The best family-friendly hotels in New South Wales, from bush survival courses to private zoo tours
The state of New South Wales on Australia’s east coast is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – from patrolled swimming areas (good for children) and surfer-friendly waves to ocean lap and rock pools – but we all know it takes (a little) more than a bucket and spade to have a harmonious family holiday. The following properties range from ‘fair dinkum’ outback destinations for little adventurers who aren’t afraid to get their feet dirty to high-end retreats for pampered princes and princesses. Think Junior Rangers programmes featuring archery, fossil hunting and bush survival courses, and behind-the-scenes tours at Dubbo Western Plains Zoo. Here's our pick of the best family-friendly hotels in New South Wales.
Elements of Byron
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
9Telegraph expert rating
Private access to one of Australia’s most renowned beaches, a Parkour-inspired all-natural playground set within a rainforest, and an outdoor games area – they can all be found at Elements of Byron, along with a solar-powered heritage train that chugs into the centre of town (keeping parents happy by avoiding the Byron Bay traffic or looking for that elusive beachfront parking spot). The resort’s Lagoon Pool Precinct is a dedicated area for toddlers and babies to enjoy safe water play, while older children have free reign of the large pool and fun pods that surround it. The two-bedroom villas are ideal for families. Read expert review From £201 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Newnes, New South Wales, Australia
9Telegraph expert rating
Children lucky enough to visit this conservation-based resort, in bushland between Wollemi and Stone National Parks, will be treated to a whole range of activities. Not only are there mountain bikes outside every cabin, hosted wildlife safaris and stargazing tours, the Junior Rangers programme features archery, fossil hunting and bush survival. You can also hop on the Sundowner Tour for a two-hour bus ride through the property to see the many kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos and wombats. Each villa has an indoor plunge pool, and a separate living room. Dining is a treat, featuring delicate and artfully presented dishes – plus children’s menu. Read expert review From £1,090 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best boutique hotels in Sydney
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
8Telegraph expert rating
The beauty of this five-star is its position on 45 acres of native forest. Guests can meander the hotel's wooden boardwalks to spy local wildlife, such as wallabies and goannas, borrow a bike or play tennis before a dip in the heated outdoor pool, shaded by rainforest and with a small children's pool to the side. Given Byron Bay’s reputation as a place to unwind, it's apt that the hotel creates a calm environment that's at one with nature, and so the hotel has both family-friendly and child-free areas. One interconnecting room is available, as well as sofa beds in selected suites. Read expert review From £203 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best things to do in Sydney
QT Bondi
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
8Telegraph expert rating
Located just across the road from world-famous Bondi Beach, QT Bondi is just footsteps down to the sand. It’s full of families in summer – large rooms with fold-out couches and large living spaces make it ideal – and bicycles and surfboards are available free-of-charge for all guests. While there is no restaurant at the hotel, there’s a chargeback system at Drake Eatery just downstairs. Otherwise, there are nearby restaurants, cafés and a supermarket that’s good for stocking up rooms for a comfortable stay. Pastel-coloured doors and polka-dot carpets echo Bondi’s carefree, frisky tone and give the hotel a sense of fun. Read expert review From £112 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best budget hotels in Sydney
Rae’s on Wategos
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
9Telegraph expert rating
The Spanish Mission-style building was built in the 1960s by a local and, according to legend, the garden was designed by family friend Salvador Dalí. The hotel, which is set above one of Byron Bay’s best beaches, has light, uncluttered spaces resulting in a relaxed and sophisticated seaside feel. The children’s menu is sure to please even the fussiest of diners, and even includes fairy bread (buttered slices sprinkled with hundreds and thousands). A villa, two penthouses and four suites comprise the seven individually designed rooms. Extra beds can be added at an extra charge; children under five stay free. Read expert review From £354 per night
• The best restaurants in Sydney
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
7Telegraph expert rating
Family comes first at this Blue Mountains retreat, and they really pack the facilities in. The kidzone, located discreetly on the lowest floor, has a bowling alley, video arcade, two massive climbing gyms and a mirror maze, among many other activities. Bumper cars operate outside and the Fairmont Express – a miniature steam train – leaves twice daily for a 20-minute journey around the property. The hotel prides itself on being a cross-generational happy place for families and some dishes are a nod to cooking styles of generations past. Spacious rooms emulate the same log-cabin vibe as the rest of the hotel. Read expert review From £85 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best luxury hotels in Sydney
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
8Telegraph expert rating
Situated in the heart of Circular Quay, Sydney’s tourist precinct, the Shangri La is footsteps from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Opera House, and The Museum of Contemporary Art, so sightseeing is easy with a family in tow. Rooms above level 30 come with the best views and access to the Horizon Club (which offers a private check-in service, light breakfast and dining options, snacks throughout the day and, for the parents, cocktails in the evening). Level two is home to a pool. Children are welcomed with complimentary amenities and the occasional small stuffed Australian animal or star-shaped chocolate lollipop. Read expert review From £106 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Bannisters Port Stephens
Soldiers Point, New South Wales, Australia
8Telegraph expert rating
For foodie families, Bannister’s is the go-to destination. With Rick Stein at the helm, it’s not hard to see why gourmands continue to flock to this seaside bolthole. Children will love the beachfront access and the activities “the dolphin capital of Australia” is famous for. A typical day out in Port Stephens could include whale watching, camel rides, frolicking with dolphins, hiking, kayaking or riding the white dunes in sand buggies. And there’s a dedicated children’s menu that includes Stein’s fish and chips, linguini with tomato sauce, and minute steaks. Ice cream to follow, of course. Read expert review From £109 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in New South Wales
Zoofari Lodge
Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
7Telegraph expert rating
Zoofari Lodge, located just behind the African Savannah at Dubbo Western Plains Zoo, is the ideal family adventure that doesn’t scrimp on comfort. The behind-the-scenes tours, given by an entertaining and informative guide, both delight and captivate children. Highlights include feeding the giraffes and getting close to the lions. The guesthouse has a communal dining room where guests share breakfast and dinner, and a games room centred around a large, stone fireplace with a chessboard and library. You’re also given a two-day admission pass to Taronga Western Plains Zoo which you can explore on foot, bike or buggy. Read expert review From £187 per night
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
8Telegraph expert rating
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is well placed for illustrious harbour beaches and windswept cliff-top walks – great for paddleboarding, scuba diving, or spotting a passing pod of dolphins. The lobby, dining room and Beach Club are decorated in Hamptons-chic style; think white-washed furniture, dip-dyed soft furnishings, fishing nets, and sailboats giving it a homely sense of place. Dinner at the Beach Club includes some excellent meal options for children, while the beach and playground are fun all day long. Opt for a room that doesn’t overlook the Beach Club if the kids are sensitive to noise at night. Read expert review From £153 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
