How to spend the school holidays with the kids in New South Wales.
Take a break during their school holiday break by booking the brood in for a family holiday in New South Wales. Whether you’re searching for a day, weekend or week-long trip through the state, there is plenty to do.
Those hoping to save that annual leave for a larger holiday (Christmas visiting the relatives perhaps?) can opt to fill the kids’ holiday calendar with daily activities in and around Sydney.
No matter your agenda, we’ve found the most fun-filled family-friendly activities and experiences in NSW these school holidays to ensure your little one is kept entertained all holiday long. Start booking these babies into the itinerary now:
NSW Family Holiday Destinations
These six family holiday destinations in NSW are renowned for their family friendly atmosphere, picturesque surrounds and outdoor activities.
1. Far North Coast
Includes: Byron Bay, Ballina, Yamba and Lennox Head.
Perfect for: Getting away from the big city and enjoying nature
Nearing the border of NSW and Queensland, the Far North Coast is a dynamic environment of coastal beaches and hinterland. Quiet coastal towns are rife and the possibility of adventure amongst World Heritage Sites is standard.
Family holiday accommodation
Resort: East On Byron
Booking.com
Apartment: Ballina Beach Village Dolphin Bay
Wotif
Hotel: LakeSong At Lennox Head
finder.com.au Hotels
Family activities
Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour
finder.com.au
Brunswick River Nature SUP Tour
finder.com.au
Byron Bay Surf Experience - Small Group Lesson
City Discovery
2. Hunter Region
Includes: Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wiseman’s Ferry, Hunter Valley
Perfect for: Foodies and animal lovers
Couple a harbour-town holiday with a relaxing vineyard stopover by exploring the Hunter Region. Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie are ideal for marine life encounters and a coastal retreat while the Hunter Valley provides an inland sojourn complete with wines for the adults and chocolates and fudge for the children.
Family holiday accommodation
Resort: Chateau Elan at the Vintage
Booking.com
Motel: Branxton House Motel
Lastminute.com.au
Hotel: Spicers Vineyards Estate
finder.com.au Hotels
Family activities
Beyond the Range
finder.com.au
Heli-Horsing
finder.com.au
Chocolate Indulgence
finder.com.au
3. South Coast
Includes: Kiama, Wollongong, Kangaroo Valley, Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, Bega
Perfect for: Peace, quiet and cheese
Go against the grain and head south for a holiday with a bit of everything. Expect a smattering of environments when you do. From the cityscape of Wollongong and the inner sanctuaries of Kangaroo Valley and Bega, you’ll be spoilt for choice on a holiday to the South Coast.
Family holiday accommodation
Resort: Coachhouse Marine Resort
Wotif
Hotel: Coolangatta Estate
Expedia.com.au
Resort: Corymbia Batemans Bay
finder.com.au Hotels
Family activities
AG/Jervis Bay Day Tour
finder.com.au
Mermaid Experience
finder.com.au
Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk Experience
Adrenaline
4. Coffs Coast
Includes: Coffs Harbour, Grafton and Nambucca Heads
Perfect for: Beach holidaymakers
A perennial favourite for families, the Coffs Coast is nestled comfortably between ocean and mountain. It’s a piece of coastal paradise that showcases 90 kilometres of beaches, islands and reserves and more activities that you can shake a stick at.
Family holiday accommodation
Resort: BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
finder.com.au Hotels
Cottages: Ambiance Holiday Apartments
finder.com.au Hotels
Resort: Liapari Luxury Beach House
finder.com.au Hotels
Family activities
Coffs Harbour All-Terrain Segway Tour
Viator
White Water Rafting, Nymboida River 1-day - Coffs Harbour
Adrenaline
Surf Rafting, Coffs Harbour
Adrenaline
5. North Coast
Includes: Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, North Haven, Diamond Beach and Forster
Perfect for: Adventurous types
Located in the mid-North Coast of NSW the Port Macquarie region is a water baby’s dream destination. Water activities include high speed boating, river cruises and kayaking while on land you can enjoy horse riding, coastal walks and camel safaris.
Family holiday accommodation
Resort: Sandcastle Apartments
Lastminute.com.au
Motel: Mid Pacific Motel
Booking.com
Hotel: Rydges Port Macquarie
finder.com.au Hotels
Family activities
Horse Riding, One Hour Trail Ride with Tuition - Port Macquarie from Adrenaline
Suitable for all levels of experience, this one hour trail ride just outside Port Macquarie will introduce you to the sport. Let the professionals lead the way and for the adults, a free wine tasting is the reward you deserve at the end of the journey.
View details6. Central Coast
Includes: Wyong, Terrigal, The Entrance, Avoca, Copacabana, Gosford, Bateau Bay
Perfect for: A beachside escape not far from Sydney
With its calm, shallow waters and historical coastal attractions, it’s little wonder that the Central Coast is part of practically every Sydney child’s holiday memories. Drive up and stay over at one of the many campervan parks available to make it a truly memorable holiday.
Family holiday accommodation
Resort: Pullman Magenta Shores Resort
Booking.com
Hotel: Mercure Kooindah Waters
Booking.com
Resort: Kims Beachside Retreat
finder.com.au Hotels
Family activities
Abseiling, 2-3hrs - Central Coast, Sydney
Adrenaline
Tree Top Crazy Rider 'Xtreme' 1km Flying Fox Experience - Central Coast
Adrenaline
Quad Biking, 1.5 Hour Explorer - Sydney
Adrenaline
