Ultimate Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Sydney

Day 1: Explore Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this popular café featuring a lovely garden setting and delicious options for the whole family.
Drive 15 minutes to Circular Quay after breakfast.
AUD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Sydney Opera House

Take a guided tour of this iconic landmark while learning about its fascinating history and architecture.
Walk to the Opera House from Circular Quay, it takes about 10 minutes.
AUD40, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit The Royal Botanic Garden

Stroll through the lush gardens and let the kids enjoy the playground while soaking in stunning views of the harbour.
Walk 10 minutes to the gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Spice Room

Enjoy an assortment of Indian dishes in a centrally located restaurant perfect for all ages.
Drive 5 minutes to The Spice Room.
AUD80, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Darling Harbour

Head to Darling Harbour to visit interactive attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney and Wild Life Sydney Zoo.
Drive 10 minutes to Darling Harbour.
AUD100, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant

Finish your day with a seafood dinner while enjoying beautiful waterfront views.
Walk 5 minutes back along the harbour.
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café 2773

Fuel up with fresh local produce and delicious coffee in this family-friendly café before your adventure.
Drive 90 minutes to Blue Mountains.
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Scenic World

Experience breathtaking views and thrilling rides like the Scenic Skyway and Scenic Railway on this family-friendly adventure.
20-minute drive from the café to Scenic World.
AUD150, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre

Enjoy a relaxed lunch while taking in the amazing views of the mountains.
5-minute drive to the Cultural Centre.
AUD70, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hiking in Wentworth Falls

Take a family-friendly hike to enjoy picturesque waterfalls and stunning scenery; pack your water bottles!
15-minute drive to Wentworth Falls.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Relax and enjoy the flora of this lovely garden, perfect for a leisurely walk.
Drive 20 minutes to the Botanic Garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Carrington Hotel

End the day with a delightful dinner in a historical hotel offering family-friendly dining options.
15-minute drive to The Carrington Hotel.
AUD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Local Sydney Fun

Sydney, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Sydney

Savour a delightful breakfast with picturesque views of the harbour to kickstart your day.
Drive 15 minutes to the café.
AUD60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Taronga Zoo Visit

Spend a fun-filled morning exploring the zoo and meeting Australia’s unique wildlife.
Drive 20 minutes to Taronga Zoo.
AUD125, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Zoo Café

Grab a quick and family-friendly bite at the Zoo Café while watching the animals.
At the zoo, a short walk from the exhibits.
AUD70, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ferry to Circular Quay

Take a scenic ferry ride back to Circular Quay, enjoying views of the Sydney skyline.
Ferry terminal is at Taronga Zoo.
AUD30, 30 minutes

2:30 PM

Explore The Rocks

Wander through the historic district of The Rocks, visiting markets and local shops.
Walk for about 10 minutes from Circular Quay.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art

Check out engaging art exhibitions that are family-friendly and interactive.
5-minute walk from The Rocks.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room

Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious meals in a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families.
Walk 7 minutes to the restaurant.
AUD110, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beach Day at Manly

Manly Beach, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Manly Wharf Hotel

Kick start your beach day with a beachfront breakfast offering a variety of healthy options.
Drive 30 minutes from Sydney to Manly.
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Spend Morning at Manly Beach

Enjoy sunbathing, beach games, and a swim in the beautiful waters of Manly Beach.
Beach is a short walk from the café.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Garfish

Indulge in fresh seafood and delightful views of the beach in this family-friendly restaurant.
A short 5-minute walk from the beach.
AUD90, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Manly Sea Life Sanctuary

Discover marine life and take part in interactive experiences perfect for kids.
Walk 10 minutes to the sanctuary.
AUD60, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Ice Cream at Panna Chocolate

Treat the family to some delectable artisan gelato in the heart of Manly.
5-minute walk to the ice cream shop.
AUD30, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Bavarian

Enjoy a hearty dinner with a family-friendly menu, complete with festive atmosphere.
10-minute walk from the ice cream shop.
AUD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Zoo Day Fun

Sydney, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Select from a variety of breakfast options to fuel your day filled with animal encounters.
Drive 30 minutes to the café.
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Taronga Zoo Visit (2nd Chance)

Head back for another visit to the zoo to explore different exhibits or catch up on animal shows.
15-minute drive to the Zoo.
AUD125, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Zoo Café

Revisit the zoo's café for a delightful and cozy family lunch surrounded by wildlife.
Same location as above.
AUD70, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Harbour Cruise

Take a relaxing 1-hour cruise around Sydney Harbour to see the city from the water.
Ferry terminal near the Zoo.
AUD50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Sydney Aquarium

Explore the wonders of the ocean at the stunning Sydney Aquarium, ideal for kids.
Walking distance from the ferry terminal.
AUD70, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe Sydney

Close off the day with a fun dinner in this famous chain restaurant that caters to families.
30-minute walk or drive from the aquarium.
AUD110, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Vineyard Escape

Hunter Valley, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Esperance Café

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading off to explore the wineries.
Drive 2 hours to Hunter Valley.
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Hunter Valley Gardens

Enjoy stunning gardens perfect for kids to run around and explore near the vineyards.
Drive 10 minutes to the gardens.
AUD50, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Wine Tasting for Adults

Enjoy some local wines while the kids play in the designated kids area.
15-minute drive to nearby vineyards.
AUD10, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Lovedale Bar & Restaurant

Dine in this family-friendly venue offering delicious meals and a great atmosphere.
15-minute drive to the restaurant.
AUD90, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

A sweet stop where kids can enjoy chocolate treats and even make their own chocolates.
10-minute drive to the Chocolate Company.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at a Vineyard

Spend some leisurely time with the family on the vineyard grounds and enjoy beautiful scenery.
Choose a nearby vineyard for relaxation.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Botanica

Indulge in exquisite local cuisine with a family-friendly menu suitable for all tastes.
5-minute drive to Restaurant Botanica.
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Coastal Adventure

Newcastle, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Edwards

Enjoy a classic breakfast menu at this trending café before diving into your coastal adventure.
Drive 1 hour from Hunter Valley to Newcastle.
AUD60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Newcastle Beach

Spend the morning swimming and relaxing at the beautiful Newcastle Beach, perfect for families.
15-minute drive to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Newcastle Surf Club

Grab a casual lunch at the surf club with fantastic ocean views.
Short walk from the beach.
AUD70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Fort Scratchley

Visit this historic fort and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and Newcastle.
Drive 10 minutes to Fort Scratchley.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Newcastle Art Gallery

Engage with various art exhibitions; suitable for all ages.
Drive 5 minutes to the gallery.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Scratchley on the Wharf

End your day with fresh seafood and delightful views of Newcastle Harbour.
5-minute drive to the restaurant.
AUD110, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Last Day in Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bennelong Restaurant

Savor a farewell breakfast overlooking the beautiful harbour views at this iconic restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes from your accommodation.
AUD80, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Bondi Beach

Cap off your holiday with a visit to the famous Bondi Beach, where the kids can enjoy fun in the sun.
Drive 30 minutes to Bondi Beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

Have a memorable lunch with stunning ocean views at this beautiful restaurant on Bondi Beach.
Walk 10 minutes from the beach.
AUD120, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Enjoy a scenic family walk along the coast with breathtaking views and spots to rest.
Start the walk from Bondi Beach.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Sydney Tower Eye

Get amazing 360-degree views of the city from the top of Sydney's tallest structure.
Drive 20 minutes to Sydney Tower.
AUD35, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Rocks Tavern

Finish your trip with a delightful dinner in a charming historic tavern right in The Rocks precinct.
Drive back to The Rocks, it's a short drive.
AUD80, 2 hours
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