Destination guideAustralia
FROMLON
ABOUT 22 HRS ✈️
TOSYD

Family holidays in Sydney

Ferries across the harbour, koalas at the zoo and beaches all along the coast. Here's what Sydney is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏙️ City break, 🏖️ Beach, 🥾 Nature & hiking
NIGHTS AWAY10 to 14
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSSep–Mar
Add Sydney to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Sydney at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 22 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
9 TO 11 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR ($)
ENTRY
EVISITOR FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE I · 230V

The eVisitor is free to apply for online. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANSummer, best time to go
  2. FEBSummer, best time to go
  3. MARWarm, best time to go
  4. APRAutumn, a good time to go
  5. MAYMild, a good time to go
  6. JUNCool, quieter
  7. JULCool, quieter
  8. AUGCool, quieter
  9. SEPSpring, best time to go
  10. OCTSpring, best time to go
  11. NOVWarm, best time to go
  12. DECSummer, festive, best time to go

Spring and summer, September to March, are best for beaches and harbour days. Christmas and New Year's Eve fireworks are spectacular but busy and expensive. June to August is cool but sunny, and good for whale watching.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Taronga Zoo

Koalas and kangaroos with harbour views. Arrive by ferry from Circular Quay.

TICKETED

Manly ferry

A cheap harbour cruise past the Opera House to a beach town.

FREE

Bondi to Coogee walk

A clifftop coastal path with rock pools and swimming spots.

TICKETED

Sydney Opera House

Look round outside for free or catch a family show inside.

FREE

Royal Botanic Garden

Wide lawns by the water for picnics, next to the Opera House.

DAY TRIP

Blue Mountains

About two hours west. Ride the steep Scenic Railway.

Sydney: common questions

Is Sydney good for a family holiday?

Yes. Beaches, ferries and wildlife make it a great family city. The long flight is the hardest part, so a stopover on the way helps.

How many nights do you need?

Ten to fourteen nights, as it takes a few days to get over jet lag. Many families add the Gold Coast or Melbourne.

Do UK families need a visa?

British passport holders, children included, apply for a free eVisitor online before they fly. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

Is it safe to swim at Sydney beaches?

Yes, at patrolled beaches. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are watching.

If you like Sydney

MELMelbourne🏙️ City break
CPTCape Town🏖️ BeachTYOTokyo🏙️ City break
AKLAuckland🥾 Nature & hiking

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