Explore Sydney with UNICEF Australia’s Paddington’s Postcards: Free Kids Ticket Offer!

Here at ellaslist, we’re forever seeking out the latest, greatest, and most unique adventures to soak up with our kids; dreaming up an adventure trail to rival all others.

It’s no secret that kids are natural-born explorers, so – to celebrate the release of the new Paddington in Peru movie, in cinemas on 1 January – we've teamed up with UNICEF Australia’s Paddington’s Postcards. These beautiful, personalised postcards invite your kids to discover new places and experiences, just like the adventurous bear, Paddington™. And where better to start than stunning Sydney?

We've compiled a list of ellaslist favourites; a collection of incredible Sydney attractions that offer little ones the ultimate explorer day out, along with why we love them.

Find out more about UNICEF Australia’s Paddington’s Postcards, a monthly subscription that offers the perfect balance of learning and fun for the school holidays and beyond, while also helping children in need around the world.

For the first 50 people who sign up via ellaslist before 31 January 2025, we’re offering a FREE kids' ticket to one of the mega Sydney destinations below. PLUS every sign-up also receives a special Paddington in Peru instant download for a limited time only – that’s plenty to keep your little adventurers entertained over the school holidays!

Explore Sydney with UNICEF Australia’s Paddington’s Postcards: Free Kids Ticket Offer!

1. Be a real-life, whip-cracking farmer at Calmsley Hill City Farm 

ellaslist opinion: It's hard to believe that this incredibly rural-feeling farm experience is actually just a hop, skip, and a jump from Sydney's CBD, and it's safe to say my kids had a ball exploring their change of scenery; jumping headfirst into everything the farm had to offer. After making our way through the plethora of animals, with the pigs and alpacas (Peruvian wildlife at its finest!) reigning as supreme favourites, attention turned to the diverse range of activities, talks, and shows on offer for the rest of the day.

These experiences showcased Calmsley Hill City Farm as so much more than just a place to visit native and farmyard animals, also offers plenty of interactive experiences that aim to educate, inform and engage - making it a perfect pairing with Paddington’s Postcards. 

Location: 31 Darling St, Abbotsbury

2. Journey through a magical underwater world at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

 

ellaslist Opinion: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is easily our favourite place to visit. We love walking through the underwater tunnel and watching the sea creatures swim all around us. The aquarium is home to over 4,000 animals from more than 300 different species.

The variety of Australian aquatic life is truly incredible, and our whole family was truly in awe of the diverse creatures we encountered. From vibrant fish to majestic sea turtles and everything in between, there was always something new and exciting to discover around every corner. The interactive displays like the touch pools make it such an engaging experience for the children, and, needless to say, getting up close with sharks and rays as well as adorable penguins makes for an incredibly fun and unforgettable experience—a must-do with kids! 

Location: 1- 5 Wheat Rd, Sydney

3. Get up close with native creatures at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

ellaslist Opinion: We adore journeying through the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and checking out the range of native Aussie animals. At WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, you can snap a selfie with a cuddly koala, feed a kangaroo, and even come face-to-face with three impressive freshwater crocodiles. One of the highlights for us was watching the adorable Ringo the Wombat play in his exhibit, and my kids loved seeing the resident platypus swimming through the water. 

WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo had such a serene ambience, with peaceful, lush outdoor spaces and a rare intimacy with the animals not found at other zoos. It really is the perfect place to experience Australia’s unique wildlife – and your children can continue exploring the wider world’s wildlife with Paddington and his postcards!

Location: 1 - 5 Wheat Rd, Sydney

4. Roll with the rich and famous at Madame Tussauds

ellaslist Opinion: I honestly have never heard the word 'WOW' expressed more than at Madame Tussauds. My one-year-old was even saying it by the end, and I'm sure he couldn't say it before we went in. From sitting next to UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Chan, to taking pictures with Taylor Swift on stage, joining some celebrities for the New Year's Sydney Fireworks and popping in for a visit with the Queen, the wax-figure journey is truly one for everyone. 

The walk-through was entirely pram-friendly and well-organised for photo opportunities (perfect for insta-savvy teens). As well as celebrities, singers and superheroes, there are political figures sporting heroes, historical figures and fashion stars. Something for every interest!

Location: 10-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney

5. Be a night sky explorer and see stars through the giant telescope at Sydney Observatory Family Tours 

ellaslist Opinion: Sydney Observatory sits on Observatory Hill, overlooking the Harbour and is worth a visit for the views alone. The small group family tour setting made it perfect for us with young children (the experience is recommended for ages six and older.) Our guide shared fascinating insights into flag signalling, weather measurement, and the Observatory’s rich scientific history, all at Sydney Cove’s highest natural point.

After climbing the narrow staircases, we stepped into the Observatory’s domes, where we got to see both historic and modern telescopes in action. The views from the top were absolutely spectacular, with stunning vistas across Sydney Harbour that could rival Paddington’s views of the breathtaking Peruvian Amazon. We even had the chance to peer through a telescope and view some terrestrial objects up close—making for an engaging and educational experience for us all!

Location: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point

6. Be a deep sea explorer at the Australian National Maritime Museum

 

ellaslist Opinion: Make sure you leave some time for this one as there is so much to see and do at the Australian National Maritime Museum. 

The museum is perfectly situated right on the waterfront at Darling Harbour and it offers such a unique blend of indoor and outdoor experiences, making it a great outing for the whole family.

The museum boasts one of the largest and most impressive in-water fleets in the world, and we all loved the interactive Action Stations experience, which gave us an incredible insight into the danger of military life at sea, showing the inner workings of the Royal Australian Navy in a whole new way.

With six permanent galleries and a rotating lineup of temporary exhibitions, there’s always something new to see and explore!

Location: 2 Murray Street, Sydney

7. Immerse yourself in a world of fascinating creatures at Sydney Zoo

ellaslist Opinion: I can’t count the number of times we’ve visited Sydney Zoo! From the tigers to the adorable meerkats, the Ferris Wheel, and all the fun installations they put on throughout the year, Sydney Zoo is our go-to for family fun on an otherwise average weekend

The Koala Trail had us snapping photos with one of Australia’s most iconic creatures, and we loved watching Sydney's only rhino roam and wallow in the mud. The zoo is incredibly accessible, with no hills or steps, making it a super easy experience for families with kids. 10/10! 

Location: 700 Great Western Hwy, Eastern Creek

8. Camp at Cockatoo Island

 

ellaslist Opinion: For the kind of family memories that will last a lifetime, a Camping Experience at Cockatoo Island is a must-do! The location is unbeatable, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour, and with picnic spots, waterfront cafes, and historic landmarks right at your doorstep, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy.

For a hassle-free experience with kids, I opted for the basic camping package, where I checked into a pre-erected tent, which made everything so easy. It was a fantastic, flexible stay, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Sydney in a unique and memorable way! Then, continue learning about the value of family and shared adventures with Paddington's Postcards to keep the exploration bug at bay.

Location: Cockatoo Island

9. Spend the night with dinosaurs at the Australian Museum

ellaslist opinion: Dinosnore at the Australian Museum is perfect for curious minds aged 6-12, and my family and I all have such fond memories of our experience.  The highlight was definitely the torchlight tour where we explored the museum's hidden wonders, including the incredible Dinosaurs Gallery.

One of the highlights was meeting Winny, the Muttaburrasaurus, before we settled down to sleep in one of the museum's oldest galleries. It was a night filled with discovery and excitement, and I couldn't recommend this experience more to families looking for a fun and educational adventure!

Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst

10. Royal Botanic Garden Bush Tucker Tour

ellaslist Opinion: My family and I had the incredible opportunity to join an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour through the Royal Botanic Garden, led by a knowledgeable First Nations guide. The experience was a fascinating journey into Indigenous bush foods and their traditional uses, as well as how they’ve been adapted to modern cooking.

Throughout the one-hour tour, we explored the Cadi Jam Ora garden, where I learned about some of the most exciting bush foods currently trending – though sadly for Paddington fans, no marmalade sandwiches were present. The best part? I got to taste a variety of these foods along the way, which were as delicious as they were educational. Highly recommend!

Location: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney

The Details

To get your paws on a FREE kids ticket to one of these epic Sydney attractions, simply be one of the first fifty people to sign up to Paddington’s Postcards via our special ellaslist link before 31 January 2025.

Once you’ve signed up to Paddington's Postcards using the ellaslist link, you’ll receive an email from ellaslist with a child’s ticket to a mystery Sydney attraction on the list, so you can start your very own adventure trail!

Valid for NSW subscribers only until 31 January 2025. 

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