Summer in Sydney is magical for families. Long, warm days paired with countless attractions make it perfect for exploring, creating memories, and enjoying time together. From scenic day trips to farm stays and camping, there’s no shortage of family adventures. Here’s your ultimate guide.
Scenic Day Trips & Drives: Exploring Family Routes from Sydney
A summer road trip with kids is a classic way to explore Sydney and its surroundings. Whether heading to mountains, beaches, or forests, these drives offer both stunning scenery and bonding moments.
Kangaroo Valley and Cedar Cottages
Kangaroo Valley is a timeless favourite. Cedar Cottages provide a charming farm-stay experience, while the drive offers sweeping valley views and a peaceful village feel. Combine it with a picnic or a stroll through the hamlet for a memorable day. Don’t miss the iconic Hampden Bridge along the way.
Palm Beach & Northern Beaches Drives
For a coastal escape, the Northern Beaches offer serenity and local charm. Stop in Palm Beach village for brunch, enjoy the sand, or take bikes along for an adventure. Scenic lookouts, quiet coves, and ice cream stops make it perfect for family exploration.
Upper Blue Mountains Adventure
The Blue Mountains feature dramatic gorges, eucalyptus forests, and sandstone cliffs. Family-friendly routes include waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and short walks like Govetts Leap. Pack a picnic to enjoy in shaded areas and make the most of this nature-filled escape.
Minnamurra Rainforest
Nestled in the Illawarra Escarpment, Minnamurra Rainforest is an accessible, lush retreat. Boardwalks guide families through fern gullies, with lookouts offering sweeping views. Kids can also enjoy nearby orchards and fruit picking.
Farmstay & Country Escapes: Rural Life & Animals
Escape screens and immerse your kids in nature with a farm stay. Sydney and surrounding regions offer a range of family-friendly rural experiences.
Bilpin Country Lodge & Blue Mountains Farm Retreat
Set on 10 acres, Bilpin offers bush walks, friendly animals, campfires, and room for kids to play. The lodge is comfortable, with queen-size beds, a games room, and communal areas. Families can even book the whole lodge for large gatherings. Early morning bush walks, afternoons feeding animals, and evenings under the stars make for a slow, magical summer experience.
Mowbray Park Farmstay, Picton
Mowbray Park is a working farm ideal for self-catered stays. Kids can enjoy pony rides, milking cows, collecting eggs, swimming, tennis, archery, canoeing, and evening campfires. Supervised activities give parents structured downtime.
Morvern Valley Country Cottages, Southern Highlands
Self-contained cottages with private gardens and henhouses offer a quieter, independent farm stay. Children can meet donkeys, miniature horses, sheep, alpacas, and chickens while enjoying barbecues, campfires, and garden exploration.
McKeown’s Rest, Oberon
A more remote option, McKeown’s Rest is a 200-acre property with sheep, cattle, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, and horses. It’s a farm ecosystem with B&B accommodation, a pool, and spa, blending country charm with comfort.
Redleaf Farm / Unique Carriage Accommodation
Famous for its restored train carriages as cottages, Redleaf Farm offers a novelty stay with farm animals and bushland. Glamping options provide a night without electricity, creating an adventurous experience kids will remember.
Barranca, Kangaroo Valley
An upscale farm stay, Barranca blends luxury and rustic charm on 400 hectares. Families can enjoy wellness experiences like yoga, spa treatments, and rideable trails, along with kayaking, bushwalks, and outdoor exploration.
Chesleigh Homestead & Ashmar Farmstay
Ideal for horse riding, wildlife encounters, and evening campfires. Kids can milk cows, feed animals, and collect eggs, gaining hands-on lessons about seasonal farm life and country living.
Camping & Outdoor Adventures
Camping is a quintessential summer activity, offering families a minimalistic, nature-focused experience. Selecting safe, accessible sites with shade, toilets, and nature-based play is key.
Best Family Camping Spots Around Sydney
- Creekside campgrounds: Kids can explore and swim in cool waters.
- Elevated bush campsites: Ideal for stargazing and feeling away from the city.
- Family-oriented campgrounds: With communal areas, fire pits, and storytelling.
Arrive in the afternoon, set up camp, cool off in nearby water, cook dinner over a fire, and stargaze for a magical evening.
Long Road Trips & Family Survival
Multi-day road trips across NSW allow families to explore nature, scenic towns, and off-the-trail experiences. It’s perfect for bonding while enjoying summer landscapes.
Cool-Climate Camping
For cooler escapes, destinations like Corin Forest provide shaded forest walks and nature-based programs, offering respite from city heat.
Glamping in Sydney
Not all families want to sleep on the ground. Glamping combines nature with comfort, offering raised beds, cabins, and power. Perfect for kids, inexperienced campers, or anyone wanting a cozier experience.
Eco-Ferry & Water-Based Adventures
Nothing beats the heat like water-based fun. NSW offers water parks, boating, and beaches for cooling off. The eco-hopper ferry service allows families to explore harbourside spots and small coves before camping or picnicking.
Planning a Summer Holiday Calendar
A successful summer holiday balances scenic drives, farm stays, outdoor adventures, and downtime.
Sample Itineraries
Long Weekend (3 days):
- Day 1: Kangaroo Valley drive, Cedar Cottages, picnic, village exploration.
- Day 2: Mowbray Park Farmstay activities – feeding, milking, pony rides, campfire.
- Day 3: Upper Blue Mountains drive, scenic stops, mountain village lunch, short walks.
Weekend Camp + Ferry Adventure:
- Day 1: Eco-hopper ferry, harbour picnic, cove exploration, night at nearby campground.
- Day 2: Shady campsite, creek dips, nature play, marshmallows, stargazing.
Slow Farm Retreat (4–5 days):
- Glamping or cottage stay at Bilpin or Morvern Valley.
- Relaxed farm life, bushwalks, orchards, games, and storytelling under the stars.
Tips for Families Travelling in Summer
- Book Early: Peak season fills fast.
- Plan With Kids: Keep road trips and activities manageable.
- Flexible Itineraries: Mix structured and unstructured play.
- Safety & Comfort: Pack sun protection, insect repellent, first-aid, and proper footwear.
- Sustainable Travel: Use eco-friendly transport and low-impact sites.
- Local Engagement: Support regional businesses along the way.
Conclusion
Sydney offers endless summer opportunities for families to connect with each other, nature, and life’s simple joys. Whether it’s a Sunday drive to Kangaroo Valley, a rustic farm stay, or a scenic camping adventure, these experiences will educate, delight, and create memories to treasure for years.