ellaslist Guide To Summer In Sydney With Kids 2019-2020

WHAT’S ON SUM MER 2019/20 ED. 2

Welcome To ellaslist’s Guide To A Fun-Filled Summer In Sydney

Dear readers,

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of gloomy weather disappearing for another year.

Say hello to balmy evenings, cicadas buzzing, barbeques sizzling and waves crashing on our bare feet. It’s summer in Sydney! We love this city in the warmer months and the place is bursting with things to do and places to explore with the kids.

With so much to see and do it can be hard to know where to begin, that’s why we’ve created this guide packed with the best hand-picked ideas for you and the kids.

We’ve got the best beach camping spots, the most thrilling outdoor adventures, where to view a beautiful Sydney sunset, unique holiday ideas for the whole family and so much more.

So dive right in and have a great summer!

Love Alex Harmon &

the ellaslist team.

How To Use Your Guide Every page in the 2019/20 Summer Guide will connect you back to ellaslist, where you’ll find detailed reviews from real mums, must-see events and so much more.

Click to discover more on every page

Let There Be Light

Nora Hea d Lightho use

Barrenjoe y Lightho use

Venture to the Centra l Coast where his tory, adve nture and stunning v iews awa it at Norah Head Ligh thouse.

Hornsby Lighthou se

Sydney’s m ost colou rful lighthous e, Hornsb y Lighthou is a great se spot for li ttle history buffs and imaginati ve minds.

Click here to

If you’re u p for the w alk, Barrenjoe y Lighthou s e in Palm Beach off ers stunn in g views of th 3 e Pacific O 60° cean.

Flagstaff H Lighthou ill se

Take a dri ve to Woll ongong and visit A ustralia’s fi rst fully automatic electric lig hthouse.

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What’s Inside

Get Outside Visit A Cave Outdoor Adventures Ocean Pools Hot Air Balloon Rides

Day Trips & Getaways Trending Holiday Destinations Beach Camping Lighthouses To Visit Best Fruit Picking Group Holiday Getaways

Sunny Days Coolest Products For Summer Splashtastic Fun Stunning Sydney Sunsets

Events & Activities Outdoor Cinemas Indoor Play Centres Fun Family Ideas Cafes By The Water

Best Gelatos

NYE Events

Playgrounds

By The Water

The Gruffalo Summer Shows Holiday Programs

SKY ZONE AUSTRALIAS FIRST TRAMPOLINE PARK JUMP, CLIMB, ENDURO, PARTY. Building 3, 3/75 O’Riordan Street, Sydney Corporate Park, Alexandria, NSW 2015

skyzone.com.au

13 SKYZ

End the Year Right

NYE At Parramatta Kicking off at the kid-friendly time of 4pm, bring in the new year with live music, entertainment and activities. Families love the 9pm fireworks with Parramatta's skyline sparkling and plenty of time to get the kids to bed before midnight!

Dudley Page Reserve

Coogee Sparkles

Ring in the New Year at Dover Heights with spectacular harbour views, live music, jumping castle.

Grab the kids and gather along Coogee Beach to watch this fabulous fireworks display at 9pm.

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For more information or to book please visit bit.ly/parkstaygopackages or call the Holiday Inn Sydney Airport joy of travel team on 02 9330 0600.

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Group Holiday Getaways

Bilpin Country Lodge

Bundara Homestead

This true farmstay experience generously accommodates 20 people in the beautiful Blue Mountain region.

This stunning property is like a scene from Gone with the Wind. Located in Berry, up to 20 of your friends can stay.

Hunter Moon Country House

Lake David

A beautiful house with views of the Brokenback Mountain range and neighbouring vineyards and olive farms.

This classic country estate combines old-world charm with modern touches. Luxury on the South Coast for up to 18 people.

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Trending Holiday Destinations

Hamilton Island

The Philippines

Pure-white sand beaches, lush rainforests, family activities, and hot deals – it’s become a family holiday mecca.

Beaches, jungles, city life and culture in droves– the Philippines has something for all holidaying families.

Samoa

Ishigaki

Get off the beaten track and into the jungle at one of the lushest destinations in the South Pacific.

Japan doesn’t usually scream beach holiday but you might be surprised to discover that Ishigaki island is a tropical getaway.

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‘The Gruffalo’ at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Darling Harbour “Oh help! Oh no! It’s a gruffalo!”

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, in Darling Harbour, is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the classic children’s picture book The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, by encouraging families to embark on the Gruffalo Spotters Trail!

Explore and search for The Gruffalo and other characters from the story using the Spotters Activity Trail and exciting NEW Augmented Reality App! Skip and stroll through the zoo like Mouse, wriggle around and hiss like Snake or sneak about on your tiptoes like Fox! Immerse yourself in our Australian outback and find your favourite characters from the book using the free interactive App and the Spotters Activity book.

Follow the activity leaflet to see who Mouse meets along the way as you follow in his footsteps and stroll through the zoo. Use the fun and Interactive App to bring the characters to life and capture your precious memories!

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Sun Sleeves UPF 50+

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Designed by dads for Australian kids

SplashTastic Fun

Darling Quarter A maze of waterways with water switches, water gates, a water wheel, pump stations, water squirts and sandpits.

Curry Reserve Water Play Park

WILD PLAY Garden

This new one in Camden opened last year. With 36 play features and a toddler’s discovery stream.

The nature garden in Centennial Park is home to one of the city’s best water play parks.

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Coolest Products For Summer

Crazy Arms If sunscreen is a battle, these UPF 50+ breathable sleeves are worn with t-shirts to protect arms during outdoor play.

Springfree Trampoline

Bunch O Balloons

Keep kids jumping all summer (and all year round) in the best possible way!

Fill up 100s of water balloons in less than a minute! The must-have summer item for backyard water fights.

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Outdoor Adventures Await

TreeTops Adventure Park

Jamberoo Action Park

Scale to new heights at Sydney’s favourite treetop adventure park – if you dare!

You know the phrase, now get to experience the thrill of controlling the action at Jamberoo Action Park!

Wakeboarding & Jet Skiing

4-Wheel Driving The beach and the bush are calling your name on adventurefilled 4-wheel driving tracks.

See stunning Sydney waterways from a new vantage point this summer with a splash of wakeboarding and jet skiing.

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Balmy Outdoor Cinemas

American Express Openair Cinemas

Mov'nBed

In Camperdown and Bondi, enjoy a night of food and film under the stars where your furry friends are welcome!

The biggest outdoor bed cinema in the world is on at the Entertainment Quarter. Perfect for cosy date nights.

Moonlight Cinema

Skyline Drive In Cinema This is an old-school drive-in cinema in Blacktown with the hottest new films and a retro diner.

In gorgeous Centennial Parklands, have a family picnic and watch new films or an old favourite.

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Indoor Play Centres

NUBO

Sky Zone A ninja gym, indoor play, and mega trampoline destination rolled into one – there are so many reasons to love Sky Zone!

Imaginative and peaceful play in an educational environment is on the menu at NUBO in Alexandria.

Planet Mino

Archie Brothers The funhouse that has it all! It’s relatively new on the block and already a favourite with kids and kids-at-heart.

Hello, ball pit heaven! This brand new centre has one of the biggest ball pits in Sydney, plus loads of other entertainment.

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Visit A Cave

Jenolan Caves It’s the Blue Mountains most famous natural phenomenon – and the most magical for kids of all ages. There’s even a dedicated children’s discovery tour with fossil digging!

Glow Worm Tunnel

Wombeyan Caves

This old abandoned railway line in Wollemi National Park is home to a multitude of sparkling creatures.

With an expansive cave network, there is so much to explore – you might want to camp at this breathtaking spot.

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Fun Family Ideas

Hit the Road, Jack

Sydney Zoo The biggest opening of the year!

This safari-like zoo in Western Sydney is going to be wild.

The Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth is so family friendly and makes for a road trip you’ll never forget.

Trees Adventure

Sydney Festival 2020

Swing from the treetops above the Sydney Blue Gums.

Sydney’s largest tree top park is fun for the whole family!

Once again the festival that lights up our city has a program that will delight people of all ages.

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Up, Up and Away!

Balloon Aloft Soar high into the air at some of the most scenic destinations in NSW including the Hunter Valley and Mudgee.

Aussie Balloontrek

Balloon Safaris

Get ready to take to the skies and soak in the picturesque surrounds of the hot air balloon capital of Australia.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience overlooking the stunning Hunter Valley wine region.

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Stunning Sydney Sunsets

Little Bay, La Perouse This gem of a spot offers uninterrupted views of the sky and you can even keep the kids busy plane watching.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Water Street, Balmain

Watching the sun set with the Harbour, the Opera House, and the Bridge all in one view is an unforgettable experience.

The kids will love spotting the sun dipping into the horizon as the boats bob in the water at this Balmain hideaway.

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Sydney’s Best Gelatos

Cow & The Moon Everyone’s favourite artisanal gelato bar in Enmore whip up their award-winning gelato flavours right on the premises.

Bellingen Gelato Bar

Cremari de Luca

Another sweet spot in the Inner West, Bellingen is your go-to for the best chocolate gelatos Chocolate Jaffa, anyone?

Let the De Luca family make your summer sweeter with their mouthwatering gelato flavours or maybe even a gelato burger!

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Life’s A Beach

Diamond Head Roll out of bed and right into the surf at Diamond Head in stunning Crowdy Bay National Park.

Mystery Bay

Picnic Point

Spend family time in nature (and right next to the beach!) at the secluded Mystery Bay on the South Coast.

This gem in the Mimosa Rocks National Park is the ideal spot if you want to pair beachside camping with fishing.

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Playgrounds

By The Water

Maroubra Beach Playground

Pirrama Park Just a stone’s throw away from harbourside waters in Pyrmont, Pirrama Park is the place to play this summer.

A beachside gem, Maroubra Beach Playground is a great spot for kids to play and the amazing beach views don’t suck.

Blaxland Riverside Park

Cahill Park Playground

Meandering for over 3 hectares along the Parramatta River, Blaxland Riverside Park is an iconic Sydney playground.

Overlooking the Cooks River in Wolli Creek, Cahill Park Playground is outdoor play heaven for kids of all ages.

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Let There Be Light

Nora Head Lighthouse

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Venture to the Central Coast where history, adventure and stunning views await at Norah Head Lighthouse.

If you’re up for the walk, Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach offers stunning 360° views of the Pacific Ocean.

Hornsby Lighthouse

Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse

Sydney’s most colourful lighthouse, Hornsby Lighthouse is a great spot for little history buffs and imaginative minds.

Take a drive to Wollongong and visit Australia’s first fully automatic electric lighthouse.

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A Dip In The Ocean

Bondi Icebergs

Fairy Bower Pool

Sydney’s most iconic ocean pool is a must-visit for families on a hot summers day.

If you’re heading north for the day, stop in at Manly’s Fairy Bower Pool for a relaxing dip.

Shelly Beach Rockpool

Mahon Pool

Calm waves, stunning views, and family-friendly fun – what’s not to love about Cronulla’s Shelly Beach Rockpool?

If Maroubra Beach is too wild for the kids, head to the northern end for a play in Mahon Pool.

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Pick Of The Bunch

Montrose Berry Farm

Canoelands Orchard This summer you can take the kids to pick blood plums, candy plums, white nectarines and yellow nectarines.

Pick blueberries, red raspberries, loganberries, boysenberries, raspberries – just 90 minutes west of Sydney.

National Cherry Picking Festival

Glenbernie Orchard

Travel to Young in early December for a kid-friendly festival, competitions and plenty of cherry picking!

North of the ‘Gong pick your own peaches, plums, nectarines, apples and raspberries.

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Cafes By The Water

Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral

The Fenwick, Balmain This brand new cafe and gallery on Sydney Harbour is found in an old tugboat shed from the 1880s. Cute!

The brand new renos have been unveiled and you’ll love the champagne rooftop. So chic!

El Camino Cantina, Manly

The Beachhouse, Avalon

We love the rooftop views of the water, $2 Taco Tuesdays and cactus garden.

Where surf and sand meet delicious eats, coffee and a seaside breeze.

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Enrol at our Aquatic Centres

Get your child summer ready Enrol in our Learn to Swim program

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool 1C Mrs Macquaries Road, The Domain abcpool.org Cook+Phillip Park Pool 4 College Street (cnr William Street), Sydney cookandphillip.org.au Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre 458 Harris Street, Ultimo itac.org.au Prince Alfred Park Pool 105 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills princealfred.org Victoria Park Pool City Road (cnr Parramatta Road), Camperdown vppool.com.au

Enrol now and get a free swim cap Hurry, limited spots available!

cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/learn-to-swim

Summer Shows at Sydney Opera House The Midnight Gang

Spot Join one of the world's most beloved dogs Spot and his friends as they jump out of the storybook and onto the stage this summer.

David Walliams’ bestselling novel comes to life on stage!

Join The Midnight Gang as their imaginations take them on amazing adventures.

4 - 22 December • Ages 2+ • Tickets from $25*

3 - 21 January • Ages 6+ • Tickets from $35*

Operation Ouch!

Live on Stage

The Snail and the Whale

Explore the incredible world of medicine and biology as TV’s favourite identical twin doctors return to Australia with a brand new live show!

An inventive and charming musical adaptation of the award winning picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

7 - 8 January • Ages 6+ • Tickets from $45*

10 - 21 January • Ages 4+ • Tickets from $25*

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Holiday Programs

Coder Academy

UNSW Judo

Get your kids into coding these holidays, after all, it's the language of the future!

If your kids have ever wanted to try judo, book one of UNSW's Come 'n Try Judo Clinics.

O’Grady Drama

Camp Blue

Offering kids drama classes during the summer that will make the world their stage.

From cooking to kayaking, choose from a bunch of activities in their action-packed daily schedule.

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Thank You Over 1 million parents come to ellaslist to discover new and exciting things to do with their kids both in their local community and in our wonderful city.

We’re proud and humbled that so many new family experiences start with a simple visit to our website. We’d like to sincerely thank all our loyal readers for continuing to support ellaslist and a huge thanks to all our venue partners, sponsors, ellaslist explorers and the many local activities providers that do such a wonderful job in our communities helping us to entertain, educate and create fun experiences with our kids. We wish you a wonderful summer and look forward to continue to bring you more inspiration.

Love

the ellaslist team xxx @ellaslist

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