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Taking your family on a holiday can be tricky at the best of times, with costs, travel logistics, annual leave, and myriad other things to plan and execute.
However, one of our favourite ways to make a getaway much less stressful and much more affordable is to take a Sydney staycation in our own backyard.
Why Choose A Sydney Staycation for Your Family?
People travel the world to explore our grand city, and a staycation in Sydney is the perfect way to introduce your family to the treasure trove of coveted experiences we have right here.
There are lots of savvy options for families with young children to keep costs down, and it’s super easy to plan and book a whole range of unique and exciting activities to make it feel like a real holiday.
Sydney is abuzz with a vibrant wonderland of attractions for kids and families, so you can pack your itinerary with incredible things to do to really make the most of your escape. From adrenaline-pumping action to captivating wildlife parks, from enchanting aquariums to fascinating museums, there's a whole world of excitement and adventure to discover.
Whether it's a weekend or a week, there’s a Sydney staycation waiting for you - and there are some clever ways to ensure you don't blow the budget too!
Table of Contents
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Staycation Accommodation in Sydney
Things To Do In Sydney During a Staycation
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Sydney Staycation
Staycation Accommodation in Sydney
Sydney Hotels and Hostels
Sydney has some fantastic hotels where you can snap up great-value deals for luxe accommodation.
The Amora Hotel Jamison is ideally situated smack-bang in the Sydney CBD, within walking distance of Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks, and loads of top attractions. The spacious rooms are perfect for families, and kids love the indoor heated pool and generous buffet breakfast!
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour can also be an affordable choice for a luxurious Sydney staycation with their Family Special Offer and everything you need on your doorstep. With world-class dining, a spectacular infinity pool overlooking Darling Harbour, stylish rooms, and easy access to family favourites like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, the Australian National Maritime Museum and Darling Quarter's playground, there are no travel hassles and plenty to see and do within walking distance.
We also love (tried and tested!) the Hyatt Regency Sydney and the Novotel Sydney Darling Square for their great locations and family-focused experiences.
Discover more of the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in NSW, or, if you prefer a more intimate accommodation, the harbour city has stunning boutique hotels where you can explore new neighbourhoods, including Watsons Bay, Potts Point, Chippendale, and Darlinghurst.
If you want to be in the middle of Sydney without paying Circular Quay hotel rates, YHA Sydney Harbour is always at the top of our list. It's right in The Rocks, which means Circular Quay, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the ferry terminals are all within easy walking distance. Large private family rooms are available, there's a self-catering kitchen to cut down on eating-out costs, and the rooftop has those iconic Sydney Harbour views.
Fun fact the kids will love: YHA Sydney Harbour sits over an active archaeological site! There's a dig display on-site that curious kids will have a ball checking out.
On the other side of town, YHA Sydney Central is directly opposite Central Station in Haymarket, which puts you one train stop or a short light rail ride from pretty much everything: Darling Harbour, Chinatown, the fish markets, the CBD and more. Large private rooms are available, there's a rooftop pool, a kitchen, and a cinema room — do we even need to say more?
For a Sydney staycation that puts you somewhere memorable, YHA delivers. Discover more affordable family stays in NSW from YHA that everyone will love.
Sydney Holiday Rentals
For an authentic home-away-from-home experience, a holiday rental could be just the ticket. They offer affordability and convenience, especially when you’ve got a big family. Holiday houses boast convenient amenities like a full kitchen and laundry, plus more space and privacy.
The best place we’ve found for Sydney holiday rentals is Stayz. You can search for a range of family-friendly accommodations that meet your getaway goals, such as those located near a beach or with a swimming pool.
Sydney Camping Spots
For more adventurous families with a taste for the great outdoors, camping is a thrifty, grassroots accommodation option that offers truly unique highlights like campfires under the stars, beautiful natural landscapes, and perhaps even a digital detox!
Surprisingly, you don’t have to travel too far from the city to snap up a tent - some of our favourite campgrounds are just a stone’s throw from Sydney.
If you want to take the luxe level up a notch, you can go glamping on Cockatoo Island - the only harbour island where you can stay overnight. They have stress-free family Camping Packages with ready-to-go tents!
Affordable Dining in Sydney
Kid-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants
We’ve done the legwork to make sure you can find family-friendly dining options across Sydney for your staycation that won’t break the bank.
Sydney has an impressive array of kid-friendly cafes and pubs where you can relax and chow down, even with tiny tots in tow. Sydney also has a range of money-saving eateries where kids eat for FREE.
Best Picnic Spots in Sydney
If you need a breath of fresh air, a family picnic is a beautiful, budget-friendly dining alternative. Pack your favourite snacks and head to one of the Best Picnic Spots in Sydney, including the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where you can settle under the famous fig trees surrounded by vibrant blooms and water views, and Centennial Park with its array of barbecue facilities, flower gardens, duck ponds and resident swans, plus playgrounds and bike tracks. A picnic lunch is a fun and affordable way to dine!
Best Food Markets in Sydney
Another savvy way to dine out is at a local market, especially on the weekend. Sydney is abuzz with fabulous markets where you can experience culture and cuisine with a lively atmosphere. Soak up the sunshine with a good cup of coffee, homemade treats and gourmet delights at artisan stalls.
Some of the best markets in Sydney for a food adventure are Marrickville Organic Food & Farmers Market, Carriageworks Farmers Market and Bondi Markets.
Things To Do In Sydney During a Staycation
Your accommodation is sorted, and you are ready to see the sights!
If your kids need to burn off some energy, discover the best parks & playgrounds in Sydney for totally free outdoor fun, plus free water parks if you've been blessed with sunshine!
If you want to help your little ones get creative and spark their imaginations, explore the best kids' museums in Sydney.
These unmissable Sydney attractions will delight the whole family:
Sydney Tower Eye
First up, we recommend you go straight to the top - 250 metres above street level, in fact! Sydney Tower Eye is the highest building in our fair city and has an indoor Observation Deck with sensational 360-degree views stretching as far as the Blue Mountains. Use the binoculars to spot all the famous landmarks, be dazzled by the glorious sunsets or dare to take the exhilarating SKYWALK.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
The entertainment hub of Darling Harbour is home to an aquatic wonderland like no other! SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is Australia's largest oceanarium with over 90 tanks and 13,000 aquatic animals. With a glass walk-through tunnel that immerses you beneath the water, and visit mesmerising seascapes including a South Coast Shipwreck area, Dugong Island, Shark Valley walk, a Great Barrier Reef area, a Penguin Expedition and a myriad more highlights, you will be awestruck by this underwater labyrinth.
Taronga Zoo Sydney
The iconic Taronga Zoo is Sydney's most popular zoo with one of the best collections of animals in the country and an unrivalled location on the edge of Sydney Harbour. With thousands of furry residents calling Taronga Zoo home, you’ll see native Australian fauna like cute koalas and kangaroos, and a diverse array of exotic wildlife from monkeys to meerkats. Explore spacious exhibits and see extraordinary zookeeper presentations, including the Free Flight Birds show and Seals for the Wild.
Treetops Adventure Park
The great outdoors doesn't get much better than this! Get a bird's-eye view of the ultimate natural playground at the award-winning, eco-friendly Treetops Adventure Park. The Western Sydney Parklands landmark boasts 100 individual challenges (divided up by ability level) and 20 flying foxes and zip lines for kids (and parents!) of all ages, plus special courses for the littlest thrill seekers. Ascend the heights of the forest for a thrilling day of zipping, climbing and flying, where kids can conquer their fears and embrace an out-of-the-ordinary, unforgettable, action-packed experience surrounded by nature.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Sydney Staycation
Save on getting around by using public transport with an Opal Card. There are daily, weekly and weekend travel caps plus off-peak travel discounts. The light rail makes getting through the city a breeze, and the ferry across gorgeous Sydney Harbour is a treat in itself, and the best way to travel to Cockatoo Island, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay and beyond.
To save on eating out, plan meals and cook at your accommodation if you can. Have picnic lunches, visit markets and choose local restaurants away from tourist hubs. Hot tip: Check out EatClub for daily dining deals.
Lastly, there are tons of free things to do around Sydney to keep little tykes entertained without spending a cent.
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About ellaslist
ellaslist is a trusted guide for Australian families, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand that the best family holidays need to be fun, practical and worth the effort. Our team researches and curates family-friendly destinations, attractions, accommodation and experiences across Australia and beyond, with helpful details on age suitability, accessibility, transport, facilities, budgets and parent-approved tips to make travelling with kids easier.
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