A gorgeous harborside city, bordered by national parks and golden beaches. Welcoming, friendly locals. An abundance of active opportunities both on land and at sea. This is Sydney … and it’s our current favorite destination for an out-of-this-world family vacation.

Inspired by fun-loving families we know who have recently checked Australia off their bucket list – and have so many enviable tales to share – we’ve asked the experts at Southern Crossings Australia for their recommendations for multi-generational family travel to the “Harbour City.” We hope this inspires you to arrange one-of-a-kind Down Under itineraries for the active families among your clients.

Learn a New Skill Together

Hit Bondi Beach as a family and enjoy a private or group surf lesson with a bronzed Aussie surfer. These lessons typically cater to ages 7 and up, and all ability levels, plus all equipment is included. Bonus: your new, in-the-know surfer pal will introduce you to Australian beach culture and maybe give you a peek inside Australia’s oldest and most iconic Surf Club. Spend the balance of your day enjoying sun, sand and surf, trying all the flavors at Sydney’s hottest gelato bar, strolling from Bondi to Bronte on the coastal clifftop trail and even dipping into the Insta-worthy Icebergs Pool. Really want to impress those tweens and teens? Southern Crossings can arrange a private surf lesson on Manly Beach with a seven-time world champion surfer!

Savour the Down Time

Some of the most precious family memories are made as you stroll hand-in-hand in a destination new to all of you – it helps when that place is soul-achingly beautiful! Take a guided bushwalk through one of Sydney’s picturesque harborside national parks, with opportunities for beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling along the way. Together, learn about Australian flora, fauna and history in an informal and interactive setting as you wiggle your toes in golden sand, hop across rock pools and venture across spectacular headlands.

Sightsee on Two Wheels …

Join a cycling guide and pedal along Sydney’s scenic harbor foreshore, stopping at significant sites and picture-perfect photo vantage points.

… or by Thrilling Jetboat

Prefer a faster pace? Hop aboard an exhilarating jetboat to explore Sydney from the water.

Chocolates, Koalas, Ziplines and More

Pack a day full of family fun … starting with an indulgent chocolate-making masterclass incorporating uniquely Australian flavors (and leaving you with a delicious bag of tasty souvenirs), then head to Balmoral Beach to savor a casual lunch over the water. Continue to Taronga Zoo to see all things cute and cuddly, scaly and scary. Ride the Sky Safari cableway for panoramic city skyline and harbor views. Or, climb the high-ropes course and zipline through the trees, waving to the Australian animals below. Finally, return to the city by ferry – get that camera ready!

Get a Bird’s Eye View

The whole family will enjoy the vast bird’s-eye views from a scenic seaplane flight over Sydney’s seemingly endless string of golden beaches and delight in the thrill of landing on the water at Palm Beach (better known to many as “Summer Bay” from the long-running Aussie TV series “Home and Away”). A walk up to the lighthouse drinking in views along the Northern Beaches, to the Pacific Ocean and over the sparkling Pittwater yachtie’s paradise, is sure to work up the appetite for a relaxed lunch over the water before returning to the city.

Arrange an Exclusive Experience

For those families looking to up the ante on an already incredible vacation, or for those with a special interest in mind, Southern Crossings can tailor a private treasure-hunt tour of Sydney, arrange for the opportunity to ride alongside a lifeguard to officially open Bondi Beach or line up a private Aboriginal art class in a local indigenous art studio. The opportunities are endless.

For more expert tips and ideas on how to personalize a Sydney family vacation, contact us and we’ll put you in touch with our friends at Southern Crossings.