As the largest city in Australia, Sydney often inspires families to visit for at least a week. And why not, when there’s so much to keep the kids entertained. But if you’ve only got time for a weekend or an overnight stay, how do you create a 2-day itinerary for Sydney that will keep the kids entertained and make you feel like you’ve captured the highlights of the harbour city?
To get you started, here’s how to make the most of Sydney in just 48 hours. This family-friendly, 2-day itinerary includes trips to Sydney’s famous beaches, icons such as the Harbour Bridge and some of the best spots to eat.
Day 1 in Sydney with kids
Morning
Start your first day of a two day Sydney itinerary with a visit to the Australian Museum in the city centre The popular permanent exhibition ‘Dinosaur Gallery’ will transport visitors to a time when these giants roamed the earth.
Lunch
Head over to Sydney’s newest Harbour foreshore park – Barangaroo Reserve – for some lunch-time sun and burgers from Ume Burger. The burgers are Japanese inspired and the Hokkiado soft serve ice creams are a great way to finish off a meal while taking in the views of the glistening harbour.
Read more: What can you do at Barangaroo Sydney?
Afternoon
Stroll over to Circular Quay to catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo in Mosman for the afternoon. There are close to 4000 animals from over 350 species to admire, and the newest attraction is the Tiger Trek exhibit. Here, visitors can admire four critically endangered Sumatran Tigers as they go on an imaginary journey to Sumatra, home to one of the last remaining rainforests in the world.
If you’ve got time to add another day to your 2 day Sydney itinerary, we recommend spending a night at the Wildlife Retreat Taronga Zoo so you can maximise your time with the animals and take part in some guest only, behind the scenes experiences.
Evening
Make your way over to The Greens in North Sydney. The family-friendly bowling club has plenty of seating and kids can run amok on the greens (if no one is bowling). There’s a special menu for children aged 12 and under.
Day 2 in Sydney with kids
Morning
Start your second day of a 2 day Sydney itinerary with a leisurely stroll along Bondi Beach. Then, if the weather permits, go for a swim to cool down. There are also a number of playgrounds that boast the best water views in town, so take it slow and enjoy what Sydney does best – sun, sand and sea.
Read more: A staycation at the Coogee Crown Plaza, Sydney
Lunch
Fish and chips on the beach never gets old, so pick up some takeaway to keep the whole family happy and find some shade to enjoy your seafood feast.
Afternoon
Visit WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour and lose yourself in the interactive displays, daily shows and enhanced walk-through habitats, including Koala Encounters, Kangaroo Walk-About and Butterfly Tropics. Then, explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s world-first Penguin Expedition, where you can raft through a colony of King and Gentoo Penguins!
Evening
Head to the trendy suburb of Newtown and let the kids choose something to eat (there are plenty of options!), then stop by and grab an award-winning gelato from Cow and The Moon in Enmore, just down the road.
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