24 Hours in Sydney With Kids

With just over 24 hours in Sydney we wanted the kids to see as many of the major attractions as we could squeeze in. We are an active family - this is what 24 hours in Sydney looked like for us.

7:30am wake up
As the weather was going to be hot we decided to get up and going early.  Everyone dressed in sneakers and sports gear we slapped on the sunscreen and hats and headed out nice and early.

Stop One: The Sunrise Set
An early morning in Sydney would not be complete without a walk by the Channel 7 studio to try and get yourself on the morning Sunrise show.  We headed for Martins Place and hung around the glass viewing area until we got a wave from Andrew O’Keefe and the kids got a wave in on the National TV show.  Half an hour later our phone received messages from those at home that had seen us.  Check!

Stop Two: Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens in Sydney are expanse and tranquil.  The park was abundant,  the strong floral smells smacked you in the face as you entered the gates and the garden beds were immaculately kept with an array of various plants and flowers. The contrast between the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle streets to the green and lush of the gardens is worth a visit.  Albeit for us a quick run through to stop three.

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Stop Three: Macquarie’s Chair
Of all the visits to Sydney I had never made it to this point and I was glad we had taken the time to do so this morning. The views that you get which take in the Opera House and Harbour are well worth the visit.  However I was disappointed that there was no actual “Chair” - that is a hoax! We had to google to make sure we were in the right spot due to the absence of a chair.

​Am I the only one that thought there was supposed to be a chair there?

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Stop Four: Opera House
Our jogging (well kids are walking and complaining a little by now!) path then took us back along the water edge around to the Opera House. 

​A few sets of stair runs for the adults to get our cardio in for the day and some great photo opportunities.

We continued to follow the path along the edge taking us up through Circular Quay and around to view the cruise ship docked in port for the day.

Stop Five: Pancakes at the Rocks
The only way Miss 7 would continue to walk/jog was based on the promise of pancakes.  This place did not disappoint. A 4-stack of pancakes for $9.95 was pretty good value for breakfast in this part of town.

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Stop Six: Harbour Bridge
Following our late breakfast stop we continued our walk around the water to take photos under the Harbour Bridge and wave to those taking the climb.  We had wanted to recreate a photo we had taken of Master 10 when he was just 6-months old on his first visit to Sydney, however set-up for New Years Eve had the lawns cordoned off.  It is still a great perspective to stand under the bridge and take her all in. 

Stop Seven: Ferry Ride 
When in Sydney you have to get out on the water.  We wanted to head to China Town so chose to take a Ferry from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour.  A single trip ticket for the family of four cost $20.60 and took us on about a 30-minute water ride with a stop at Luna Park and some great photo opportunities of the Bridge and Opera House along the way.

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Stop Eight: Darling Harbour
We then strolled through Darling Harbour to take in the atmosphere and grabbed a cool drink whilst the kids tried out the flying fox and rope course at the Darling Harbour playground.  This was a popular location offering welcome relief from the lunch time sun and humid Sydney weather for the toddlers that could strip down and splash in the water park. 

Stop Nine: China Town
A short stroll from Darling Harbour and we were in China Town. We walked the main street and grabbed a steamed pork bun taking in the authentic flavours of the locals. Sydney has a strong Asian influence and China Town depicts this well.

Stop Ten: REST
Our morning run turned into an epic five hour adventure.  We headed back to the hotel to take advantage of the air conditioning and free wi-fi to catch a movie and recoup from the morning’s adventures. We were staying in the CBD in the thick of the shopping district so the parents tag teamed a few hours of shopping while the kids relaxed.

Stop Eleven: Hyde Park
Walking shoes back on we headed towards the SCG via Hyde Park.  This park in the centre of the CBD offers plenty of lawn space to picnic and relax, large trees for shade and some interesting memorials and statues to take in.

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Stop Twelve: Oxford Street
Our path then took us along Oxford Street where the coloured rainbow symbol is proudly displayed on shop fronts and bars.  The kids really did not understand the significance of the area they were just interested in the butter chicken and naan on offer at the Indian restaurant we tried.

Stop Thirteen: Sydney Cricket Ground
Our epic day was capped off by a visit to the SCG where we took in all the atmosphere of 30,000 people attending the Big Bash Cricket: Sydney Sixers V Perth Scorchers.  We clapped and cheered and joined in the Mexican wave with the lively crowd enjoying a great summer night of cricket at the stadium.  We paid a ridiculous $6.20 for a bucket of hot chips but that is what you expect from stadium concessions - it is part of the experience. 

We worked our way out of the crowds and managed to grab a taxi on Oxford Street before getting back to the hotel around 11pm.  What an epic day in Sydney! How do you think we went?

Penny - Itchy Feet Family

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