Unsure where to visit in New South Wales? These NSW holiday destinations offer something fun for the whole family. From native wildlife, silica-white sand beaches, beautiful national parks and more.
The Tweed is a place of sacred stories and contemporary spirit, a region with sprawling fruit plantations, exhilarating wildlife encounters and 37 kilometres of glistening coastline. Here, coast, river and valley villages offer an unforgettable break away from the everyday. There are World Heritage-listed national parks and millennia-old Gondwana rainforest, along with events celebrating wellness, food, sport and music. From snorkelling with turtles and visiting interactive museums to exploring million-year-old national parks, there’s so much for families to do in The Tweed.
This World Heritage-listed landscape of deep valleys and sandstone plateaus provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend escape. Get lost among the cosy cafes and quirky shops that dot the region’s historic towns, including Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath, Hartley and Lithgow.
Soak up the world-famous site of the Three Sisters from Echo Point and discover the valley below by scenic railway or cable car at Scenic World. Stroll through the cool climate gardens of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, where kids can participate in the Children’s Adventure Quest, a self-guided, hands-on tour. Or take to the bush along one of the many mountain trails and walks at this NSW holiday destination.
Thrill-seeking types might prefer to explore the region on a canyoning, abseiling, mountain bike riding or horse-riding adventure.
Just two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens has long been luring nature-seeking families with its koalas, dolphins and kilometres of spectacular coastline. Here are the top five things to do in Port Stephens.
Located in the Northern Rivers, Yamba is a coastal haven made for family adventures. Spend days at Main Beach with its ocean pool, or explore the sheltered waters of Whiting Beach, ideal for toddlers. Pippi Beach offers a dog-friendly area for your furry friend to roam. Kids will love the weekly farmers’ markets, the daily animal feeding at The Peach Farm, and the outdoor playground. Treat the family to wood-fired pizzas or stop by Yamba Distilling Co’s Gin Garden, which welcomes children and dogs. For outdoor adventure, hike the scenic Yamba Historical Walk or swim in the refreshing Angourie Blue and Green Pools. The Yuraygir Coastal Walk and Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail offer exciting options for older kids and teens.
Read: The best things to do in Yamba and the Clarence Valley
With its World Heritage-listed national parks, tree-lined historic hinterland villages, uncrowded beaches and the Solitary Islands Marine Park’s abundant wildlife, including migrating whales, birds and fish-filled coral reefs, Coffs Coast has it covered for outdoorsy families. There’s also a banana! An icon of Aussie family holidays for years, the Big Banana is now the gateway to an ice rink, water park, toboggan run and, well, bananas! Be sure to grab a frozen chocolate one for the road.
From high-speed boats to scenic river cruises, kayaking to close encounters with migrating whales, there are myriad ways to enjoy Port Macquarie’s magnificent waterways and beaches. Let the kids unleash their inner ‘Ninja Warrior’ to skid and slide around Stoney Aqua Park. It’s an epic overwater arena of inflatable obstacles, slides, trampolines and blast bags.
Explore the beach atop a camel with Port Macquarie Camel Safaris. Or get up close (though not too close) with rare and roar-some animals Billabong Zoo. Including five-metre monster croc, Shrek. The whole family will enjoy the Walk, Talk and Feed tour at Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital.
Mungo National Park is steeped in more than 45,000 years of ancient Indigenous history. Its otherworldly landscape sets the stage for remarkable archaeological discoveries, including Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. At 42,000 years old, they are Australia’s oldest known human skeletons. Located in the heart of southwestern NSW, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the local Indigenous peoples, learning about their ancient knowledge and survival techniques, timeless practices developed to adapt to extreme climate changes, which remain highly relevant today. Camp, drive, walk or ride through the extraordinary Mungo National Park.
Deepen your cultural connection to Mungo National Park with the free ‘Mungo Stories: Walk Together’ app. It features 10 captivating stories narrated by traditional owners and is beautifully illustrated by primary school students and a First Nations artist.
Stunning scenery and starry skies, captivating history and a cast of colourful characters make the frontier mining town of Broken Hill – the gateway to Outback NSW – a show-stopping destination. An intriguing real-life ghost town, Silverton, along with some of NSW’s most remarkable national parks, including Mutawintji National Park, Kinchega National Park and the Living Desert State Park – the site of the Sculpture Symposium – provide the perfect support act.
The Hunter incorporates four very different cities – Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland and Cessnock – each packed with plenty of fun for families.
While the Hunter Valley’s special grape juice might be the biggest lure for mum and dad, it’s not all about wine. There are myriad parks, playgrounds and reserves to explore, animals to pet at the Hunter Valley Zoo, and lots of cheese, chocolate and freshly made fudge to be devoured.
Lake Macquarie is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and promises a world of fun with boating and fishing to swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and jet boating. Then take time to explore the 90 villages that surround the lake.
Along with its beautiful beaches, parklands and playgrounds, Newcastle – Australia’s seventh-largest city – is also a haven for history buffs. Visit Nobby’s Lighthouse, the earliest surviving lighthouse in New South Wales (and enjoys spectacular views), and Fort Scratchley, perched high on Flagstaff Hill, to clamber around cannons and tunnel your way through 200 years of history
Nestled on the banks of the pretty Hunter River, Maitland is an enticing city with a rich history, creative arts community and bucketloads of fun for families. All just two hours from Sydney or 40 minutes from Newcastle.
Spectacular coastline, undulating green hills and lush hinterland are just a few of the plentiful delights that lure families to Kiama.
We love the shock and awe of the famed Kiama Blowhole. The rock formation spouts plumes of frothing ocean into the sky intermittently. Find coastal cool at the calm Easts and Kendalls Beach. Then catch some waves at Mystics, Bombo or Werri Beach at nearby Gerringong.
Soak up the dramatic view of Bombo Headland along the 20-kilometre Kiama Coast Walk from Minnamurra Station to Gerringong in the south, stopping for a swim along the way. You might even be lucky enough to spot a whale or two during the annual migration.
Once you’ve had your fill of watery fun, take to the sky at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest from the zipline or the 1.5-kilometre Treetop Walk. Or visit the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park to stroll along its elevated walkways through forests of ancient figs to a delightful waterfall.
For an adventure, head to Jamberoo Action Park. Take on thrill slides like The Perfect Storm and Funnel Web and enjoy heated shallow pools and mini water slides at Billabong Beach, ensuring even little ones can safely splash
Once you have conquered the misty, winding roads of the Blue Mountains, keep driving and you will find yourself surrounded by the Central West’s lush vineyards, grassy paddocks filled with frolicking lambs and plenty of country charm.
The stunning alpine area is home to Mount Kosciuszko, which at a mighty 2,228 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in mainland Australia.
Thredbo Resort is a refreshing alternative for summer adventures and the coolest of these NSW holiday destinations.
With its prime position in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park, once the snow melts you’ll find epic hiking trails and scenic walks to suit all levels. Hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko to see it carpeted in alpine wildflowers. There are also gravity-defying biking trails, fly fishing, horse riding, kayaking and Australia’s highest golf course.
Back in the village visit the fantastic Thredbo Leisure Centre. It has an Olympic-sized pool, water slides and huge pool inflatables.
Just an hour from Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast is bursting at the seams with fun for families. From the patrolled beach, sea baths and coastal boardwalk of The Entrance and sensational surf and swimming spots at Toowoon Bay and Copacabana to Terrigal’s four stunning kilometres of patrolled beach and pretty lagoon, there’s plenty of sun, sea and sand to be found on the Central Coast. Trade beach for bush at Bateau Bay’s Wyrrabalong, where easy walking trails lead to stunning lookouts, or take to the trees at Ourimbah’s TreeTops Adventure Park. To meet and greet critters from koalas and kangaroos to birds, snakes and lizards, head to the Australian Reptile Park for keeper talks, demonstrations and hands-on encounters.
This tiny island is paradise for families. It is easy to get around by bike. This is because the island is only 11 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide and there are few cars.
The pristine lagoon of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park is home to the world’s southernmost coral reef, Elizabeth Reef. Snorkelling and swimming will usually reveal beautiful coral and a turtle or two.
There are many family-friendly walks on the island. The walk to Little Island is a beauty, as is the one to Kim’s Lookout. But its experts only for the climb to Mt Gower.
Jump off Lord Howe Island Jetty, swim at Ned’s Beach, play golf, soak in the Herring Pools. Then admire the curious woodhens who were brought back from the brink of extinction. Family time here is extra special, and it might be a cliché, but you will not want to leave.
Not only is Lord Howe home to an astounding 500 species of fish and 90 coral species, the island is Australia’s premier bird watching destination, with 130 permanent and migratory bird species, and 14 species of seabirds, including one of the world’s rarest birds, the Providence petrel, who breed on the island.
Read: Lord Howe Island is an adventure playground and history lesson in one
Dubbo, in the sheep-strewn plains of central New South Wales, is crammed with so much to see and do for every member of your crew. At five hours from Sydney, a road trip it may be, but one well worth the effort. There are dozens of great attractions and activities for kids. Dubbo will have adventurous families grabbing your paddles, gearing up and donning helmets and riding boots ready for action.
Nearby, a number of quaint and picturesque rural villages including Toongi, Wongarbon, Ballimore, Eumungerie and Brocklehurst make for great family-friendly day trips.
Australia’s oldest inland city is more than simply a petrolhead mecca or a bygone relic of the gold rush. It’s an intriguing blend of heritage architecture, museums, and a thriving food and wine scene.
But the true magic of Bathurst lies beyond its long, maple-lined streets. The locals have made the region’s spectacular natural wonders accessible for everyone to enjoy. Outdoor activities include fossicking for gold, cherry picking, swimming in the Chifley Dam and the Turon River.
Locals have always known that Bathurst is the true gem of the Central West of New South Wales. Now, everyone else is playing catch up.
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Griffith offers a rich blend of cultures and traditions. Located in NSW’s lush Riverina district it is one of Australia’s most vibrant rural centres. Surrounded by lovely lakes, wildflower-filled national parks, farm and heritage trails, museums and more.
Known as Australia’s ‘Fruit Bowl’, the agricultural region was designed in the early 20th century as part of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme. European migrants settled in the region after World War I and II. Today more than 60 per cent of the local residents have Italian heritage. The tree-lined main street bursts with boutiques, cafes and bars that showcase local artisans, world-class wines and kid-friendly Italian cuisine.
With its white-as-white-can-be sand beaches, farm stays and wildlife-packed national parks and waters, the Shoalhaven is one of Australia most popular patches. It stretches from the quaint country towns of Kangaroo Valley and Berry through buzzy Nowra to Jervis Bay, Mollymook and Ulladulla. Starting two hours south of Sydney, Shoalhaven is a highly accessible weekend escape from the big smoke.
Kangaroo Valley has quaint country townships tucked between eucalyptus forests and rolling hills. Like its name suggests, your chances of spotting bounding ’roos here are high thanks to the area’s multitude of kid-friendly bush trails and open pastures. Enjoy local produce and browse antique gift shops in town, where you’ll also find the ever-popular Valley Fudge & Teahouse. For a hit of adventure, paddle under the Hampden Bridge with a rented kayak, explore Fitzroy Falls, or take in sweeping river gorge vistas from the Three Views walking track.
Accommodation is plentiful in the region and Holiday Haven have 12 unique properties spanning the Shoalhaven’s best beachfront, lakefront or riverfront locations. Ten of the parks offer dog-friendly options.
Read: Your ultimate guide to holidaying in Shoalhaven with kids
Eurobodalla stretches from Narooma to Batemans Bay in the southern NSW coast. It is renowned for its dazzling blue tapestry of ocean, rivers, lakes and estuaries. Great surf beaches can be found at Narooma, Dalmeny and Kianga. There are also plenty of calm spots for those with small children. Protected Tomakin Cove is popular with younger families. Billy’s Beach is great for little explorers with its rock pools and caves.
If wildlife is your thing check out Mystery Bay. located on the edge of Eurobodalla National Park, it’s a great spot to watch migrating whales. Adventurous kids might prefer to delve into underwater adventures along the Batemans Bay snorkelling trail. Or enjoy an extraordinary wildlife experience swimming with seals at Montague Island. For those who prefer their adventures above the water, more animal encounters can be found at Mogo Zoo, home to an incredible collection of endangered and exotic species. There is more to Eurobodalla than sparkling blue waters and wildlife, so add this to your holiday in New South Wales bucket list to discover the rest.
This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.
Main image © Lord Howe Island Tourism/Kayla Hiscox
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