Are you searching for the perfect family accommodation in Sydney? From budget-friendly hotels to spacious apartments that feel like home, we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you choose the best area for your family vacation and recommend top-rated family-friendly hotels in each location.
Sydney is a city bursting with exciting attractions for kids of all ages, making it an ideal family getaway. One of the biggest challenges while planning your adventure is selecting the right base for your stay and finding hotel rooms with the features you need.
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So what’s important to you when looking for the perfect family accommodation?
Consider the following list:
- Kids eating free deals or at least kids’ menus
- Comfy beds for the whole family with no pull-out cots.
- Smart TV to stream kids’ favourites
- A bathtub if your kids are not into showers
- A kitchen to prepare basic snacks (and save)
- Access to laundry
- Swimming pool
- Playground or kids activity area
- Babysitting services
- An airport shuttle service
So many of these things can add to how enjoyable your holiday is.
To help you narrow down your search, we have put together this list of the areas we feel are best suited to family visits to Sydney. For each area we have listed properties we would be happy to stay in various budget levels. As locals who have raised kids (and now grandkids) in this city, we know it well.
If you still have questions by the time you reach the end of the page, pop over to our Facebook Group, and we would be happy to try to help you out.
I suggest you check out this list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids. If you are doing long haul to get here, you may also like these tips for flying with kids.
Kids Clubs in Sydney
Just a note, few, if any, hotels in the centre of Sydney have proper kids clubs. Even swimming pools are not common in mid to budget range properties. Because of this, I recommend you look for a hotel near to parks or other public spaces where younger kids can explore and burn off steam.
Where to Stay for families – Comparing areas
| Area | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darling Harbour | Young Families | Close to attractions and food, large playground | Can be busy/noisy, 15 minute walk to city centre. |
| City Centre (Pitt St/Hyde Park) | Families with teens | Close to shopping and transport | Less of a holiday feel perhaps |
| Circular Quay/The Rocks | Quick visits | Shorter travel times to key sites | More expensive than other parts of city. Can be hilly. |
| Manly | Beach holiday with young kids | Relaxed vibe, calm beach, playgrounds | Cost of ferry to city, can be crowded in summer |
| Bondi | Beach holiday with teens | Great for surfing, coastal walks, cafes | Always feels busy, bus to city can take ages. |
Darling Harbour Family Hotels
Darling Harbour is my pick for families with young children. The area has a fantastic modern children’s playground you can visit to wear the kids out when their energy knows no bounds. Perfect for when you need a rest, there is coffee right at hand too.
In the evenings, especially on weekends and during school holidays, there are lots of free outdoor events to keep the whole family entertained.
Many attractions that kids will have on the top of their to-do list are in Darling Harbour, too, including:
- Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney and Madame Tussauds (multi ticketed)
- The Australian Maritime Museum
- Chinese Gardens
- Markets and shopping
Where to Stay in Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is quite a large area, almost 2km in length. It is home of the convention centre and numerous family friendly attractions. So, it is worth choosing the best part of the precinct for your family stay.
Here, there are three main areas, and each has a different vibe.
- Darling Square is at the southern end nearest to Chinatown.
- You will find Darling Park and Cockle Bay in the middle
- King Street Wharf and the Maritime Museum at the northern end
Darling Square & Darling Park
If you want food and shopping on your doorstep, this might be for you. We think it’s one of the best choices for families with younger kids thanks to the expansive green space of Tumbalong Park and the very pretty Chinese Gardens.
Along with restaurants and a supermarket at Market City, you also have Darling Square shopping and dining area. In recent years, this end of the precinct has been revitalised and it is one of our favourite parts of Darling Harbour these days.
However, it’s worth noting that the Harbourside Shopping Centre has been demolished to make way for a new centre. The Harbourside Shopping Centre was the centrepiece on the western side of Darling Harbour. So for the next year at least, hotels on this side may be noisy and less attractive.
On the city side, you are close to Town Hall station. Darling Park features a fantastic children’s playground and waterplay area.
Pros: Family-friendly eateries and quick access to the kids playground.
Cons: Can be busy and distance to Circular Quay may bother some.
Family Hotels at Darling Harbour
Radisson Hotel and Suites – 4 star
Radission Hotel and Suites are well positioned for a family stay in Sydney. Darling Harbour is only a few hundred metres away and Town Hall train station is just a short walk.
The two bedrooms two bathroom apartments, which can sleep up to six and are almost 100 m2, are a good choice for extended visits. The property is well maintained, and the service is generally excellent.
Tip: Request a room on Sussex Street for a quieter night’s sleep.
Dining tip: You can take a short walk to World Square shopping centre and a full size Coles supermarket.
Check reviews and current prices for The Raddison Hotel and Suites
Location: 72 Liverpool Street, Sydney
Family-friendly facilities: two TVs in the two-bedroom apartments, indoor pool
Room types: studio, one and two-bedroom apartments
Costs: Children under 12 years stay free when occupying the parent or guardian’s room, using existing bedding.
Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Darling Harbour – 4 star
This 320 room apartment hotel located in a historic building, has retained the period features, including beautiful hardwood floors and exposed beams. These apartments offer good value for families mainly because of their size and location. Ask for a renovated room as these are very nice; the older rooms are only worth booking if you get a very good deal.
Dining Tip: Head 5 mins around the corner for breakfast and excellent coffee at Social Brew.
Check reviews and current prices for Oaks Goldsbrough
Location: 243 Pyrmont Street, Darling Harbour
Family-friendly facilities: indoor swimming pool, free wifi, kitchen, shuttle to the airport
Room types: large studios, one and two-bedroom apartments (sleeping six). Two-bedroom apartments have two bathrooms.
Cost: Children (5 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian’s room, using existing bedding.
Family Hotels near King Street Wharf
This area is close to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney, Madame Tussauds and the Maritime Museum. The northern end of Darling Harbour is best for public transport, its own ferry wharf and a short walk to Wynyard Station.
Pros – Public transport nearby (ferries or trains)
Cons – Not much open space at the doorstep, a bit of a hike to Barangaroo until the park has direct access. Restaurant options are slightly less child friendly.
Adina Apartment Hotel Harbourside – 4.5 star
Sydney Expert’s Top Pick for parent comfort, is located by King Street Wharf and is my pick of Darling Harbour hotels. I have stayed here on several occasions, and I like both the property and the location.
You are steps away from kid-friendly activities and the dining strip of King Street Wharf and Barangaroo. A ferry wharf is a few hundred metres away, and it’s a 7-minute walk up to Wynyard Station (uphill, though).
Check reviews and current prices for Adina Apartment Hotel Harbourside
Location: 55 Shelley Street King Street, Sydney
Kid-friendly features: indoor pool, bbq area, full-sized kitchen, grocery shopping service, babysitting, washer and dryer in the apartment, free internet for four devices.
Room types: one and two bedrooms (interconnecting) apartments can sleep up to 5.
Family Hotels in Sydney CBD
If you are on a whirlwind visit to Sydney that involves things like the zoo, the Opera House and the Manly ferry, it makes sense to base yourself near Town Hall or Circular Quay. Being at this end of the CBD means less reliance on public transport that can keep costs down and simplify getting around with a pram too.
This is a good part of Sydney to stay because:
- All forms of public transport
- The area is relatively flat, so it’s good for prams. It’s a straight walk to the harbour.
Here, the main attractions include
- Sydney Harbour/The Rocks
- Sydney Tower
- Main Shopping area
- Theatres and Cinemas
- Australian Museum, Art Gallery and Botanic Gardens
Family Accommodation Near Pitt Street and Hyde Park
The city’s central shopping area is around Pitt Street Mall. From here, you can walk to most of the major sites and attractions in under 20 minutes. It’s a pleasant spot for families with teens who might want to explore the shops. There is also plenty of space for little ones to run around in Hyde Park.
Swissotel Sydney – 5 star (Top pick for younger kids)
Swissotel was one of the first hotels to cater to kids with specially designed rooms for children aged 2–12 years. The hotel is literally on the top of one of the city’s biggest department stores and just a three-minute walk to Hyde Park. It is less than 10 minutes to Darling Harbour and 15 minutes to Circular Quay.
Dining tip: Head to the roof of Westfield for three rooftop dining options.
Tip: Book kids’ rooms as early as you can, as these go quickly.
Check reviews, photos and current prices for Swissotel Sydney
Location: Level 8 reception, 68 Market St, Sydney
Room types: unique kids’ rooms with two extra-long double beds and interconnecting adult rooms.
Family-friendly facilities: complimentary internet, kids minibar, special kids patterned linens, toys, books (age-appropriate so advise ages when booking), pool, excellent kid meal options, babysitting is available.
Best Western Plus – Hotel Stellar – 4 Star
These apartments are great for families because they can accommodate so many. Just a few minutes walk from Hyde Park, their three-bedroom apartments also have three bathrooms and can sleep up to 7 people, a rare find in this city.
The property is very close to Museum Station for easy airport train access. There is a supermarket just up on Oxford Street.
Check reviews and current prices for Hotel Stellar Sydney
Location: 4 Wentworth Avenue Sydney
Room types: studios, two and three-bedroom apartments (apartments have two bathrooms) Can sleep up to 7 people.
Family-friendly facilities: free wi-fi and pay-tv, large kitchen and dining table, onsite restaurant.
Costs: One child, 12 years old or younger, stays free when occupying the parent or guardian’s room, using existing bedding.
Hyde Park Inn – 4 star (Top pick for value)
Hyde Park Inn really delivers for families with free parking, light breakfast, wi-fi, and a newspaper. It’s located directly across the road from Hyde Park and Museum train station for easily commuting to the airport and around the city.
Buses to Bondi stop opposite. A supermarket is just a 5-minute walk away, and you can easily reach most sites on foot.
I have booked this for visiting family members on several occasions and have been very happy with the service and facilities.
Dining tip: Visit nearby Holy Basil for some of the best Lao food in the city.
Check reviews and current prices for Hyde Park Inn
Location: 271 Elizabeth St, Sydney
Room types: standard and deluxe family rooms, sleep five people (deluxe rooms have bathtub and balcony), two-bedroom Apartments, sleep up to 6 people)
Family-friendly facilities: free self-service laundry, kitchenette, free parking (must book), free wi-fi, light continental breakfast provided to your room.
Costs: Children under one year free.
Fraser Suites Sydney – 5 Star
Fraser Suites Sydney are modern 5 star serviced apartments just 5 minutes walk from Town Hall station and only ten mins walk to Darling Harbour.
The apartments are very well furnished and offer a high level of comfort. It’s a bustling part of the city, so probably best for families past the pram stage as the footpaths are quite busy and crowded.
Check reviews and current prices for Fraser Suites
Location: 488 Kent St, Sydney,
Room types: two-bedroom apartments sleep 5
Family-friendly facilities: free wi-fi and newspaper, heated indoor pool, washer and dryer in the apartment, kitchenette, Nespresso machine, babysitting service available.
Deals: complimentary baby cots.
Family Hotels in Circular Quay and the Rocks
The York by Swiss-Belhotel 4 star
Located just 5 minutes walk from Wynyard Station and a short walk to Barangaroo and The Rocks. There are three types of apartments in this property: standard, superior and deluxe. The furnishings in the standard and superior are pretty dated. I would only book these if the price were excellent. The deluxe rooms have been more recently renovated and are much better value.
Dining Tip: My favourite coffee haunt for years was Mio Bar and Cafe, just a few minutes’ walk away. The staff are fantastic, and the coffee is always good!
Check reviews and current prices for The York
Location: 5 York St, Sydney
Room types: two-bedroom apartments sleep 5
Family-friendly facilities: free wi-fi and newspaper, outdoor pool, washer and dryer in the apartment, full kitchen and babysitting service available.
Cons: no baby cots available
Quay West Suites Sydney – 5 Star
These modern apartments, with generously sized rooms (the smallest is 50sqm) and some fantastic harbour views, are not in the budget category, but they offer a lot.
It’s a short walk to Circular Quay and The Rocks, located between the Shangri La and the Four Seasons. Trains and ferries are only a few minutes away, although there are some hills to negotiate if you don’t choose your route carefully.
Check reviews and current prices for Quay West Suites
Location: 98 Gloucester Street, The Rocks
Kid-friendly features: indoor pool, kitchen with dishwasher, babysitting available
Rooms: one and two-bedroom suites sleep, 4-6 guests.
Costs: up to 2 children (up to 12 years) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian’s room, using existing bedding.
Sydney Harbour YHA – Budget Pick
If you have not stayed at a youth hostel since your backpacker days, you may not realise that hostels today cater to all age groups. Sydney Harbour YHA in the Rocks offers rooftop views and many facilities for a no-frills family holiday.
We recently spent a weekend at this fabulous property. You can read our full review with lots of photos here.
Check reviews and current prices for YHA Sydney Harbour
Location: Harrington Street, The Rocks
Kid-friendly features: share kitchens and a BBQ offer cheap meal prep opportunities, a supermarket is ten mins walk away at Wynyard Station.
Rooms: 4 and 5-bed family rooms with private bathrooms.
Beachside Family Hotels in Sydney
For many people, Australia is synonymous with beach life. If you are after a beach holiday in Sydney for your family, then you have several areas to choose from. As far as hotels go, you will be mainly limited to Manly, Bondi or Coogee.
If you are happy to book a holiday rental, you can look anywhere along the coast with good transport. The eastern beaches are a quick ride to the city, but the Northern beaches are more relaxed and entirely different in look and feel.
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Manly Beach with Kids
Manly has it all: ocean beaches, harbour beaches, beautiful walks of all descriptions, playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes and restaurants, and all sorts of places to stay.
The trip, a 30-40 minute ferry ride across the harbour from the city to Manly, is gorgeous and a lovely way to commute. This feels like a real beach holiday destination. It’s busy but not as busy as Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs in regard to traffic, so it has a much more laid back vibe.
Check out our detailed guide on things to do in Manly
Peppers Manly Beach Hotel
The family rooms at Peppers Manly, located directly opposite Manly Beach and only a 5-minute walk to the wharf for city ferries, feature a queen and two single beds. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and a few minutes’ walk away at Shelly Beach is a marine reserve perfect for learning how to snorkel.
We stayed here before my daughter’s wedding and loved both the view and the service. The apartments have everything you need to prepare meals and relax between exploring the city and swimming at the beach across the road.
Check reviews and current prices for Peppers Manly Beach
Dining tip: The best fish and chips in Manly does not come with a beach view, but if you grab some takeaway from Fishmongers, you can eat it on the beach.
Location: 8-13 South Steyne, Manly
Room types: studio and one-bedroom apartments can accommodate a max of 4 people.
Kid-friendly facilities: 2 swimming pools and a spa pool, guest laundry, babysitting service available.
Tips: The North tower rooms have beach views.
Manly Pacific
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection is a 5-star hotel opposite Manly Beach. The hotel has an outdoor pool and fitness centre. There is an onsite restaurant, 24-hour room service, and free WiFi.
Rooms are well-appointed with air conditioning and seating areas. Some rooms feature balconies and sea views.
A variety of breakfast options are available daily, including buffet, à la carte, and continental choices.
Dining tips: Choose from the mango bowl or the smashed avo from nearby Girdlers Cafe for some healthy eats to balance out the holiday treats.
Tips: If you are light sleepers, the best time to stay is mid-week, as weekends can be quite noisy from bars downstairs.
Check reviews and current prices for Manly Pacific
Location: 55 North Steyne Road, Manly,
Room types: studio and one and two-bedroom apartments can accommodate four people, two-bedroom apartments have two bathrooms. Kitchenette and laundry facilities in apartments.
Kid-friendly facilities: indoor play area, kids library and children’s TV cable channels, rooftop pool, spacious living room, across the road from the beach.
Quest Manly at the Wharf
Quest Manly is a large (53 rooms) property on Manly’s harbour right by the wharf, with plenty of space for large families. The apartments here are bright and sunny with picturesque harbour views.
It is not uncommon to see fairy penguins coming up onto the beach in the evening, opposite the hotel by the wharf.
Dining tip: Take a morning walk around to Little Manly Beach and visit the Kiosk for breakfast. The beach is perfect for the kids to play on, and the coffee will make you smile.
Check reviews and current prices for Quest Manly
Location: 54a West Esplanade, Manly
Room types: studio and one and two-bedroom apartments can accommodate a max of 6 people; two-bedroom apartments have two bathrooms. A full-size kitchen and laundry facilities in apartments.
Kid-friendly facilities: small gym, guest laundry, spacious living area, supermarket at the door, babysitting service available.
Manly has several vacation and holiday rental properties if you prefer a bit more space. It’s also perfect for younger families with safe swimming beaches and a relaxed pace. It’s like a holiday in a holiday.
- Marine Parade – 1 bedroom apartments or studios directly opposite Shelly Beach
- Waterfront on Manly Harbour – 1 bedroom absolute harbour front just 700 m from Store Beach
- Art Deco apartment – Sunny 2 bedroom apartment just steps from the harbour
- Tusan Villa Little Manly – 4 bedroom apartment directly opposite Little Manly Beach, water views!
Where to Stay in Bondi Beach with Kids
Bondi is probably more suited to teens and older kids than under 5s with its graffiti wall, skate park and reasonably wild surf. The streets have some pretty decent hills, and the Bondi to Coogee walk is not pram friendly.
The trip into the city can take 45 minutes in peak hour traffic, so it’s probably not the best option for first-time visitors or anyone on a short journey who wants to do lots of sightseeing. However, there is plenty to do in the area if you’re going to relax by the beach and make a few day trips to key city sites.
Read our detailed guide to the Bondi Coastal Walk so you can which parts are most family-friendly.
Adina Bondi Beach – 4.5 star
The Adina Bondi Beach is a reasonably new property just a 5-minute walk from Bondi Beach. The furnishings are modern, and the facilities are adequate for a week-long holiday in Sydney. If you bring your car, try to secure a deal that includes parking, as car parking is a premium in Bondi.
Dining Tips: Don’t miss the old-time favourite, the Gertrude and Alice bookshop/cafe around the corner, and be sure to treat yourself to a Gelato from Messina (Pandan and coconut is my pick).
Check reviews and current prices for Adina Bondi Beach
Location: 69-73 Hall Street, Bondi Beach
Room types: studio and one and two and (1x) three-bedroom apartments can accommodate a max of 6 people; two-bedroom apartments have two bathrooms. There are full-size kitchen and laundry facilities in apartments.
Kid-friendly facilities: unlimited wi-fi for up to 4 devices, children’s TV channels, pool, small gym, shops and cafes at the door, babysitting service available.
Have you decided the best place for your family?
So now you have our thoughts on the best options for family hotel and apartment accommodation in Sydney. If you have questions, please pop over to our Facebook Group and ask us for help.
I have also written about budget hotels in Sydney and a detailed guide to the different parts of the city to help you get a lay of the land.
We have put together some ideas on things you might like to check out with your family while you are in Sydney.
Also, while I am a big fan of the airport train for convenience and speed, a shuttle or private transfer service could be a better idea if you are arriving with kids in tow!
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
