If the thought of a long drive puts you off enjoying a weekend away with the family, how about a Sydney staycation instead?
There are so many distinct parts of Sydney to explore, or to simply relax and eat well in. Here are some of our favourite family weekend getaways within Sydney.
Cockatoo Island Camping and Rentals
This Sydney Harbour gem is a very short ferry ride away from the centre of town, yet it is a million miles away in terms of atmosphere.
Travel far away and also far back in time with a stay here either in the houses and apartments for rent or camping or glamping.
Read our post on Cockatoo Island here.
Camping at Narrabeen
The NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park is right on Narrabeen Lagoon and a hop skip and a jump from North Narrabeen rock pool and Narrabeen Beach. It’s a great place for families, with many amusements and a cool water playground.
Read all about Camping at Narrabeen on this post.
Macarthur and Campbelltown
Sydney’s southwestern suburbs and the countryside beyond have idyllic spots to explore, excellent gelato shops, cafes and restaurants and some beautiful walks and swimming spots.
Check out the best of the Macarthur region here and get ideas on where to stay.
Manly Beach Staycation
What a glorious place to escape and relax. Manly is a gorgeous spot for a staycation and the Novotel works brilliantly for families with kids of any age.
Check out the famous beach, the walks, the Sea Life Centre, the water slides, surf lessons, Shelly Beach and a zillion cafes and ice cream shops.
Read our family review of the Manly Novotel Pacific here, love the rooftop pool!
Parramatta Staycations
There are hundreds of good reasons to stay in Parramatta, so many great walks, playgrounds and so much good food.
Check out our post on finding great accommodation in Parramatta here, and in that you will find a list of things to do with kids in Parramatta too.
Q Station Manly – The Quarantine Station
A visit to the Quarantine Station makes a wonderful day out, add in an evening ghost tour and it’s a BIG day out. But staying at the accommodation there, now called Q Station and managed by Accor Hotels, is a timeless treat.
You stay in the rooms where the passengers in quarantine lived, and have plenty of time to explore the rich history of this place plus to swim at the lovely beach and eat at the excellent restaurant and cafe.
Our stay was a massive treat for the whole family, but, beware, the Ghost Tour really is scary.
Read all about Q Station Manly here.
Watsons Bay Staycation
Watsons Bay is a delightful and very kid-friendly Sydney Harbour hideaway. You’ll find a great cafe, the Watson’s Bay Tea Gardens, the lovely beach, Robertson Park with its fenced playground, Doyles Fish Cafe, Watsons Bay Baths and more.
Read all about the family walk from Watsons Bay to Camp Cove and the lighthouse beyond: The South Head Heritage Trail.
Read all about the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel here.
Pin this post for later!
So, where to next!??
Can your family recommend other top places to stay in Sydney?
