So what would you do if you had a day to explore Sydney for one day? What if it was limited to three destinations only? What are the best family-friendly things to do in Sydney? We put our emotions to the side and tried to evaluate what would be the perfect day for a family exploring Sydney for the very first time all within one day. It was a very difficult task, especially considering we think our home town has so much to explore.
1. Sydney Opera House Junior Tour
Ask any tourist what first comes to mind when thinking about Sydney and there’s a high likelihood that the Sydney Opera House will top the list. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in 1957 and officially opened back in 1973, it has become an iconic landmark featured in the 7 modern wonders of the world and recognisable by a glance.
The average tourist will take a number of selfies of themselves in front of the Sydney Opera House from various vantage spots all around Circular Quay. Rarely do they venture inside and explore all the intricate details that Utzon included within his design.
The Sydney Opera House Junior Tour is an adventure your family won’t forget. From the moment it starts, the kids will be immersed in the history and inner workings of the Opera House as you explore each theatre and discover some of its secrets. It’s an opportunity for the kids to see which seat is really the best in each theatre; dress-up in a range of costumes worn by star performers over the years and even peek backstage.
At the end of the tour your kids will become Sydney Opera House certified experts and will be presented both a certificate and badge. How exciting! (This was the highlight for Miss N when we attended).
A Sydney Opera House Junior Tour Family Ticket costs $95.00. If you are feeling a little more adventurous and have some time on your hands, why not book a show and enjoy a meal at the Opera House kitchen while you’re there.
2. Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is one of Sydney’s hidden gems, passed daily by thousands of our residents yet hardly noticed. It is easily accessed by a 10 minute ferry ride direct from Circular Quay with services running across the day.
What makes Cockatoo Island so special is that it offers you a snapshot of various historic periods in Australian history. Having made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, the island features buildings from its time as a penal site, its period as a Industrial School for Girls and a reform school, and the time it was a dockland. You can visit each site too!
The kids will love the island with a Convict Clues Challenge available from the rangers station as you arrive. The challenge takes around two hours and may require a little prompting from you to solve. Armed with the clues and a pencil (I recommend packing some in your bag – the one the ranger gives you is likely to break or go blunt quickly), you will need to solve the clue and take a tracing of the answer. It’s a lot of fun and provides you with a great tour around to all the significant sites on the island. Do it!
The Cockatoo Island Visitor Centre is located just near the Parramatta Wharf as you disembark the ferry and is staffed by volunteers from 10:00am – 4:00pm each day of the week. Stop by to grab your Convict Clues Challenge. Looking for a little more excitement? You may like to explore the Glamping adventure.
3. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is as recognisable as the Sydney Opera House and brings with it a number of urban legends. Have you heard the one where Paul Hogan fell off it and was saved by a wrench? Whilst children under 10 are not permitted to do the Bridge Climb, the whole family can climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout is accessible from inside the pylon itself. You will need to climb 200 stairs to get to the top, but there are a number of platforms during the ascent perfect for rest stops.
Reaching 87 metres above mean sea level, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout provides a vertical option for climbing the bridge. The viewing platform provides a spectacular vantage of point to look across Sydney Harbour, the CBD and over into North Sydney.
Tickets into the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon start at $6.50. For two adults and two children it cost us $49.00. You can walk straight in without a booking, making spontaneous tours doable!
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So what do you think? Would you love to explore Sydney even further? We have so many options for you to think about – simply click here and begin your adventure!
I love Cockatoo Island! So many things to see….