Jeez, it really is so good to get away. And who doesn’t deserve a break?
Flushes the cobwebs out, clears the mind.
Here is a list of 25 of the best family weekend getaways from Sydney, plus a few more too. So, grab a cup of tea and let’s plan a lovely weekend away with kids for your family.
You know you deserve it!
1. Blue Mountains: The Fairmont Resort
The Blue Mountains are understandably high on the list of NSW family getaways. So close to Sydney and yet so very different. The Fairmont is the most family-friendly of the Blue Mountains resorts for families. Kids are very welcome and there are many, many activities for both adults and children to enjoy.
You will find indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Kidzone with three themed play rooms, gym, yoga and tennis courts, gorgeous gardens for walking and playing, golf course nearby, library, board games, shops, spa, babysitting and even a cinema.
The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery by Sofitel
1 Sublime Point Road
2780 Leura, Australia
Phone number: +61 2 4785 0000
Check pricing and availability at the Fairmont direct here.
See lots more photos and read our full review of the Fairmont Resort on this post.
And when in the Blue Mountains, check out all the other fun stuff to do on this post:
Things To Do In The Blue Mountains With Kids and Where To Stay
You might even want to spend one day going further afield, have a look at:
Visiting Jenolan Caves With Kids
2. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Check out the Hunter Valley when you are in search of NSW family holidays which will suit the adults as much as the children. The food and wine of the Hunter Valley are outstanding, but fear not as there are terrific activities for kids to do too.
The Crowne Plaza has terrific facilities for families, including a kids club and a great pool.
Check prices and availability for Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley here.
You can read our full review of the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on this post.
Find all the fun activities in the Hunter Valley for kids on this post.
3. Del Rio Riverside Resort, on the Hawkesbury
Just one and a half hours from central Sydney, this family resort has great amenities and riverside frontage, and comes highly recommended by watersports’ lovers.
Del Rio accommodation: You can stay in villas or cabins, some are budget priced and others are more luxurious. There’s a three bedroom house and a four bedroom for rent too, plus lodges which sleep 32 or 20 people. You can camp in your own tent or bring a caravan too.
Del Rio activities: There are so many fun things to do at Del Rio. Go fishing, play golf, launch your boat, enjoy bush walks or cycle around, there’s a jumping pillow plus kids activities. Have a swim at the pool, frolic at the water playground, play putt putt golf, basketball or netball… try water skiing!
Check availability and pricing at Del Rio Riverside Resort here.
Read about more fun things to do in and around Wiseman’s Ferry on this detailed post, click here.
4. Jervis Bay Stays: Clear Waters and Beaut Beaches
Top of the Family Weekend Getaways NSW list for many people is the delightful and very beautiful Jervis Bay, about 3.5 hours south of Sydney. People come for the clear, clear blue waters, the dozens of beaches that, with no surf, are perfect for young children.
They then come back for the great places to eat and drink coffee, the many beaut walks and the interesting seafaring history of the area.
If you’re keen to find a great place to stay quick smart, try the Huskisson Booking.com page here.
Or read more about places we recommend on this article:
Where To Stay At Jervis Bay With Kids
Then you’ll need to check out our guide to all the best things to do at Jervis bay on this article:
25 Things To Do At Jervis Bay With Kids
You might also enjoy reading about Currarong and the Beecroft Peninsula, on the north side of Jervis Bay.
5. Kiama Harbour Cabins + Kiama
If you prefer not to drive too far from Sydney for your family weekend getaways then the seaside town of Kiama might just be the place for you. Kiama Harbour Cabins are such a family friendly place to stay.
Check out availability and pricing for Kiama Harbour Cabins here.
Then read our article giving you the best things to see and do with kids in Kiama.
10 Things To Do In Kiama With Kids + Where To Stay
6. Big4 Sunshine Resort at South West Rocks
This is a truly excellent family resort in an area which has dozens of fun things to do with kids. But the Big4 Sunshne is so good you and the family could easily just hang there for at least a couple of days. There are lots of great family friendly activities at the Big4 Sunshine, the pool, water playground, great jumping pillow and playground, go karts and much more.
You can camp, of course, or bring your caravan and then there’s a wide range of cabins to choose from too.
Check NRMA South West Rocks Prices + Availability Here
Read our full review of the Big4 Sunshine Resort here.
Find out all the fun stuff to do with kids at South West Rocks here.
7. The Novotel Northbeach Wollongong
There’s heaps to do with kids in this industrial city just south of Sydney, and the Novotel is a very family-friendly place to stay there.
Read our review of the Novotel below and you’ll find also links with details of lots of fun stuff to do in and around Wollongong.
The Novotel Northbeach Wollongong – Our Family Review
8. The Gibralter Hotel In the Southern Highlands
Just a 1.5 hour drive from central Sydney, and far less from the southern suburbs, the Souther Highlands make a great escape for families. The Gibralter Hotel in Bowral is a terrific base for families.
Check out the Southern Highlands when you need a really quick and simple weekend away with kids, the drive is short and there are many things to do to keep the kids happy.
Find costs and availability at the Gibralter Hotel here.
Check out this post on Things To Do in Bowral and Berrima With Kids.
9. Canberra: The Nation’s Capital
Probably the most popular weekend getaway with kids for Sydney families is a weekend in Canberra, Australia’s capital and a surprisingly family-friendly place to visit. To get you started, check out this post:
Canberra Family Accommodation: Best Places To Stay in Canberra With Kids
Then you can find out all the fun stuff to do with the kids in Canberra on this post:
15 Best Things To Do In Canberra With Kids – And Where To Stay
10. Orange in the Central West NSW
Just a four hour drive from Sydney, with lots of fun stuff to do along the way, a visit to Orange makes a lovely expedition for weekends and longer.
To get started, have a look at all the family accommodation options in Orange on this post:
Where To Stay In Orange With Kids
Then use the post below to plan all the fun Orange activities you’d like to do with the family:
Things To Do in Orange With Kids
And there’s also an article about the places to stop and where to eat on the journey out to Orange. Check out:
Sydney to Orange Road Trip: Where To Stop and What To See
11. Bathurst: Gold and So Much History
Bathurst is a vibrant and bustling small city with great countryside activities on offer, plus interesting historical places and a growing food, wine and craft beer scene.
And of course there’s the famous Bathurst Racing Track too at Mount Panorama.
Find out where is great to stay in Bathurst with kids and all the fun stuff to do there on this detailed post:
15 Things To Do In Bathurst With Kids + Where To Stay
12. The Western Plains Zoo and Dubbo
It’s a very long drive out to Dubbo from Sydney but well worth the journey, plus it feels like a real adventure! The Western Plains Zoo is the main drawcard for this Western Sydney city, but there are plenty of other things to see and do both in Dubbo and on the journey there and back.
Check out the three articles below for ideas on where to stay in Dubbo and what to do when there and also about the road trip.
Western Plains Zoo and Billabong Camp, Dubbo
A Stay At Zoofari Lodge, Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo
Road Trip: Sydney, Dubbo, Orange – Things To Do and Accommodation
13. Jamberoo Action Park: Warmer Weather Weekends Away
For families with primary school aged children Jamberoo makes a wonderful weekend getaway from Sydney. It is not at all far away, there’s the water park to wear out the kids and then some lovely countryside around to relax in.
Read about Jamberoo and find ideas for places to stay close by on this post:
Jamberoo Action Park – A Great Spot for Families
14. Broke Fordwich in the Hunter Valley
For a quieter visit to the Hunter Valley check out the Broke Fordwich area. You’ll find all sorts of foodie things to do and fun places to stay too, and a very cool drive cross country to get there. Check out this post:
Broke Fordwich Wine Country In The Upper Hunter Valley- Seven Tips For Planning A Trip
15. The BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park Hunter Valley
Here’s another fun place to stay in the Hunter Valley. This tourist park has camp sites and caravan spots, plus cabins of all sizes. There’s a huge pool area and other fun stuff for kinds to do after a day out and about seeing the sights.
BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park in NSW’s Hunter Valley – Our Family Review
Find all the best things to do in the Hunter Valley for kids on this post.
16. Dangar Island In The Hawkesbury River
Heading north from Sydney, a rather secret and special and one of the most beloved family weekends away can be found on the small and peaceful Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River.
This is a quiet spot with lovely holiday houses to rent and quiet watery activities to enjoy. A place to escape to when you need a real rest.
17. Lake Macquarie
Just a bit north of Sydney, close to the Central Coast and south of Newcastle. Lake Macquarie is a gem and makes a really easy weekend away. You will be spoiled for choice at Lake Macquarie, just check out all the family fun here.
25 Things To Do At Lake Macquarie With Kids
18. Nelsons Bay and Port Stephens
Just north of Newcastle but a world away from any hustle and bustle is the lovely Port Stephens area. The largest town is Nelsons Bay and that’s where the dolphin and whale cruises leave from. But Anna Bay is where you’ll find the famous camels and the sand dune.
This is NSW holiday heaven. Check out our detailed post here:
15 Things To Do At Port Stephens With Kids- And Where To Stay
19. Forster Family Weekends Away
Forster is one of those beach side destinations that kids visit and then will never forget. There’s so much outdoor stuff to do, and it’s good for winter as well as for summer. Forster is a firm family favourite and visited again and again by many families. Find out why on this post:
Forster Family Holidays: Things To Do And Where To Stay
20. Newcastle Weekends Away
For an urban weekend getaway in a location that is a LOT less hectic than Sydney, head north and check out Newcastle. A highly praised location, you’ll find both indoor and outdoor activities with enjoy, great food and fab beaches. Read all about the fun things to do on this post:
Newcastle: Things To Do With Kids + Where To Stay
21. Wisemans Ferry on the Hawkesbury
If you do not want to drive too far from Sydney then how about a weekend away at lovely Wisemans Ferry. There’s all sorts to do with the kids, slowly and peacefully.
Check out all the fun stuff at Wisemans plus where to stay and where to eat on this post.
Wisemans Ferry With Kids: What To See + Do
22. Picton and Thirlmere Weekends Away
This lovely inland area south of Sydney makes a very easy weekend away as well as a great day trip for Sydney families.
There are gardens, historic buildings, great views, national park with great walks and lots of historic buildings. Fling in great food and you can easily spend a happy weekend here.
Check out the post here:
Things To Do in Picton and Thirlmere: Day Trip or Weekend Away
23. Wolgan Valley Resort: Blue Mountains Ultra Luxury
Wolgan Valley is a very special place… and also extremely expensive! This is a resort which is best for special events and anniversaries rather than just a rejuvenating weekend away with the kids…. unless you are very well off. If you are, pop up any weekend!
The accommodation is very luxurious, you have your own little house with its own pool. Then there are many really interesting and exciting activities to do, with expert guides. I loved the horse riding and looking at the night sky.
Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley
Address: 2600 Wolgan Rd, Wolgan Valley NSW 2790
Phone: 02 6350 1800
Check availability and pricing (brace yourself) on Wolgan Valley here.
See more photos and read more about our luxury stay at Wolgan Valley on this post:
Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort – Sydney’s Most Luxurious Weekend Away
24. Thirroul: Beaches, Pools and Play
Read all about weekends away in Thirroul for families on this post.
Thirroul Beach, Pool and Playground: Family Getaway
25. Camping Weekends Away
You’ll find some wonderful and very affordable places to go camping or caravanning with the family on this post!
The Best Places To Go Camping In and Around Sydney
You might be interested in Sydney caravan or camper trailer hire, if so click here.
More Ideas Throughout NSW
A Weekend Away in Berry With Kids.
Lennox Head with Kids and Teenagers
Crescent Head Weeks Away and Holidays
Patonga Beach On The Central Coast
School Holiday Getaways Throughout New South Wales
Sport + Rec Kids Camps and Family Camps in NSW
Resorts and Hotels with Kids Clubs in NSW
Horse Riding Retreats at Yarrabin near Bathurst
Where’s your favourite NSW spot for a family weekend away?
If you’ve written a post yourself, please do share it in the comments.
We’ve got so much more of NSW to explore. Can’t wait!
Happy escaping
PS This post is updated regularly so please do check back for the latest info.
PPS This post contains some affiliate links meaning that, if you book accommodation using the link, a small commission is paid to support Hello Sydney Kids, at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Wow what a great list. There is so much to do in this state it’s incredible. I’m keen on Orange as when we went there it seemed to be humming. I look forward to more stories from there from you.
Carolyn
I must post some more… there’s a wee cafe I love and we went to the sushi train and up Mt Canobolas last weekend – will get there.
HUGE list!! These adventures look great.. adding this to my to-do wish list.
Come to Melbourne. There’s lots to do here and there are so many kid friendly events during the weekend and holidays such as the ice skating at fed square. And the food
Hello Katherine, I do so need to come to Melbourne with the kids. My 10 year olds have never been and the bog boys only briefly. I know there’s heaps of good stuff to do there… working on it!
We have done MANY of these…. love them all…. but a bit surprised there is nothing on the Central Coast? Soooo close for us (living on the north side) it only takes 1hr which is a huge factor when you only have a weekend. So far we have stayed in Avoca, Terrigal, Toowoon Bay, Bateau Bay, Patonga, Umina… all are fantastic for families!
I must fix this, as there are several places we have been with reviews on the site, just not linked to this overall post!! After the Christmas madness will get some changes made. Cheers Helen.
That’s the wonder of Sydney – as if living in Sydney itself isn’t amazing enough, there’s so many other awesome places within reach to check out! I miss living in Sydney!! sigh.
But Canberra’s one of those fantastic places… I do love it there and can totally imagine living there. So handy for the mountains in winter too.