by Australia’s east coast has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – from family-centric swimming areas to enclosed ocean rock pools – but we all know it takes (a little) more than a bucket and a spade to have a harmonious family holiday to have These properties range from ‘fair dinkum’ retreat destinations for little adventurers who aren’t afraid to get their feet dirty, to high-end retreats for those on one-off budgets.
There are junior ranger programs that include archery, fossil hunting and bush survival courses, and behind-the-scenes tours at regional zoos. For the less adventurous, there are secluded beaches for long lazy days swimming and exploring rock pools (and the crazy creatures hiding within them), and resorts with toddler pools, choo choo trains, and fish and chips and ice cream for every meal. Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly hotels in New South Wales.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
At a glance, the best family hotels in New South Wales
Byron Bay’s premier family destination has private access to one of Australia’s most famous beaches, an all-natural Parkour-inspired playground within a rainforest, and an outdoor games area. A solar-powered heritage train runs into the town centre, providing relief from Byron Bay’s notorious traffic and the elusive beach car park. The resort’s lagoon pool area is a dedicated area for toddlers and children to enjoy safe water play, while the large pool and surrounding pods are free for older children. . The two bedroom villas sleep up to four people; families of five will have to opt for the superior villas or the deluxe villas.
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A whole range of activities will be offered to children lucky enough to visit this conservation-based resort, on bushland between Wollemi and Stone National Parks. Not only are there mountain bikes outside every cabin, hosting wildlife safaris, and stargazing trips, the junior rangers program features archery, fossil hunting and bush living. You can also take the Sundowner Tour for a two-hour bus tour through the property to see the many kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos and wombats. Each villa has an indoor pool, and a separate living room. It is a restaurant, with delicate and artistically presented dishes – as well as a children’s menu.
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This glamping retreat is a great solution for families who want to experience the Australian tr but don’t really enjoy camping. The 12 self-contained tents are pitched atop small pavilions, with covered terraces complete with outdoor furniture, bug screens and private outdoor bathrooms. Inside, the king-size beds are dressed in luxe linens and surrounded by mosquito nets; this is the most comfortable night’s sleep you can ask for in a tent. Children over the age of six are welcome and will love the mountain bikes, adventure rope lake, kayaking and swimming like Tarzan and Jane. Dining at The Gunya overlooking the grounds, where there are fairy lights on the trees and the flickering of a campfire, is a treat for young and old.
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Pastel colored doors and polka dot carpets echo Bondi’s carefree, frisky vibe and add fun to this beachfront property. The hotel is just across the road from the world-famous beach, where generations of Aussie kids have grown up surfing, boogie boarding, making sandcastles, and exploring the rock pools. The great rooms – choose an Atrium or Gould suite for extra space – have fold-out couches and full living spaces. Bikes, buggies and surfboards are available free of charge to all guests. Although there is no restaurant in the hotel, Bondi has no shortage of restaurants: head to Hall Street for Bill Granger’s famous ricotta cakes at breakfast, and to D’Orazio for pizza and pasta at dinner, along with every other family in Bondi.
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One for the history and nature families. The Old Quarantine Station is 10 miles (17 km) from the city center and is located within the Sydney Harbor National Park, a secluded spot on the edge of the harbour. The Quarantine Station was used from the 1830s to house people arriving in Australia who were suspected of carrying infectious diseases such as Spanish Flu, smallpox or the Bubonic Plague. Many of the original buildings (including the truly awful shower stalls) have been preserved as museums. The history tours are great for children; and older children will enjoy the lighted ghost tours that explore the area’s dark past. Only service vehicles are allowed in, making cycling and scooting on the property safe and enjoyable. The property also has its own private beach; Snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand up paddleboards can be hired from the visitor centre.
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Family comes first at this Blue Mountains retreat, and they really soak up the amenities. The ‘kidzone’, discreetly located on the lowest floor, has a bowling alley, video arcade, two giant climbing frames and a mirror maze, among many other activities. . Bumper cars operate outside, and the Fairmont Express – a small steam train – departs twice daily on a 20-minute tour around the property. The hotel prides itself on being a cross-generational happy place for families and many of the dishes on offer at the five in-house restaurants are a nod to the culinary styles of past generations. Choose from family rooms and large interconnecting guest rooms – all have a quaint, log cabin feel.
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Located in the heart of Circular Quay, Sydney’s tourist precinct, the Shangri-La is close to the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and an easy walk to The Sydney Opera House, and The Museum of Contemporary Art, making it’s so easy to go hiking with little ones. Gets. Rooms above level 30 come with the best views, and access to the Horizon Club, with private check-in service, light breakfast and food, daytime snacks and evening cocktails. A 25-metre heated swimming pool will keep the children happy as will the warm welcome: a small Australian plush animal, or a star-shaped chocolate lollipop could be among the complimentary amenities.
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Bannister’s is the destination for families with food. With Rick Stein at the helm, it’s not hard to see why gourmands continue to flock to this seaside watering hole. Children will love the beach access and activities that make the “dolphin capital of Australia” famous. Typical days out in Port Stephen include whale watching, camel rides, frolicking with dolphins, hiking, kayaking or riding the white dunes in a sand buggy. And there’s a dedicated children’s menu that includes Stein’s fish and chips, linguini with tomato sauce, and minute steaks. Ice cream to follow, of course.
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Zoofari Lodge, located just behind the African Savannah at Dubbo Western Plains Zoo, is the ideal family adventure that doesn’t skimp on comfort. The behind-the-scenes tours, led by an entertaining and informative guide, will delight both happy and naughty children. Highlights include feeding the giraffes and getting up close to the lions – all before breakfast. The guest house has a communal dining room where guests share breakfast and dinner, and a games room centered around a large stone fireplace with a chessboard and library. Visitors are also given a two-day entry pass to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, which can be explored on foot, bike or buggy.
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Although Watsons Bay is a remote location for those traveling by car, it is a quick and picturesque 25 minute ferry ride to the Circular. Families will love the seaside location where kayaking, stand up boarding, frolicking in the water and windless cliff top walks are right outside the door. The lobby, dining room and beach club are decorated in Hamptons chic style; think white-washed furniture, dyed soft furnishings, fishing nets and sailboats. Dinner at the beach club includes some great options for kids, and adults will appreciate being able to sit back with a glass of wine while the kids paddle in the shallows. Opt for a room that doesn’t overlook the beach club – it can get noisy at night.
