Memorable Family Activities To Experience In NSW

Dreaming of whisking your family away to exotic destinations? You don’t have to go far. Seize the day and discover the exciting, affordable experiences that will create those "remember when..." moments.

These unique and memorable activities are your trusty road map to satisfying your adventurous spirit at home. Whether it is a spontaneous weekend day trip or a school holiday getaway, find the best things to do in NSW from the vibrant streets of Sydney to the tranquil landscapes of the Central Coast, the lush vineyards of the Hunter Valley to the pristine shores of Port Stephens.

Memorable Family Activities To Experience in NSW

Sydney

Often claiming a top spot in the annual ‘best city’ lists, globetrotters the world over descend on our shores to behold its natural beauty and feel its vibrant energy. These fun family activities will give you an unforgettable itinerary for a local escape.

Tall Ship Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise

Ahoy, mateys! Climb aboard and set sail on sparkling seas with a Tall Ship Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise. This authentic 1850s tall ship sailing experience is the ultimate introduction to the city's famous landmarks. It’s the perfect cruise to sample Sydney’s unmissable sites on a unique and enthralling vessel. The kids will rave about it as they help the crew set the sails and take photos on deck. The scenic 1.5-hour cruise also includes tasty appetisers and is under $100 per person.

Sydney Harbour Sea Kayak Tour

From one unique sightseeing tour to another, a Sunset Kayaking Session on Sydney Harbour will take you on a 90 minute dusk adventure with special kayaks that are fitted out with LED lights to illuminate your route as you paddle along the glistening evening waters. Get outdoors and explore the city’s famous landmarks from a different perspective, taking in the unbeatable views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and Opera House. 

Quiz Room Sydney Game Room

Lights, music, action! Immerse your family in some healthy competition at Australia's first immersive trivia-style quiz. This fun, interactive experience emulates a real-life game show with an exhilarating, high-speed battle of the brains amid lights, sounds, voiceovers and jingles. But it's not just what you know but how you play the game: strategic twists and turns that can make anyone a winner! The Quiz Room in Sydney is a whole new concept in family entertainment where your brood is the star of the show. Laughs are guaranteed!

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Central Coast

The sun-kissed shores of the Central Coast offer a myriad of whimsical family adventures and a serene sweet escape just an hour away from the bustling streets of Sydney. Plus, all of these family activities are under $100 per person.

Mystery Picnic in The Central Coast

Prepare for a day of joy and discovery as you and your little adventurers unravel clues and solve riddles amid the picturesque landscapes of this coastal paradise. Armed with your trusty smartphone, the Mystery Picnic in The Central Coast will lead you through quaint beachside towns and lush national parks, with games and conversation starters to engage the whole family, each step bringing you closer to uncovering the ultimate picnic destination and relishing in your hard-won gourmet spread sourced from local artisans.

Australian Reptile Park

Take a wild adventure at the Australian Reptile Park, one of the jewels of the central coast and an award-winning Aussie tourist attraction! Home to over 2,000 captivating creatures, from slithering snakes to majestic crocodiles, and from cuddly koalas to hopping kangaroos, the park is a bustling menagerie of native wildlife. Delight in the daily live shows and get up close and personal to furry and scaly residents with hands-on experiences. Little ones will also love the children's adventure playground.

TreeTop Adventure Park

 

Thrill-seekers of all ages can take their sense of adventure to lofty new heights at TreeTop Adventure Park. The adrenaline-pumping escapade is nestled within the serene ambience and lush canopies of Ourimbah State Forest in Wyong Creek and offers a wonderland of treetop challenges. Swing, leap, and zip through the air on a heart-pounding journey from tree to tree with over 115 individual obstacles including 20 exhilarating flying foxes. Fear not, budding Tarzans - little adventurers can join in the fun with junior courses tailored just for them. It’s 2.5 hours of action-packed fun for the whole family!

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Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, family-friendly wineries, gourmet food experiences and an array of outdoor activities that highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of the region - an ideal sojourn for families to unwind and reconnect.

Horse and Carriage Winery Tasting Tour

Parents who fancy trying some of the Hunter’s famous tipple will love the Horse and Carriage Winery Tasting Tour, while the kids will be captivated by the thrilling horse-drawn ride! Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind activity and explore the incredible scenery of three renowned wineries. Your trusty steed will lead you along scenic backroads and through sprawling vineyards, meandering through the countryside and stopping at local culinary delights along the way! At each tasting destination, immerse yourself in the art of winemaking and sample a selection of award-winning wines. Raise a glass to family adventures in a unique way in the enchanting Hunter Valley countryside.

You can also opt for a Horse and Carriage Winery Tour sans the wine tasting!

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Just a scenic two-hour drive from Sydney, this animal oasis is a must-visit for animal lovers. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is a sanctuary of native and exotic wonders designed with education and conservation in mind. The Park showcases Aussie favourites such as Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats and Tasmanian Devils alongside Lions, Alligators, Lizard, Reptiles, Birds and even Monkeys, Macaws and Capybaras. Join animal keeper talks and presentations or get hands-on with interactive experiences like hand-feeding kangaroos, wallabies, ostriches and farmyard animals. With 10 acres of natural habitat to explore, the park offers ample space for wildlife to roam and families to unwind in the serene surroundings of a lush bushland setting.

Hunter Valley Wildlife Sunrise Breakfast

Earlybirds, take your Hunter Valley Wildlife Park adventure a step further and have a Sunrise Breakfast with Giraffes overlooking Lemur Island. Rise and shine for exclusive early morning access to the park and you’ll be served up a delicious breakfast amid the graceful giraffes - and you can hand-feed the giraffes their breakfast too! Plus, you’ll join an intimate bespoke guided tour led by an experienced zookeeper, where you'll journey through the park, encounter a menagerie of magnificent creatures and gain fascinating insights into their lives. The activity includes a printed giraffe-feeding photograph and animal feed bags for walk-in enclosures.

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Port Stephens

Families flock to Port Stephens for sunny days soaking up the sun at stunning beaches, seeking out family-friendly adventures and attractions and absorbing the relaxed atmosphere, laid-back vibe and coastal charm. It is a bountiful backdrop for a family getaway with an abundance of memorable activities.

Irukandji Shallow Shark Encounter

Dive into an experience like no other at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters - an interactive aquarium that allows thrill-seekers to feed and pet sharks and rays! Embark on an interactive tour that brings you face-to-fin with an array of captivating marine species and wade into the lagoons to feel the thrill of getting up close to these curious aquatic creatures. You’ll learn all about their fascinating world with the guidance of marine experts by your side, promising an unforgettable journey into the depths of the ocean.

Stingray Cuddles and Shallow Water Experience

Cozy up with the cuddliest rays and stingrays with a Cuddles and Shallow Water Experience at the Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters Marine Conservation Centre. It's a lovefest of the seas! Following a captivating educational talk to introduce you to these incredible creatures, you will wade into the shallow waters for some special moments with these affectionate animals. Prepare to be amazed as they swim right up to you, eager for a cuddle! After your intimate encounter, you will have the opportunity to feed and pet even more rays and some of the friendliest sharks around. It's an exclusive experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation and understanding of the ocean's most lovable inhabitants.

Port Stephens Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Adventure

Sandboarding at the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes is a quintessential Port Stephens family experience and this thrilling adventure has the added thrills and spills of an off-road 4WD excursion. Buckle up for an exhilarating journey along a 32 km stretch of pristine coastline from Birubi Beach, where impressive sand dunes await, reaching heights of up to 30 metres. After a quick lesson from these expert guides, it's time to ascend to the summit of the dunes and hit the slopes! Soak in the breathtaking views and launch yourself down the sand on your board. With unlimited sandboarding at your disposal, it's buckets of fun that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

Port Stephens Dolphin Watch Express Cruise

All aboard 'Envision' for an unforgettable one-hour Dolphin-Watching Cruise through Port Stephens Marine Park where a thriving population of over 100 resident dolphins live. Step aboard the vessel and take your seat for an immersive experience as you behold incredible 360-degree views from the deck and the friendly crew regale you with engaging commentary. Cruise along the stunning Shoal Bay and admire the iconic Headlands while keeping your eyes peeled for playful dolphins frolicking in the crystal-clear waters. Your journey will take you across to the renowned dolphin hot spot, Jimmy's Beach where you'll have the chance to meet the graceful bottlenose dolphins. Don’t forget your camera - this delightful activity is full of picture-perfect moments.

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