by Dawn Teh
posted on 27 February 2024
From relaxing beach escapes and exciting outdoor adventures to the remarkable red plains of the outback, New South Wales offers a wide variety of family holiday spots.
Whether you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids during the school holidays or simply need a weekend getaway, keep reading to discover the best family holiday destinations in NSW.
An overview of the best family holiday destinations in New South Wales
The hardest part of planning a trip in New South Wales is narrowing down your list of things to do and see — there are just so many attractions to suit all kinds of family holidays.
If your family loves the ocean, the NSW coastline has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and towns, providing endless opportunities for surfing, visiting holiday parks, swimming, and relaxation. If you’re seeking a true adventure, venture inland to explore the lush forests and national parks that dot the hinterland. To really get off the beaten track, explore the NSW outback with its vast stretches of red desert and rugged natural beauty.
Coastal towns in NSW
The coastal towns of New South Wales really are the ideal family holiday destination. It’s pretty hard to beat relaxing on world-famous beaches, catching glimpses of migrating whales, and embarking on breathtaking hikes through dewy rainforests. The charming seaside towns are also full of character and points of interest with plenty of opportunities to explore quirky shops while indulging in delicious seafood and barista-made coffee.
Holiday destinations on the NSW South Coast
The South Coast of NSW offers a plethora of destinations that cater to everyone’s interests — from stunning beaches and majestic national parks to local markets and charming towns.
Eurobodalla Region
- Distance from Sydney: 4 hours 32 minutes (320 km)
- Key attractions:
- Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden
- Narooma Surf Beach, Congo Beach, Bingi Beach
- Glasshouse Rocks
- SAGE Farmers Market
- Towns like Broulee, Narooma, Moruya, and Tilba
- Best suited for: Beach holiday, water sports, hiking, fresh produce
Eurobodalla is known for its unspoiled beaches, rugged coastlines, and top-notch surfing spots. There are several charming towns in the area including Broulee, Narooma, Moruya, and Tilba. Stop by each one for a taste of coastal life and local culture. The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden is a classic spot for families, where you’ll discover walking trails, expansive lawns, and educational activities in the Discovery Garden. Beaches and surf spots are plentiful here, and at low tide, head over to the Glasshouse Rocks where you’ll see the interesting ancient rock formations. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly cafes in the area, and for a taste of local produce, head over to the SAGE Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoon.
Batemans Bay
- Distance from Sydney: 3 hours 50 minutes (280 km)
- Key attractions:
- Batemans Bay Cycle Way
- Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail
- Batemans Bay Heritage Museum
- Batemans Marine Park and Sanctuary
- Surf Beach
- Mogo Wildlife Park
- Best suited for: Beach, water sports, zoo
This picturesque seaside town is actually within the Eurobodalla region, but we had to give it its own section because there’s just too much to do here! With plenty of stunning beaches, you’ll find excellent water sports activities like swimming and surfing — don’t miss the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail. For a fun family day out, visit Mogo Wildlife Park, where you can view a variety of exotic and local animals up close.
Bermagui
- Distance from Sydney: 5 hours (380 km)
- Key attractions:
- Horseshoe Bay Beach
- Cuttagee Beach
- Mimosa Rocks National Park
- Blue Pool
- Camel Rock
- Best suited for: Beaches, hiking, national parks, geological formations
While you’re in Bermagui, a family day at beaches like Cuttagee and Horseshoe Bay Beach is a must. The crystal clear waters and soft sand provide the perfect backdrop for a seaside picnic or a fun swimming session. For adventurous families, a hike or camp in the Mimosa Rocks National Park will allow you to explore breathtaking headland views, pristine lagoons, rainforest scenery, and more. Don’t forget to also check out the Blue Pool, a natural rock pool that is ideal for a refreshing dip in its signature turquoise waters. And before you call it a day, catch a glimpse of the unique Camel Rock.
Montague Island
- Distance from Sydney: 4 hours 50 minutes (349 km) to Narooma, then a 20 boat ride to Montague Island
- Key attractions:
- Lighthouse
- Wildlife (fur seals and birds)
- Boat tours
- Snorkelling and diving
- Best suited for: Snorkelling and diving, wildlife watching, minimum age for visitors is 5 years old
To access Montague Island, you’ll need to take a boat from Narooma. With its striking lighthouse and active wildlife that calls the place home, you’ll quickly discover why the 20-minute ride is well worth the journey. Seals can be seen basking on the rocks while a diverse range of bird species soar through the sky. Animal lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to dive or snorkel with the playful seals as well.
Kiama
- Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 40 minutes (123 km)
- Key attractions:
- Kiama Blowhole
- Ocean pools
- Surf Beach, Kendalls Beach
- Best suited for: Relaxing holiday, natural attractions
The highlight of the Kiama coastline has to be the town’s iconic blowhole where the whole family can witness bursts of water spouting out of the ground (which sometimes reaches an amazing 30 metres in height). The area is also surrounded by stunning ocean pools which are great for a relaxing dip, and provides an enclosed area for kids to play in the water. Surf Beach and Kendalls Beach are kid-friendly spots with shallow waters along with a nearby playground and park. BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park (Kiama) is a popular accommodation for families as you’ll find lots of entertainment for the kids including a small water park, kids club, and playground.
Shellharbour
- Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 45 minutes (113 km)
- Key attractions:
- Shellharbour village
- Killalea Beach, Minnamurra Beach
- Surfing breaks
- Lake Illawarra
- Best suited for: Surfing, water activities, cafes
Shellharbour is a popular spot for surfers because of its amazing breaks around Killalea Beach and Minnamurra Beach. They’re also perfect spots for families who adore the sand and sun. The nearby Lake Illawarra also offers tranquil waters for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. After a fun-filled day in the sun, stop by Shellharbour Village for some famous local fish and chips or a hot chocolate at a relaxing outdoor cafe.
Family holiday destinations on the NSW North Coast
From the golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Port Macquarie to the lush rainforests of Watagans National Park, there’s plenty of spectacular scenery all around Northern NSW for your family to explore. Here are our top picks:
Byron Bay
- Distance from Sydney: 8 hours 30 minutes (801 km)
- Key attractions:
- Cape Byron walking track
- Cape Byron lighthouse
- The Byron Farmers Markets
- Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach, Tallow Beach
- The Farm
- Byron Solar Train
- Whale watching
- Best suited for: Beaches, outdoor activities, experience surf town culture
This hippie surf town is the perfect setting for outdoor family fun with its many pristine beaches, vibrant town, and endless natural attractions to explore. Take a dip and soak up the sun at Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach, and Tallow Beach, which all offer their own unique scenery and experience. If everyone is up for stretching their legs, take a scenic hike to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. Here, you’ll get to stand at the most easterly point in Australia while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean. For a truly local experience, stop by the Byron Farmers Markets and indulge in fresh produce, crafts, and live music. The Farm is also a great spot for young ones to enjoy fresh, farm-to-table meals while learning about sustainable farming. Kids will also love a ride on the Byron Solar Train, where they’ll have a chance to sit on a restored heritage train that’s 100% powered by the sun. Whale watching is also not to be missed if you’re here between May and November.
Port Macquarie
- Distance from Sydney: 4 hours 10 minutes (393 km)
- Key attractions:
- Koala Hospital
- Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
- Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk
- Billabong Zoo
- Grants Beach, Flynns Beach, Shelly Beach
- Best suited for: Wildlife experiences, hiking, beach holiday
Port Macquarie is a well-known holiday haven with its many wildlife experiences, nature hikes, and beachside activities. For animal encounters, stop by the Koala Hospital where you can learn about the protection of koalas while getting to meet one of Australia’s cutest marsupials. The Billabong Zoo is another place where kids can get up close and personal with all sorts of local and exotic animals. For stunning views of the local landscape, The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk and Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk are scenic trails you won’t want to miss. When it’s time for a dip, stop by one of the many beaches in the area, like Grants Beach, Flynns Beach, and Shelly Beach.
Lord Howe Island
- Distance from Sydney: 2-hour flight from Sydney
- Key attractions:
- Lord Howe Island Marine Park
- Coral reefs
- Best suited for: Escaping city life, relaxing, seeing coral reefs, hiking
If your family needs a chance to truly unwind and get away from the city, few places match the serene beauty of Lord Howe Island. This picturesque little outcrop is home to one of the most stunning marine parks in the world, teeming with an array of wildlife (like the Ballina angelfish and turtles) and breathtaking coral reefs.
Coffs Harbour
- Distance from Sydney: 5 hours 30 minutes (533 km)
- Key attractions:
- Muttonbird Island
- Jetty Beach
- Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
- Forest Sky Pier
- The Big Banana Fun Park
- Best suited for: Outdoor adventures
There’s no shortage of natural beauty to admire in Coffs Harbour. Visit Muttonbird Island to see an adorable colony of wedge-tailed shearwaters or spend a relaxing day at the child-friendly Jetty Beach, complete with picnic tables and playground. For an unforgettable view, head to the Forest Sky Pier, soaring 15 metres above the rainforest. But it’s not just the scenery that makes Coffs Harbour a must-visit for families. It’s also home to the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with seals and dolphins. Also, no trip to Coffs Harbour would be complete without a visit to the iconic Big Banana Fun Park (the biggest fun park between Sydney and the Gold Coast), which is full of rides and attractions to keep the whole family entertained for hours. There are also plenty of holiday resort accommodations (like Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort) by the coast, so you’ll have no issue finding a place to stay.
Top stop: A great option for family stays in Coffs Harbour is Beachpark Apartments, located just steps from the golden sands of Park Beach. Offering a mix of self-contained apartments and motel-style units, it’s ideal for families who want the convenience of a kitchen and a bit of extra space. With a pool, free undercover parking, and proximity to Big Banana Fun Park, Muttonbird Island, and Jetty Beach, this laidback spot keeps you close to all the action while giving you a quiet place to unwind at the end of the day.
Lake Macquarie
- Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 40 minutes (135 km)
- Key attractions:
- Lake Macquarie
- Caves Beach
- Watagans National Park
- Olney State Forest
- Towns like Belmont, Toronto, and Warners Bay
- Best suited for: Water sports, hiking
The largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere is the central feature of the region and doubles up as a great place for water sports like sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. While you’re in the area, Caves Beach (on the Swansea peninsula) is also not to be missed, as you can explore hidden caves at low tides. For some scenic walks, head to Watagans National Park, where you’ll find hiking trails of different levels. The Olney State Forest is also great for mountain biking and camping. When it’s time to relax, stop by the charming towns in the area like Belmont, Toronto, and Warners Bay where you’ll find waterfront dining, quirky cafes, and boutique shopping.
Port Stephens
- Distance from Sydney: 2 hours 15 minutes (185 km)
- Key attractions:
- Oakvale Wildlife Park
- Bagnalls Beach, Dutchmans Beach, Little Beach, Fingal Bay Beach
- Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
- Port Stephens — Great Lakes Marine Park
- Tomaree National Park
- Best suited for: Outdoor adventures, meeting native animals
Ready for some outdoor adventures in Port Stephens? Venture out to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes and get ready for some thrilling off-road experiences, or go snorkelling and explore the underwater wonders of the Great Lakes Marine Park. If you’ve got an animal-loving family, a stroll through the Oakvale Wildlife Park is sure to get everyone excited as you’ll get to observe native Australian animals up close. Of course, don’t miss the many gorgeous beaches like Bagnalls Beach or Fingal Bay Beach.
Inland
While the stunning coastal areas of New South Wales are the usual go-to areas for a family holiday, there is just as much to explore inland. With national parks, charming country towns, and stunning backcountry trails, it’s the perfect setting for a unique and unforgettable family adventure.
Morton National Park (Fitzroy Falls)
- Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 45 minutes (139 km)
- Key attractions:
- Fitzroy Falls
- East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks
- Mannings lookout
- Best suited for: Nature lovers, outdoor activities
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the Morton National Park offers families a chance to immerse themselves in lush rainforest scenery while taking in the crisp air. First up, admire the majestic Fitzroy Falls, which cascades down an 80-metre cliff. Then, hike the East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks and stop by the Mannings lookout for breathtaking views of Kangaroo Valley.
Taralga
- Distance from Sydney: 2 hours 30 minutes (237 km)
- Key attractions:
- Taralga Heritage Walking Tour (Heritage buildings)
- Foodie scene
- Wombeyan caves
- Best suited for: History, food
This quaint town in the Southern Tablelands of NSW is a treasure trove of well-preserved heritage buildings that brilliantly showcase the town’s rich history. Foodies will delight in Taralga’s thriving food scene, where you’ll find a small but highly-rated variety of cafes and restaurants serving up hearty meals made from local produce. It’s also the perfect base for a day trip to explore the nearby Wombeyan Caves which are said to be around 430 million years old.
Tamworth
- Distance from Sydney: 4 hours 44 minutes (414 km)
- Key attractions:
- The Big Golden Guitar
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Oxley Scenic Lookout
- Tamworth Marsupial Park
- Warrabah National Park
- Best suited for: Country music fans and nature enthusiasts
Look up Tamworth on the internet and it’s clear that this town’s crazy about country music (after all, it’s home to the annual Country Music Festival, Country Music Hall of Fame, and the 12-metre-high Golden Guitar). But this isn’t the only reason to stop by. Head to Oxley Scenic Lookout for breathtaking views of the city, meet some of Australia’s iconic marsupials at the Tamworth Marsupial Park, and explore the rugged beauty of the Warrabah National Park, where you’ll find dramatic gorges, massive granite boulders, and swelling river rapids. Don’t forget to bring your camping or hiking gear to make the most of the stunning scenery.
Dorrigo, Coffs Coast
- Distance from Sydney: 6 hours (551 km)
- Key attractions:
- Dorrigo National Park (Skywalk lookout)
- Danger Falls
- Best suited for: Road trip, nature lovers, hiking
This small town sits within the Coffs Coast hinterland and is the most popular base for exploring the Dorrigo National Park. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to reconnect with nature and enjoy some memorable hikes. Get a birds-eye view of the rainforest at the Skywalk lookout, have a relaxing picnic at one of several picnic areas, and explore its many hiking tracks (Red Cedar Falls Walking Track leads to the largest waterfall in the park). If you’re looking for more breathtaking scenery, continue along the Waterfall Way scenic drive where you’ll get to explore even more waterfalls and lush rainforests of the NSW Mid North Coast.
Armidale
- Distance from Sydney: 5 hours 40 minutes (482 km)
- Key attractions:
- Heritage buildings
- Armidale Farmers Market
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (Wollomombi Falls)
- Best suited for: History, culture, food
Steeped in history, the town of Armidale boasts breathtaking heritage buildings (like the Saumarez Homestead) that can be explored on a self-guided or bus tour. For a local experience, the bustling Armidale Farmers Market is the perfect place to sample local produce, baked goods, and more. Don’t miss the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park as well with its stunning Wollomombi Falls — the park is the perfect destination for a scenic hike or a refreshing swim.
The Blue Mountains
- Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 24 minutes (95 km)
- Key attractions:
- Scenic lookouts (Echo Point Lookout, Wentworth Falls Lookout, Govetts Leap Lookout)
- Blue Mountains Heritage Center
- Three Sisters Walk
- Best suited for: Nature lovers
Lookout points
The Blue Mountains is a haven for beautiful lookout points that offer stunning panoramic views of the towering cliffs and lush landscape below. Echo Point Lookout, Wentworth Falls Lookout, and Govetts Leap Lookout are some of the must-visit spots. Of the three, Echo Point Lookout is particularly popular as it offers a great viewing platform to witness the mesmerising Three Sisters rock formation.
Scenic World Blue Mountains
Have a truly unforgettable trip to the Blue Mountains by trying out some of the experiences offered by Scenic World Blue Mountains, which include a Scenic Skyway, Cableway, and Railway. The Scenic Skyway ride is particularly exciting as you’ll be suspended in a cabin with a glass floor allowing a clear view of the 270-metre drop below you!
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
Located in Blackheath, the Heritage Centre tells the story of the region’s rich history from the perspective of the Indigenous community that has lived in the region for thousands of years. The centre has a permanent display showcasing Aboriginal culture and information about the native flora and fauna.
Top stop: One of the Blue Mountains’ best kept secrets is Megalong Valley. Here, you can experience everything from tearooms and wine tasting to horseriding and hiking. You’ll find top stops like Megalong restaurant – a culinary oasis amidst the sprawling beauty of LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens – as well as Dryridge Estate Winery, where the team puts on regular stargazing nights.
The Snowy Mountains
- Distance from Sydney: 5 hours 28 minutes (492 km)
- Key attractions:
- Ski resorts (Thredbo and Perisher)
- Lake Jindabyne
- Yarrangobilly Caves
- Eucumbene Trout Farm
- Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
- Best suited for: Winter sports, horse riding, fishing, mountain biking
Skiing and snowboarding at Thredbo or Perisher
From beginner slopes to advanced runs, families can enjoy hours of outdoor fun and adventure in the fresh mountain air at either Thredbo or Perisher ski resorts. From skiing and snowboarding for older kids to tobogganing for the littlies, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your itinerary at Snowy Mountains. In the summer months, Thredbo also turns into a haven for other outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking.
Yarrangobilly Caves
Delve deep into the Yarrangobilly cave system where you’ll see spectacular limestone formations like stalagmites and stalactites. When you’re out of the cave, take a dip in the thermal pool which is filled with natural spring water that remains at a comfortable 27ºC all year round.
Rural and outback family holiday destinations
With wide-open spaces, charming towns, and stunning scenery, rural NSW is a breath of fresh air for adventurous families. Here, you’ll find many opportunities to soak in picturesque outback landscapes that are a stark contrast to the lush rainforests or ocean views of the coast. Plus, the rich Aboriginal and colonial history of the towns is carefully preserved through local museums, exhibits, and heritage buildings.
Broken Hill
- Distance from Sydney: 13 hours (1,141 km)
- Key attractions:
- Living Desert Sculptures
- Outback Astronomy
- Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum
- Best suited for: Star gazing, history, art
Australia’s oldest mining town is an incredible destination that offers a unique blend of art, science, and history that’s sure to captivate the whole family. One of the most impressive attractions is the Living Desert Sculptures, which feature massive sandstone sculptures carved by local artists that seem to emerge from the land itself. At the Outback Astronomy open-air observatory, explore the jaw-dropping beauty of the cosmos with provided optics (you can even upgrade the experience by hiring their recliner chairs or ordering snacks from their onsite kitchen). Finally, drop by the Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum to learn about the rich mining history of the region and discover some of the most stunning rocks and minerals found in the area.
Lightning Ridge
- Distance from Sydney: 8 hours 30 minutes (716 km)
- Key attractions:
- Opal Bin
- Opal fossicking tours
- Artesian bore baths
- Bottle House Museum
- Best suited for: History, geological formations
This historic town is a hub for black opal mining, and you can even have a go fossicking yourself. The town itself has lots of quirky little spots like the Bottle House Museum and Amigo’s Castle. After a long day of exploring, unwind in the therapeutic artesian bore baths — a naturally heated outdoor pool that has water temperatures hovering around a blissful 40°C.
Bourke
- Distance from Sydney: 9 hours (757 km)
- Key attractions:
- Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre
- Gundabooka National Park
- Mount Oxley
- Best suited for: History, natural beauty
Learn all about this charming town’s rich past at the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, which showcases exhibits about the traditional owners of the land (the Ngemba people) along with tales of the town’s early pioneer settlers. The region also boasts many awe-inspiring natural sights like the Gundabooka National Park (which is home to ancient Aboriginal art) and Mount Oxley which has some of the best panoramic views of expansive bushland.
Brewarrina
- Distance from Sydney: 9 hours (761 km)
- Key attractions:
- Aboriginal Fish Traps
- Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum
- Heritage buildings (Brewarrina Court House and Royal Hotel)
- Historic Brewarrina Barwon Bridge
- Barwon River
- Best suited for: Aboriginal and colonial history
Brewarrina is a delightful town full of Aboriginal and colonial-era historical sites waiting to be discovered. Along the Barwon River, you can find ancient Aboriginal fish traps (which are said to be over 30,000 years old), and just next to it, the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum, which is home to many Aboriginal artefacts and artwork. The river itself is also great for fishing and swimming near the Four Mile Camping Reserve. While you’re in town, visit stunning heritage buildings such as the Brewarrina Court House and the Royal Hotel.
Mungo National Park
- Distance from Sydney: 11 hours 10 minutes (1,015 km)
- Key attractions:
- Mungo lunette (Walls of China)
- Mungo Lookout
- Foreshore walk
- Best suited for: Aboriginal history, camping, hiking, natural attractions
There’s no better way to spend family time than exploring the remarkable outback landscape of Mungo National Park which has had a deep connection to Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Here, you’ll find tower sand formations and vast bushland that will leave you awestruck. Take a guided tour, enjoy a trek across Lake Mungo, or spend an unforgettable night in the outback under the stars.
Book a car on Turo for your next family holiday in NSW
Leave the stress of renting a car behind and use that energy to create memories instead.
On Turo, you’ll find an array of vehicles that you can book for your next trip — from spacious people movers to rugged SUVs, you’re sure to find a car that can accommodate your family comfortably.
You can even select extras (like surfboards and GPS systems) or request delivery to your location for the ultimate convenience.
So, why not book a car on Turo today and set out on your unforgettable family adventure in NSW?
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
