Sydney is one of the most amazing cities to explore with your family with a bumper crop of attractions and sites that are perfect to visit even when it’s wet. For those that are visiting or even locals, there are always a plethora of kids activities in Sydney to enjoy on any given day. One of our family’s yearly investment is the Merlin Annual Pass which ensures our weekends are never boring.
For visitors hoping to visit at least two or more of the Merlin attractions, or for locals looking for a savvy way of having something to do even when it’s wet, the Merlin Annual Pass is a great resource for sourcing kids activities in Sydney that you can return to again and again. Furthermore, each attraction is quite dynamic, adding a new variety of activities to their settings regularly to keep in fresh.
Disclosure: We are official Merlin Ambassadors. We are not paid for this privilege but do receive complimentary entry to all Merlin attractions. All opinions are our own.
Kids Activities in Sydney : Merlin Annual Pass
Table of Contents
The attractions included in the Merlin Annual Pass
If you are looking for kids activities in Sydney (and around Australia) watch out for unlimited entry into the following attractions that you can access with your Merlin Annual Pass.
NSW
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Situated in the bustling Sydney precinct of Darling Harbour, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium boasts over 13,000 animals from 700 different species including penguins, a dugong called Pig, sharks, rays, seahorses and more making it one of best kid activities in Sydney.
The ultimate all-weather location, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium takes you up and close with some of the most unique Australian aquatic animals.
Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm (last entry 5:00pm)
Website: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
Click to read about our latest visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
International visitors and Australians alike love learning about the native animals of our vast country. WILD LIFE Sydney is the closest place to head to get up and close with a range of unique and interesting Australian animals including a range of marsupials, reptiles, birds and amphibians.
Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
Opening Hours: Open 7 days per week. 10:00am – 5:00pm (Last entry 4:00pm) | 26th Jan, 2019 Australia Day: Open 10:00am – 5:00pm (Last entry 4:00pm)
Website: www.wildlifesydney.com.au
Madame Tussauds Sydney
Ever wanted to get up and close to your favourite celebrity, sports person or superhero? Madame Tussauds is the place you should head to meet all the superstars you love and enjoy a range of spaces to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
Opening Hours: Open 7 days per week | 10:00am – 6:00pm (last admission 5:00pm) daily
Website: www.madametussauds.com.au
Read about our trip to Madame Tussauds
Sydney Tower Eye
If you have ever wanted to see what Sydney looks like up high then a trip to Sydney Tower Eye is the place to head. From this vantage point, you can get a bird eyes view of the amazing city and see just how spectacular the harbour looks at day and night!
Location: 100 Market St, Sydney
Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week | 9:00am – 9.00pm (last entry at 8:00pm
Website: www.sydneytowereye.com.au
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is a little out of Sydney in the Illawarra area between Bowral and Wollongong. When the sun is shining it is a great day trip adventures providing a chance to get back to nature and soar above the treetops
Location: 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill
Opening Hours: Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is open EVERY DAY (excluding Christmas Day). 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (last admission 4.00 PM – we recommend you allow between 45-60 minutes for the walk).
Website: www.illawarrafly.com
VICTORIA
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is the only Australian Merlin attraction we are yet to visit! Situated in the Victorian Otways a little outside Melbourne, this attraction takes you above the treetops for the ultimate adventure within the canopy.
Location: 360 Phillips Track Beech Forest, Weeaproinah
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (except Christmas Day) | Last entry 4.00 pm
Website: www.otwayfly.com
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Opening almost twenty years ago, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium takes you underwater to meet some of the local Victorian aquatic creatures as well as a few from a little further away. Head here to see penguins, a plethora of fish species and amazing corals.
Location: King St, Melbourne
Opening Hours: Open 365 days per year! | Monday – Friday 10:00am – 5:30pm (last entry 4:30pm) | Weekends, School Holidays and Public Holidays 9:30am – 6:00pm (last entry 5:00pm)
Website: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au
Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne
I don’t even need to Google to know that LEGO is the world’s most popular toy! It’s the toy that has lastest generations and continues to grow as a toy for both children and adults alike. Head to Legoland Discovery Centre in Chadstone to see some of the best LEGO master creations and build a few yourself.
Location: Level 2/1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
Opening Hours: We recommend allowing a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for your visit (re-entry is not allowed once you have left the attraction) | Open from 9.30 am, seven days per week |
Website: legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au
QUEENSLAND
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
If you are visiting the Sunshine Coast and are keen to explore the aquatic life of the area without getting wet, head to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, an all weather indoor attraction!
Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD
Opening Hours: Visit us come rain, hail or shine – SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is an all weather indoor attraction. | Closed all day on Christmas Day and Anzac Day | Monday – Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm (last entry 2.00pm) | Queensland School Holidays Monday – Sunday 9.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Website: www.underwaterworld.com.au
NEW ZEALAND
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Auckland
Heading to Auckland? Wondering what to do? Well first head to our things to do in Auckland resource and THEN make sure you add SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton to the list! It’s pretty amazing with an Antartica feel about it.
Location: 23 Tamaki Dr, Orakei, Auckland 1071
Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week | 9:30am – 5:00pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Website: Head to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
What the Merlin Annual Pass includes
Did you know that the Merlin Annual Pass not only gives you access to the above 11 attractions for a whole year but also includes a bounty of extras including
- 10% off any retail spends
- 20% off food and beverages
- 20% off tours and additional experiences
- Access on all days and all times including public holidays
- Invite friends and family and get 25% off their entry
- Renew your Merlin Annual Pass at 30% off the full price!
PLUS even more discounts and special member events and benefits at each attraction!
Buying your Merlin Annual Pass
The easiest way to buy your Merlin Annual Pass online as you save all through the year! Watch out for the twice-yearly sale where you can buy the passes for a bargain price.
With a Merlin Annual Pass, holders can experience the best attractions! Dive into an adventure at one of our four SEA LIFE Aquariums, discover Australia’s big Aussie 5 animals at WILD LIFE, let your imagination come alive at Madame Tussauds Sydney, enjoy breathtaking views from Sydney Tower Eye, and immerse yourself in nature at our Australian Treetop Adventures – all 11 magical worlds are waiting for you to explore!
The Merlin Annual Pass Sale
The Merlin Annual Pass gives pass-holders 12 months unlimited entry to 11 top attractions in Australia and New Zealand, plus loads of discounts and exclusive offers, offering the ultimate guide to unlimited fun for unparalleled value!
Twice a year, a Merlin Annual Pass sale is hosted, offering discounted prices on the cost of the yearly pass.
Right now you can buy the Merlin Passes at $65.00 per person for families (3+ people) – save $14.00 per person or $89.00 for individuals – save $20.00 per person. Bargain right?
· Sale from 11th June – 10th July
· Prices from just $65.00 per person
· Unlimited entry to 11 attractions across Australia and New Zealand
· Benefits and discounts on retail, food and beverage and more!
CLICK to head to the Merlin Annual Pass Sale for full details.
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Resources for Visting Sydney
If you are heading to Sydney for a holiday, or perhaps it is your city already and you’re just looking for something fun to do, make sure you utilise our bumper crop of resources that will provide you with lots to do to occupy the kids with AND yourself!
Sydney School Holiday Activity Listing
The best things to do in Sydney with Kids : We provide you with a plethora of activities that will keep you and your kids busy. From quick trips to overnight experiences, you’ll love this list of goodies!
Looking for a wildlife adventure? We have created the ultimate list of Australian Zoos and Wildlfe Parks for your reference. Want something a little more personal? What about one of Sydney’s Animal Encounter experiences where you can touch, feed and even care for some of Sydney’s zoo and wildlife animals?
Of course, when the sun is out you might like to head to one of Sydney’s Water Parks with the kids or even better, one of Sydney’s Best Beaches!
This one is a little scary, but we know some families love seeking out the unusual. How about one or two of Sydney’s Most Haunted places?
Fruit picking is one of our most favourite family experiences. Check out our Sydney Fruit Picking resource so you can head out this weekend!
Get out of the city this weekend and head for a Farm Stay near Sydney.
What about heading to a festival? We’ve pulled together an annual calendar of festivals across Sydney.