:
Luxury ($$$): QT Bondi, 5-star family-friendly hotel in Bondi, easy access to the beach and cliff walks. Great location for families with young kids as it is close to everything you need such as cafes, restaurants, Woolworth, and a playground. The room has a kitchenette and washing machine.
Mid-range ($$): Bondi 38 Serviced Apartments, great 4-star children-friendly accommodation set in a prime location on Bondi Beach. Kids can enjoy evening walks, proximity to Sculptures by the sea. Many restaurants, cafes, bars and shops just outside the apartment.
Budget ($): Hotel Bondi, great 3-star family-friendly hotel that has family suites can accommodate up to 5 adults. Great location right opposite the beach and many shops, bars and cafés nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BONDI BEACHIn conclusion, Darling Harbour, Sydney CBD, Circular Quay/The Rocks, Darlinghurst/ Surry Hills, and Bondi Beach are the best places to stay in Sydney for families with kids. Whether you prefer a hotel, serviced apartment, or vacation rental, Sydney provides a range of options for families.
You can continue reading about Sydney and other destinations in Australia in these articles:
- Best places to stay in Sydney without a car
- Best places to stay in Sydney for first time
- Best areas to stay in Hunter Valley
- Best areas to stay in Blue Mountains
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Sydney. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.