Here are some places I love to take the kids and visitors who come to stay with us. More travel tips can be seen at: www.999reasons.com/travel
(I don't work for or get paid endorsement for any of these places)
Aquarium - Ocean world Manly
Attractions: Daily reptile shows, large shark and fish displays with viewing from below. Touch and feel tanks and even shark dives.
Hours: 10am - 5.30pm every day but Christmas Day
Getting there: located Manly cove next to the wharf - come by ferry or park on surrounding streets.
Sydney Aquarium
Attractions: You can see fish and shark displays, crocodiles, seals and fairy penguins. Animal feed times are held all throughout the day.
Hours: 9am - 10pm every day.
Getting there: Located at King St Wharf, Sydney - paork at nearby park stations or train to Town Hall, then you can enter via Market or Kingo St oaccess, ferry from circular Quay or explorer bus stop number 22.
Taronga Zoo
Attractions: Reptile enclosure, Koala photo opportunity, bird flight shows and seal shows every day and the zoo even has stroller hire.
Hours: 9am - 5pm every day.
Getting there: located on Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman you can drive or catch a ferry from Circular Quay.
Cockatoo Island
Attractions: The largest island in Sydney Harbour. After a short ferry ride to the island you can go on an organised Convict, Historical or Ships tours with the Harbour Trust, to see an interesting side of Sydney's history.
Hours: must pre-book so look for tour times online or call 8969 2131.
Getting there: Catch a ferry from Circular Quay.
Powerhouse Museum
Attractions: Interactive play centres such as Zoes building house, plus shows and theatre are all over the museum and exhibitions change regularly but are always child friendly. There is an outside playground too next to the cafe.
Hours: 10am - 5 pm every day but Christmas Day.
Getting there: 500 Harris St Ultimo. Street parking is available or catch a bus or train to Central Square.
Opera House
Attractions: Kids at the House Programs are often held for kids of all ages, all throughout the year and especially in the school holidays such as theatre, singing, orchestra
Hours: see schedule for performance times.
Getting there: Circular Quay easily accessible via train, ferry or bus.
Luna Park
Attractions: Free entry, just by a ride pass or pay as you go. Visit the Coney Island fun house with slide and games, try the Dodgems, Ferris wheel or more thrill seaking rides or take the toddlers to the Maloneys ride corner for more suitable fun and games.
Hours: 7am - 3am daily
Getting there: You can easily come by train, bus, ferry or car. straight to location at Milsons Point or nearby North Sydney.
Newport Arms Hotel
Attractions: A top Sydney pub with three great playground areas and large outdoor seating for the kids and great food and drinks (for the adults!) with a view over Pittwater.
Hours: breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Getting there: Located on Sydney's Northern Beaches at Cnr Beaconsfield & Kalinya St, Newport. Getting there by car is best or the bus is also available.
Watsons Bay
Attractions: Another well known Sydney location with great views, playground and fish and chips from either the kiosk, pub or fancy Doyles restaraunt.
Hours: Open 7 days a week.
Getting there: Drive by car best or Bus from city or Bondi.