Think of the kids. A visit to Sydney has lasting effects—mostly positive. Australia’s largest city offers countless transformative experiences: the spectacular harbor, a relaxed lifestyle, and unique flora and fauna that spark curiosity in young minds. Still, there’s a playful downside: after time in Sydney, children often start to pick up a bit of Strine.
At first it might be a few colorful words: bonzer, ripper, corker, beaut. Slowly, subtle changes in speech appear. Sentences can take on a rising, questioning tone (linguists call this Australian questioning intonation). Syllables blur together. When “Strine” replaces “Australian” in their vocabulary, the transformation is complete: a new dialect has been adopted.
Full adoption can take months, but on a short trip children usually return with only a few temporary linguistic souvenirs. That’s a small price to pay for time spent in one of the world’s great cities.
Sydney sits around Port Jackson, an expansive, blue harbor that stretches 11 miles inland. This sheltered natural inlet shapes the city’s life—trade, transport and leisure—and is the ideal starting point for visitors.
Circular Quay, beneath the iconic Sydney Opera House, is the main ferry terminal. Sydney Ferries cover 39 destinations around the harbor, and a MyMulti Weekly Pass makes travel economical: adults $36 for unlimited bus and ferry journeys over seven days; children under 15 $18; kids under 4 travel free.
On your first day, take it easy. A scenic 30-minute ferry from Circular Quay brings you to Manly Beach, an ideal place to unwind and brush off jetlag.
Manly is located at North Head at the harbor entrance. The ferry docks at Manly Wharf on the calm harbor side, and a short walk along a pedestrian street brings you to a wide stretch of sand—Pacific breakers on one side, cafés, surfboard rentals and beach shops on the other. Allow an hour or two for Oceanworld Manly, a fine aquarium where visitors over 14 can scuba dive in the main shark tank, a vivid lesson that not all shark species are dangerous.
Taronga Zoo, one of Sydney’s most popular attractions, sits on the harbor’s north shore, a brief ferry ride from downtown. The zoo showcases a broad range of Australian wildlife and runs important captive-breeding programs for endangered animals worldwide. The giraffe enclosure offers especially photogenic views, with the Opera House and downtown skyscrapers in the background.
For closer encounters with native marsupials, drive about 45 minutes west to Featherdale Wildlife Park. This compact sanctuary lets visitors see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and wombats in natural settings—and often stroke or hold them for a memorable hands-on experience.
After meeting Australia’s native animals, consider climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately called “the coat hanger.” Guided climbs reach the summit, 439 feet above water, available day and night; climbers must be at least 10 years old and taller than 4 feet. The Sydney Opera House also offers numerous family-focused performances, with festivals and shows designed specifically for children.
If heights appeal, take the express elevator to Sydney Tower’s observation deck for 360-degree views. For the adventurous there’s a glass-floored outdoor skywalk 880 feet above the Central Business District; participants must be at least 10 years old.
At street level, cross from Sydney Tower to the monorail station and travel a short distance to Darling Harbour, a lively entertainment and shopping district redeveloped from its industrial past. The area is rich in family attractions.
The Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour preserves Australia’s seafaring heritage. Exhibits include a full-scale replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour, a 1960s navy submarine and the 1874 tall ship James Craig. Family Fun Sundays during the school term offer activities for children aged 5 to 12.
At Darling Harbour’s southern end, the IMAX Theatre features the world’s largest IMAX screen. Nearby, the Powerhouse Museum—housed in a former power station—offers hands-on displays focused on technology and design that engage visitors of all ages.
Modern Sydney has come a long way from its origins as a penal colony, but reminders of that history remain. The Historic Houses Trust runs 14 important sites, including the Justice & Police Museum, which fascinates children drawn to the macabre with its old magistrate’s court and police cells and stories of notorious local crimes.
The harbor is central to most Sydney itineraries—you’ll return to it repeatedly, walking the foreshore paths, crossing the bridge and taking to the water. While ferries are practical for getting around, a tall-ship cruise is the most romantic way to experience Port Jackson.
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships operates daily lunchtime and sundown cruises and hosts selected Family Pirate BBQ Lunch Experiences on Sundays. Families are invited to dress as pirates for the two-hour voyage departing from The Rocks beneath the Harbour Bridge.
Sailing across Sydney Harbour under full sail—pirate costume optional—is unforgettable. And when the moment calls for an exclamation, you’ll find the local vocabulary fits the occasion: bonzer, ripper, corker, beaut.
Info To Go
International flights arrive at Sydney Airport (SYD), about six miles south of the city center. A taxi to downtown costs roughly $22. The Airport Link train runs every 10 minutes and takes about 13 minutes to reach the city; fares are approximately $9 for adults and $6.70 for children.
Lodging
BLUE Sydney
Thirty-six of the hotel’s 100 guestrooms are lofts with separate sleeping and living areas. Its Wharf at Woolloomooloo location is convenient to business and shopping districts. 6 Cowper Wharf Road, tel 61 2 9331 9000 $$$$
Park Hyatt Sydney
While amenities for children are limited, this harborside hotel places all of Sydney at your doorstep. 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, tel 61 2 9256 1234 $$$$
Rydges World Square
A family-friendly option offering adjoining rooms and many units with kitchenettes. Within walking distance of Darling Harbour and the CBD. 389 Pitt St., tel 61 2 8268 1888 $$
Dining
Harry’s Café de Wheels
Founded in 1938, this classic mobile café at Woolloomooloo still serves iconic meat pies and mushy peas. Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, tel 61 2 9357 3074 $
Lindt Chocolate Café
Known for excellent sandwiches and, more importantly, an array of chocolate delights. 53 Martin Place, tel 61 2 8257 1600 $$
Saké
A popular sushi and seafood spot offering inventive dishes and a dedicated kids’ menu. 12 Argyle St., The Rocks, tel 61 2 9259 5656 $$$