finder.com.au

Best family holiday destinations NSW

Our top picks of where to go in New South Wales with your family for beaches, adventure and more.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

Updated

Fact checked
Family laughing on the beach.

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

No matter your agenda, we’ve found the most fun-filled family-friendly destinations and the activities and experiences to do once you get there.

These New South Wales destinations are ideal for upcoming school holidays to ensure your little one is kept entertained all holiday long.

Start booking these babies into the itinerary now. Or, if you're jumping into the car check out these short road trips you can take with the kids.

Horse Riding

Far North Coast

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.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Hunter coastline

Hunter Region

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.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Illawarra Fly Treetop

South Coast

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.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Children's Treetop Adventure Course

Coffs Coast

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.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park

North Coast

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.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Quad Biking Adventure

Central Coast

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.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Tweed River

Tweed Shire

Think charming seaside towns and picturesque hinterland villages with a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest right on your doorstep.

You can fill your days learning to surf, hiking the challenging Mount Warning, indulging in the local cuisine or relaxing on a river cruise.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Sapphire Coast

Sapphire Coast

If the water gods are calling then you've got all the rivers, lakes and beaches to whet your appetite on the Sapphire Coast. Start with whale watching, fishing or diving at Eden's natural harbour, indulge in fresh oysters on the Pambula River and then canoe or cruise your way around Lake Merimbula.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

The Foxglove Spires Gardens

Mid-North Coast

Get away from it all at this off-the-beaten track beachside escape. Sail up the Myall River on a kayak, pick a remote island for a family picnic or swim beside wild dolphins near Tuncurry's rock pool.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

Hot Air Balloon

Central West

This diverse region has something on offer for everyone in the family. The adults can indulge in some wine tasting, while the kids can get the adrenaline going with a visit to Bathurst's Mount Panorama and the whole family can enjoy the sunrise view with a hot air balloon flight.

Book your accommodation Book your flight

NSW holiday deals and packages

East Coast Car RentalsEast Coast Car Rentals

Up to 15% off Australia rentals

Available on all rentals from February - March 2021 across Australia, including Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

WotifWotif

Up to 60% off Australia stays

Available on stays until July 2021 in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.comHotels.com

Up to 63% off Australia-wide stays + Extra 8% off hotel bookings

Available on select dates until December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Deal ends

AdrenalineAdrenaline

Up to 85% off domestic activities

Available on select dates for activities including skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, scuba diving, whale watching, bridge climbing, high tea and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Extra $10 off site-wide with code

Valid on all dates, including over Christmas, on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, high tea and more. Destinations include Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $80 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Extra 10% off Australia activities with code

Valid on all dates on activities like skydiving, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, cruises, tours, high tea and more. Minimum spend of $100 applies. Destinations include Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
P&O CruisesP&O Cruises

$1 deposits + up to $500 credit on Australia and South Pacific cruises

Plus get up to $500 OBC on select voyages in 2021 and 2022. Destinations include Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Booking.comBooking.com

Up to 20% off Australia getaways

Available on stays from 5 January - 31 March 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

DiDiDiDi
Exclusive

Get $20 credit

Get $5 off each of your first four rides in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Perth and Newcastle. Valid on all dates for new users. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Virgin AustraliaVirgin Australia

Australia-wide flights from $89 each way

Available on flights from January - September 2021 to Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Townsville, Darwin and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Accor HotelsAccor Hotels

Up to 30% off worldwide stays

Available on select dates when you stay a minimum of 3 nights. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Auckland, Paris, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways

Up to 10% off international flights with code

Available for Mastercard holders on flights from 1 November 2020 - 30 June 2021. Valid on flights departing from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Accor HotelsAccor Hotels

Australia stays from $95/night + Extra 10% off for members

Available on stays up until 13 months from the booking date. Destinations include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Uluru and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

KlookKlook

$1 wine tastings in the Hunter Valley

Available on select dates in the Hunter Valley. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 30% off Australia and New Zealand tours

Lock your tour with $1 deposit plus get an extra 21% off when you choose My Own Room. Available on select travel dates in 2021. Destinations include Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Brisbane, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

WotifWotif

Up to 50% off Australia getaways

Available on stay until February 2021 in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Hobart, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

EuropcarEuropcar
Exclusive

$20 off $200 car hires

Available on rentals until 30 April 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

AirbnbAirbnb

Australia stays from $13 per night

Available on stays until 2021 in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Melbourne and more. Sample fare is for a private room in Victoria. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
EuropcarEuropcar

Up to 20% off base rate

Available on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday pick up dates until 11 December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

StayzStayz

Australia beach holidays from $82/night

Available on select stay dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample price is for a stay at a private beach cottage in South Greenough, Western Australia. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
KayakKayak

Australia-wide flights from $89 return

Available on select flights until May 2021. Destinations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth, Broome and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $146 and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Accor HotelsAccor Hotels

Up to 25% off Australia stays

Available for travel until 31 December 2021 when you book for 2 nights or more. Prepayment required. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Lastminute.com.auLastminute.com.au

Up to 43% off domestic getaways

Available on select stay dates in 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Adelaide, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
ContikiContiki

Up to 15% off Australia tours

Available on select trips from April 2021 - April 2022. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Darwin and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Luxury EscapesLuxury Escapes

Up to 61% off domestic holiday packages

Available on select dates until December 2021, including over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Trafalgar ToursTrafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off Australia tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Broome, Uluru and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
KlookKlook

Extra 10% off NSW activities with code

Available until 28 February 2021 on all activities including hot air balloon flights, attraction passes, Tiny Homes and staycation packages. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and South Coast. Minimum spend of $50 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

KlookKlook

Get 10% off NSW car hires

Available on rentals until 28 February 2021 in Sydney, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and South Coast. Minimum spend of $50 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

KlookKlook

Get 7% off NSW getaways with code

Available on stays until 28 February 2021 in Sydney, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and South Coast. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

GrouponGroupon

Up to 73% off getaways

Available for travel on select dates to Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Launceston, Newcastle, Noosa Heads, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
MarriottMarriott

Up to 50% off room upgrades + free breakfast on stays

Available on stays until 30 April 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, New Zealand, Fiji and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 60% off Australia getaways

Available on select stay dates on Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Vollage, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, Gold Coast and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Expedia.com.auExpedia.com.au

Up to 20% off advance booking

Available on select stay dates when you book 60+ days in advance. Destinations include Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darwin and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
KlookKlook

Up to 10% off Hunter Valley activities

Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021 for new Klook customers. Activities include wine tasting tours, hot air balloon flights, getaways, bike hires, helicopter flights and more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Up to 13% off domestic getaway packages + an extra 10% off with code

Available on select travel dates for stays in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Canberra and more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Australia experiences for 2 from $38 + Extra $10 off with code

Available on select dates for experiences like tours, zoo and wildlife interactions, hot air balloon flights, skydiving and more. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, Brisbane and more. Minimum spend of $80 required. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Get Your GuideGet Your Guide

Australia activities from $10

Available on select dates for activities like sightseeing tours, attraction passes, river cruises, hop-on hop-off tours and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne, Cairns, Hunter Valley, Perth and more.

Last verified

Get deal
CudoCudo

Up to 93% off things to do in Australia

Available on select dates and activities like classes, spas, getaways, dining experiences and more. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Melbourne Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
VoyaginVoyagin

Up to 40% off things to do in Australia

Available on select dates and activities such as Sydney attractions tickets, SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
finder.com.aufinder.com.au

BridgeClimb Sydney from just $174

Book a 90-minute sampler BridgeClimb in Sydney for up to $134 less than the price of the full-length experience. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site