New South Wales family-friendly travel guide

New South Wales is blessed with beautiful weather most of the year, but to make the most of its stunning beaches and water attractions, visiting during summer is the way to go.

However, winter is also full of fun treats. For example, a winter visit means you can catch the Winter Magic Festival in Katoomba or the incredible light festival of Vivid Sydney.

During summer, average temperatures range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to enjoy Sydney’s abundant beaches when water temperatures rise to around 22 degrees Celsius.

In spring, days are warmer but the humidity is not as high as summer. Average daily temperatures range from 11 to 23 degrees Celsius.

Just outside the city centre, Sydney International Airport is connected to the CBD by regular trains. 

Taxis are widely available in Sydney and the majority of major hubs.

Sydney’s public transport includes a range of buses, ferries and trains, depending on where you need to go. Plan your trip here.

Trains and buses connect major hubs in the state, click here to plan your trip.

A range of fine and casual dining, all the way to accessible chain restaurants, are available around New South Wales.

A number of local artists’ markets can be found in New South Wales. The Rozelle Collectors Markets always deliver a rare find, or the Winmalee Artisan Markets in the Blue Mountains showcase a range of local hand-made crafts.

A range of upscale shopping centres can be found around Sydney, and Bondi Junction is a local favourite.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

In warmer months, New South Wales can be very warm. Pack thongs, singlets, and swimmers! If visiting in winter, be sure to pack a few warmer layers.

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, New South Wales is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Famous the world over for its crescent-shaped golden shoreline, Bondi Beach is the perfect day out for families. Only eight kilometres from Sydney’s city centre, Bondi offers great waves, kid-friendly saltwater sea baths and an array of hip cafes, markets and shopping.

If visiting in October and November you can join the crowds perusing Sculpture by the Sea, an outdoor exhibition of artworks stretching two kilometres along the coastline between Bondi and Coogee.

Byron Bay is the quintessential Aussie bohemian beach town with its laid-back surfer vibes and gorgeous scenery. A snap of a sublime sunset, the trinkets at the local markets, a downward dog pose at a yoga retreat or a little grom hitting the waves for the first time are just a few of the sights that make this one of Instagram’s favourite locales in the state.

The only way is up for thrill seekers who take on the BridgeClimb Sydney or the city’s highest point at Sydney Tower Eye and Skywalk, both of which make for a great sky-high photo-op. Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are among Sydney’s most famous attractions.

For years Hyams Beach has boasted the ‘whitest sand in the world’, even earning it this title in Guinness Book of World Records. Hyams Beach boasts crystal-clear waters and sweeping panoramic views that are perfect if you want to make the folks back home envious. Located in Shoalhaven, near Jervis Bay, it’s an important addition to any photo album.