Six family-friendly things to do in Sydney this long weekend

Whether you're a local or are visiting on holiday, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Sydney this winter. Keep the gang healthy and happy this June long weekend with the best things to do in and around the city.

 

Explore a national park

Winter is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, and with lots of national parks on the doorstep, you'll be spoiled for choice in Sydney. Head south to the Royal National Park and relax by the water in Audley, or go deeper into the park for a glimpse of the idyllic waterfall and lagoon at Wattamolla.

Alternatively, go north to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and enjoy a picnic at the Resolute picnic area, before following the Red Hands Cave bush walk. This easy, family-friendly track is as educational as it is beautiful, with ancient Aboriginal rock art waiting to be discovered just a short walk away.

Fire up the barbie

With an average daytime temperature of 17°C in June, you don't have to wait until summer in Sydney to have your next snag. In fact, we can't think of a better time of year to enjoy the sunshine in front of a sizzling hot barbeque! Invite all your friends and family and keep things simple with party-sized salads and sides, delivered straight to your door, so you can enjoy hosting a crowd without the fuss.

In town for the weekend? Go like a local and grab a beachside BBQ spot to enjoy views of Sydney's iconic coastline (without battling for space with summer sun-seekers).

Go whale watching

It may not be the best time to be in the water, but winter is definitely the best time to watch the water, with thousands of whales making their way past the Harbour City on their annual migration north.

Sydney is full of spectacular and safe vantage points for an afternoon of whale-spotting, from the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, to the magnificent ocean gateposts of North and South Head. If you're feeling extra adventurous, head out on the water with Whale Watching Sydney for an unforgettable experience. And as much as it may be chilly, don't forget your sunscreen!

Get a front-row view at the Sydney Aquarium

If you'd rather stay warm while spotting marine life, it may be time for a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Stroll through Shark Valley to get up close with Sydney’s most infamous predators and rug up for an Antarctic trip through the Penguin Expedition. Not only does the Aquarium provide a fantastic experience for the whole family, but if you’re a New South Wales resident, you can also use your Dine & Discover vouchers to save money on your tickets.

Don’t have little ones in tow? Make it an after-dark affair with Sea Life Glow, an adults-only evening of food, drinks and entertainment in the magical surrounds of an underwater world.

Celebrate the winter solstice at Darling Harbour

Just outside the Aquarium, there’s plenty more fun to be had with the Darling Harbour Winter Festival. From 8 to 20 June, Cockle Bay and surrounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with a packed program of food, music and events for all ages.

Lace up for the harbourside ice rink, or challenge the kids to a race on the 25-metre Arctic Blast Ice Slide. If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on a non-slip surface, don’t miss the special Darling Harbour fireworks, with shows taking place at 7.30pm and 9pm every night from Thursday to Sunday over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Fly solo in Sydney

If you have school-age kids, there’s nothing like a public holiday Monday – so don’t waste the day doing chores! Let Salad Servers Direct take care of your meal prep for the week while you make the most of a day in the city. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens and visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see the contenders for Australia’s most prestigious art prize in Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. Or book a massage and make it a day of complete relaxation. After all, this is the last public holiday on the cards for a while – so make sure you enjoy every minute!

Are you ready to enjoy your long weekend in Sydney? Order your family favourites at Salad Servers Direct and get wholesome meals delivered straight to your door.