From the subtropical beaches of Byron Bay to the red dust of Broken Hill, New South Wales is Australia’s most diverse family playground.

New South Wales (NSW) is one of Australia’s six states, located on the country’s southeastern coast. It is known for its diverse landscapes, from beautiful beaches and coastal cities to mountains, forests and rural areas. The capital and largest city of NSW is Sydney, a multicultural city famous for landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney is also an important centre for business, culture, tourism and education in Australia. Families often visit to enjoy the Blue Mountains, wines in the Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands, Bondi Beach, Luna Park, Australia Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, and Sydney’s many museums, among other things.

Blue Mountains

Dramatic cliffs, breathtaking valley views and mist-draped panoramas make the Blue Mountains a timeless destination for families. Start with Leura’s flower-lined main street packed with cafés, boutiques and the October Leura Gardens Festival. From there, Katoomba’s Three Sisters is a must, followed by a day at Scenic World, a genuine hit with kids of all ages. Glide above the Jamison Valley on the Scenic Skyway, then descend to the forest floor on the world’s steepest passenger railway, before little legs explore ancient rainforest boardwalks and return to the top via the glass-floored Scenic Cableway. For train-loving kids, the heritage Zig Zag Railway adds a steam engine chugging through eucalypt-lined valleys to the mix.

Sydney

Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales (NSW), located on Australia’s southeastern coast along the Tasman Sea. It has a temperate climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination throughout the year. Sydney is famous for its stunning harbour and beautiful beaches. Major highlights and attractions include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Garden, Circular Quay and Taronga Zoo. The city is also well known for its restaurants, shopping, cultural events and scenic coastal walks.

Some of the best markets include The Rocks Markets, Kirribilli Markets and Glebe Markets. The Queen Victoria Building is one of the city’s most beautiful 19th-century structures, and you’ll find a variety of high-end boutiques within its walls. No visit to Sydney is complete without trying BridgeClimb Sydney, learning about the bridge’s history at Bridge Museum Sydney, going to the Sydney Tower Observation Deck for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or checking out one of the many museums. Try the Australian Museum, Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, Australian National Maritime Museum, or the Museum of Sydney.

Mount Kosciuszko

Winter skiing has long been the drawcard for family road trips to the Snowy Mountains, with Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass boasting groomed runs for all ages and a vibrant après-ski culture. But this alpine region is fast becoming a warm weather destination too. Once the snow melts, the Snowies transform into a hub for nature exploration, from striking autumn foliage around Lake Jindabyne and wildflower-carpeted spring hikes to mountain biking, archery and water sports.

The Hunter Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region is proving that wineries aren’t just for grown-ups. Vineyards and cellar doors in the Hunter Valley have far more than grapes on offer, welcoming families with farm animals, playgrounds and kids’ menus. In Pokolbin, little ones can play at Pepper Tree Wines’ Kids Club Area, Saddlers Creek Wines offers a junior kids’ paddle tasting with activity sheets, while kids visiting Tulloch Wines get their own non-alcoholic version with a tasting of soft drinks and snacks or a Teen Kombucha Tasting.

Nearby Maitland is an underrated base for exploring the wider region, with attractions including playgrounds, historic streetscapes and family-run, kid-friendly wineries including the delightful Tranquil Vale Vineyard. The heritage town of Morpeth is a popular spot worth a visit for old-fashioned lolly shops, vintage stores and riverside parks. Round out the trip on the coast at Newcastle, where Merewether’s ocean baths and rock pools sit alongside the Merewether Surfhouse for post-swim waffles, and Blackbutt Reserve gets kids up close to wombats and koalas along its bushland trails. History buffs can tunnel through Fort Scratchley’s underground network, while a stroll along the Bathers Way links beaches, ocean baths and pelican-watching spots.

The Tweed

Fringed by 37km of coastline and backed by the ancient volcanic remnant of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the Tweed is a region built for family adventure. Snorkel alongside green turtles on the coral reef at Cook Island, hop on a tractor and taste fresh dragon fruit and mangoes at Tropical Fruit World, or cruise along the Tweed River spotting dolphins with Cooly Eco Adventures. Little history buffs will love the hands-on exhibits at the Tweed Regional Museum, while art lovers can wander the Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah. For a change of pace, pedal the flat coastal pathways from Kingscliff down to Cabarita and Casuarina, or tackle a stretch of the newly opened Northern Rivers Rail Trail past glow worm caves and historic train bridges.

Central West

A laidback rural lifestyle, diverse landscapes and adventures in the great outdoors make the Central West a fantastic family destination. Here are five places to visit.

Orange
A favourite for fruit picking, Orange also offers Lake Canobolas for swimming and kayaking, while Heifer Station Wines keeps everyone happy with local wines for adults and farm animals for the kids.

Mudgee
More than a wine destination, Mudgee balances country charm with culinary delights. Family-friendly cellar doors like 10’s Estate host seasonal fruit-picking, and Piambong Creek Farm Tours offers hands-on animal encounters.

Bathurst
Around three hours from Sydney, Bathurst is a goldmine of history. The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum lets kids get up close with a towering T. rex skeleton, and budding prospectors can pan for gold at Bathurst Goldfields Resort.

Cowra
On the banks of the Lachlan River, Cowra is surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside. Hop the stepping stones and feed koi at the Cowra Japanese Garden, then let littlies loose at the Nature-Based Adventure Playground.

Oberon
Home to one of Australia’s largest cool-climate gardens and the gateway to the Jenolan Caves, Oberon suits outdoor adventure. Kids can search for gems at Little River Fossicking Reserve, fish for trout and wander the Mayfield Garden maze.

Tamworth

Searching for a family-friendly way to introduce your little party animals to the festival experience? Look no further than the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival. Scheduled for 15 to 24 January 2027, this beloved Australian institution welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy free entertainment and ticketed shows, with 10 free concerts hosted every night at Toyota Park under the starry skies.

More than an event centred on country music, the festival includes artist signings and merchandise available at the free Toyota FanZone, as well as kid-friendly rides, competitions and entertainment. The Family Zone is a standout, promising an abundance of fun for your entire crew, from dodgem cars and teacups to a Ferris wheel that lights up the night sky. Over at the Festival Fringe Zone, catch line dance classes and street performers, while the dedicated Quiet Space offers a calming sensory room for little ones who need a moment away from the buzz. For budding musos aged 18 and under, the Macca’s Golden Gig is a talent competition and a wonderful opportunity to flex those musical skills in front of a real audience.

Outback New South Wales

Red dirt roads, wide open skies and characters at every turn, Outback NSW turns a family road trip into something the kids will talk about for years. Here are five stops worth adding to your itinerary.

Broken Hill
Australia’s first heritage-listed city exhibits striking desert outlooks and rich mining heritage. Budding geologists can examine the mineral collection at the GeoCentre and admire the Living Desert Sculptures atop Sundown Hill.

Silverton
Step into the setting of Mad Max 2 at Silverton, home to a population of around 48 people. Visitors can traverse this remote destination on camelback with Silverton Outback Camels and be transported into a post-apocalyptic world at the Mad Max 2 Museum.

Mungo National Park
Thanks to its lunar-like landscapes, a trip to Mungo National Park feels much like landing on the moon. Must-do activities at this culturally significant site famous for the ancient remains of Mungo Man and Woman include a tour with an Indigenous guide and a self-led drive along the Mungo loop track to see the Walls of China.

Bourke
Set off on a voyage to spot wildlife along the Darling River on a paddleboat, or head to the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre to immerse yourself in outback history.

Lightning Ridge
When visiting this famous opal mining town, little fossickers can uncover gems in the mullock heaps, tour the underground mines with Outback Opal Tours and unwind under the stars in the Artesian Bore Baths.

Warrumbungle Country

One of NSW’s best-kept secrets, this remarkable region of extinct volcanoes and ancient rock formations is the Astronomy Capital of Australia. Coonabarabran boasts exceptional stargazing thanks to its high altitude, clear air and minimal light pollution. Kids will love the astronomy exhibit and interactive activities at Siding Spring Observatory as well as the chance to peer through some of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest optical telescopes. Coonabarabran is also the gateway to Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first accredited Dark Sky Park, where kid-friendly walking trails wind past volcanic peaks like the Breadknife by day, before a night of stargazing.

Further north, Narrabri is worth the detour. Home to the CSIRO’s Australia Telescope Compact Array, a cluster of giant radio dishes on the Gomeroi plains, the town offers some of the darkest, most pristine night skies in NSW. Little ones can pick out the Milky Way, Orion’s Belt and passing planets with nothing more than their own eyes. Quieter and slower paced than its neighbour, Narrabri is a stargazing must.

Lake Macquarie

As Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie offers vast stretches of shoreline and calm waters that make it a haven for watersports. Paddle in a kayak or test your stand-up paddleboarding skills at Cams Wharf, where Lake Mac Watersports offers equipment for hire. Beyond the lake, the area is dotted with popular surf beaches and swimming spots, including local favourite Grannies Pool with its sheltered waters and iconic Caves Beach, where little explorers can search the sea caves and rock pools for aquatic critters. For land-based experiences, Wallarah National Park just east of Lake Macquarie offers a scenic coastal walking track, while Warners Bay Foreshore Reserve has a flat pathway perfect for strollers or easy cycling.

Riverina-Murray

Stretching along the state’s southern border, the Riverina-Murray is known as the food bowl of Australia and features a vibrant mix of bustling cities, riverside communities and outback towns.

Albury
This major regional city sits on the northern banks of the Murray River, where families can paddle a canoe along the water, visit the Murray Art Museum Albury for engaging installations, and meet a life-sized dinosaur or visit the fairy temple at the Albury Botanic Gardens.

Moama
No trip to Moama is complete without a scenic cruise aboard a historic paddle steamer. Make the most of the Murray with wakeboarding and waterskiing, play a casual round at Rich River Mini Golf, or cool off at Aqua Island, a floating inflatable playground.

Griffith
Rich in Italian heritage, Griffith is a booming agricultural hub and a foodie’s delight. Get a taste of la dolce vita on a guided tour of Catania Fruit Salad Farm, sampling seasonal fruits, or encounter lemurs, dingoes and camels up close at Altina Wildlife Park.

Deniliquin
Enjoy classic outdoor fun at this picturesque Riverina destination, from stand-up paddleboarding and swimming in the Edward River to mountain biking through shaded red gum forests.

NSW North Coast

With 400km of unspoiled beaches, hidden rock pools and laidback seaside towns, the NSW South Coast, stretching from Wollongong to Eden, might just be the ultimate family road trip. These five coastal stops are all worth the detour.

Kiama
Kiama has no shortage of aquatic entertainment. Get your water park thrills at Jamberoo Action Park, see the famous Kiama blowhole, and catch beginner-friendly waves at Surf Beach.

Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is a haven of Windex-blue waters and home to the coastal village of Huskisson. Walk the world’s whitest sand at Hyams Beach, spot dolphins and whales with Jervis Bay Wild, or snorkel one of the many dive sites.

Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay lets adventurous kids delve into underwater worlds, explore the Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk on foot, and travel north to watch kangaroos lounging in the grass at Murramarang National Park.

Narooma
Famous for its sparkling ocean and abundant wildlife, Narooma is the place to go to encounter fur seals, marvel at the ancient Glasshouse Rocks and wind along the pretty Wagonga Inlet.

Eden
The port town of Eden is a top spot for whale watching. Start with an educational stop at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, then head to Boyds Tower for one of the best vantage points for spotting whales.

Where to stay

In the Blue Mountains

Base your family at the extraordinary Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and dive into a world of fun. Spacious and comfortable family rooms sit alongside inviting heated indoor and outdoor pools, the cool KidsZone arcade, the Fairmont Express Train, a giant rainbow slide and an on-site ice-skating rink. The resort’s Embers Restaurant and Sublime Lounge offer relaxed, family-friendly dining with menus built for even the fussiest eaters. And Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains’ excellent school holiday programs include cookie decorating, magic shows, face painting, reptile encounters and more fun-filled family activities daily.

In the Hunter Valley

From the on-site water park, miniature train and kids’ club activities for little ones to an adults-only pool that promises a relaxing retreat, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley guarantees fun for every member of your crew. Bed down in one of the resort’s family villas, with thoughtful features including a kitchenette for added convenience.

In the Tweed

Tweed Holiday Parks has seven scenic coastal locations to choose from: bustling Tweed Heads on Terranora Creek, secluded Fingal Head, sparkling Kingscliff Beach, cosy Kingscliff North, tranquil Hastings Point, and creekside Pottsville North and Pottsville South. Choose from spacious ensuite sites, glamping tents that sleep up to four or modern cabins, with each park putting the region’s beaches, waterways and family attractions right on your doorstep.

In Tamworth

Festival-goers should book in early to lock in affordable accommodation. Families after something more hands-on can pitch a tent or park the caravan at the Design RV Riverside Campgrounds, an easy stroll from Tamworth’s CBD, so the fun never feels far away.

In Lake Macquarie

Situated on the shores of Lake Macquarie, Raffertys Resort is a self-contained holiday village at Cams Wharf with a relaxed bushland setting ideal for nature-focused fun. Unwind in a spacious cottage or terrace accommodation large enough for families to sprawl comfortably, hire a boat or canoe for watersports adventures on the lake, or spend the day splashing between the resort’s four swimming pools.

Inspiration

Sydney
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New South Wales 
Best holiday parks in NSW
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Things to do in Maitland
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Central NSW road trips
Narrabri Region with kids
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Things to do in the Blue Mountains