Trips within 4 Hr Drive of Sydney with Young Kids

ErlichBachman on 07/03/2022 - 15:25

Hi there

Just looking for some ideas if anyone has any please

With a 2.5yo and a 6mth old it won't be too relaxing wherever we go, not like travelling as a couple as years gone by, but our marriage is in a real tough spot we are both trying our best to work our way out of, and have decided it would be nice to get away for a few days as a family when i have some leave coming up in the next few months, probably for 4 or 5 nights

Not really sure what would be appropriate for going away with such young kids but if there are any other parents out there who have done a similar thing it would be amazing to hear your thoughts

thanks!

Travel

Comments

  • Hybroid on 07/03/2022 - 15:34
    +9

    Hunter Valley is probably a good bet. Nice relaxing open area, tons of hotels, vineywards/wineries, plenty food places and a great dessert place (Sabor), wildlife park, valley gardens, aquagolf etc.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 07/03/2022 - 16:00
      +3

      Port Stephens area?

      • Hybroid on 07/03/2022 - 16:06
        +1

        Absolutely great for a short getaway break from city. Maybe not with two young kids and a rocky relationship though?

        Some time away in a peaceful setting to just spend time together as a family might be a better option. Quite a few hotel resorts around to book and relax in, restaurants/wineries to go to, drive around country with little family picnic trips, a bit of space would be required too, one can stay with kids while other goes to discovery garden park then next day swap over and go to aquagolf to smack some balls and release some stress etc.

        At least in my opinion, others may differ!

    • WT on 08/03/2022 - 08:15

      yea maybe ok for 1 or 2 days, after that its boring unless you just want to drink

      • jv on 08/03/2022 - 15:15
        +4

        unless you just want to drink

        that's all the 6 mth old does anyway…

  • ErlichBachman on 07/03/2022 - 15:35

    that's a great suggestion thank you

  • godofpizza on 07/03/2022 - 15:38
    +6

    i would recommend travelling at dawn kids will be aslept. 6am ==> 10am arrived?

    Maybe someone in the backseat to help keep them company?
    is the little one bottle fed, have spares handy and hot water ready for new feds.

    not sure where you going, but it's good to have a list of doctors nearby with openings time, in case they get sick.

    • ErlichBachman on 07/03/2022 - 15:48
      +5

      very practical and important things to keep in mind. thanks! enjoy the pizza!

      • dust on 07/03/2022 - 23:14
        +5

        Depending on how your kids sleep/when they're in deepest sleep I would actually recommend travelling in the evening, maybe half an hour before bedtime and then they fall asleep in the car and you can transfer them hopefully asleep into your accommodation.

        But you're absolutely right, holidaying with young kids is not really holidaying (and is certainly not relaxing!) All the best with your marriage OP!

  • Ghost47 on 07/03/2022 - 15:40
    +4

    I’ve heard good things about Berry. Only 2 hrs away from Sydney as well (petrol is expensive at the moment).

    • ErlichBachman on 07/03/2022 - 15:47
      +1

      good point re petrol. will look into berry. Thanks!!

    • Ridiculous Panda on 08/03/2022 - 09:58
      +1

      You can look at the glass half full and say petrol is cheap at the moment as it will only get more expensive in the next few weeks/months.

    • ashtdp on 08/03/2022 - 11:27
      +1

      Agree with Berry. We stopped by at Berry a year ago on our way to Jervis Bay. It’s a beautiful small town with lovely people around and lots of small shops and eateries. Also they have a Very popular Berry donut truck where people queue up for fresh donuts..

      • Windows7forever on 09/03/2022 - 09:22

        I wouldn't spend 5 days in Berry though

    • krisspy on 08/03/2022 - 13:58
      +1

      There's a donut shop there that makes killer donuts, we always stop by the town when we visit family down south. I don't actually know what else to do in that town though.

      • jv on 08/03/2022 - 15:21
        +1

        There's a donut shop there that makes killer donuts

        The Donut Van?

        • krisspy on 09/03/2022 - 11:57

          Yup that's the one. The line used to go down the road and around the corner in peak hours

    • DodgyDavesDiscounts on 08/03/2022 - 17:34

      OP There is an awesome new park there for kids as well mate

      Boongaree Nature Play Park do a search for that. Looks like some good stuff for all ages but assess via pictures first.

  • Peter Enis on 07/03/2022 - 15:40
    +3

    Nelson Bay / Shoal Bay or even Forster for a coastal holiday.

    What about Canberra? Plenty to see & do.

  • CrispyChrispy on 07/03/2022 - 15:53
    +3

    Port Macquarie is pretty nice, wonderful views across the beaches.

    A bit over 4hrs though by car.

    • E C on 08/03/2022 - 20:24
      +1

      I love port Macquarie too!
      the entire coast is lovely though - pick any spot you like. My favorite views are at Gerrigong ; for kids activities I reckon port stephens/nelson bay/newcastle area is the best!

  • holdenmg on 07/03/2022 - 16:03
    +6

    You can do Sydney-Canberra in 4 or less…

    • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:06

      last time I looked kids could enjoy Questacon in Canberra - probably once - lots of fun things for them to twiddle/turn/see things happen when you do something - https://www.questacon.edu.au/

      • Helmuth on 09/03/2022 - 15:35

        Love Canberra, love Questacon. But their kids are too young. Playground at the National Arboretum is a good bet, plus Cockington Green. In a little bit, the playground at the National Dinosaur museum comes into play too.

    • Nioliluu on 09/03/2022 - 09:25

      We love going to Canberra, the drive is easy and my kids are 3 and 5, they don't sleep at all during the whole drive. There are lots of lovely playgrounds around Canberra that can keep them occupied, great food around and it's nice and quiet around. We do cherry picking every year at Young which is less than 2hrs like a day trip activity from there

  • Mechz on 07/03/2022 - 16:53
    +3

    Have a look at Bundeena. Very nice drive through the national park to get in there and plenty of places to explore in a very secluded township. About an hour from central Syd.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2022 - 12:50

      In nicer times, definitely, but I would discourage the OP going there in this weather as you don’t want to be stuck there with young children if Audley Road floods.

  • sam-1966 on 07/03/2022 - 17:54
    +5

    Have you thought about a 'staycation'? Stay at a nice hotel in the city - on the harbour, perhaps, and go to Taronga Park Zoo, Museum, Powerhouse etc? Train rides, ferry rides etc?

    You could catch the train into the city or park at the hotel (just make sure parking is included).

  • Muzeeb on 07/03/2022 - 18:15
    +8

    Depart 2pm on a Friday.

    4 hours later - just leaving the CBD

    • pegaxs on 07/03/2022 - 22:05
      +1

      4 hours on a Friday… well, looks like Brooklyn is the destination. Maybe Mooney Mooney if you catch a break in traffic.

    • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:09

      'Depart 2pm on a Friday. 4 hours later - just leaving the CBD'

      lol - reminds me of leaving Canberra for Sydney at 5pm on Fridays - there'd be a queue of cars heading out the highway

      and Sunday afternoon end of a long weekend - a solid 3-4 hours in heavy traffic coming back to Sydney

  • revheadgl on 07/03/2022 - 18:39
    +3

    Snowy Mountains. Beautiful scenery and a nice place to travel around in summer/autumn.

    • Surtr on 08/03/2022 - 10:30

      The drive through Bilpin to Mount Tomah botanical gardens is also nice in autumn!

    • kiitos on 08/03/2022 - 17:23

      In 4 hours?

  • jakka on 07/03/2022 - 18:54
    +6

    Depends on what you two enjoy doing.

    I found Canberra was great to visit when my kids were that age. It's a flat city and has lots of indoor activities so is easy to take a pram/stroller. When we were there, we hired one of those 4 people peddle cars and road around the lake, Questacon has fun activities for a 2.5year old, and you have good dining options, movies, bowling etc all within walking distance. There's Cockington Green Gardens, and they have BBQ's available so you can take food along and have a picnic.

    • sam-1966 on 07/03/2022 - 19:12

      Kids would love Cockington Green!

      • smurftastic on 08/03/2022 - 09:25

        Next to Cockington Green, and part of the Gold Creek village, there is also the
        *walk in bird avery
        *reptile zoo
        *Dinosaur museum
        *if I recall a few cute specialty shops
        https://visitcanberra.com.au/our-neighbourhoods/north-canber…

        Also there was a few cafes there with decent foods and deserts (Adore Teas was nice)

        • knasty on 08/03/2022 - 11:50

          Yep Canberra is a surprisingly good long weekend.

          • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:10
            -1

            @knasty: I spent a month in Canberra - one weekend …

  • Hugh G Rection on 07/03/2022 - 19:31

    stay at a resort hotel, but that can be expensive. also can go camping, that's a lot cheaper.

  • benny082 on 07/03/2022 - 19:35
    -1

    Borders are open again you can fly. 4 hours will get you plenty of places. I suggest hiring a car and driving around Tasmania.

    • kerfuffle on 08/03/2022 - 06:49
      +4

      I suggest hiring a car and driving around Tasmania.

      You do know there's a shortage of rental cars in Tasmania to the point where people had to cancel their holidays 'cause they couldn't get their hands on a rental car?

    • larndis on 08/03/2022 - 07:43
      +3

      Benny have you driven around Tasmania with a baby and toddler? In 4-5 nights? This seems like a particularly impractical suggestion

  • Seraphin7 on 07/03/2022 - 20:07
    +3

    If you want a relaxed, but city vibe, go for Canberra.

    If you want a country, maybe even farm stay experience, go for something like Bathurst, Taree, Mudgee.

    If you want coastal, go for somewhere around Gerringong in the south or Forster/Port Macquarie in the north.

    • dust on 07/03/2022 - 23:15
      +1

      +1 on Canberra. Lots of open space, some nice short hikes with good views not too far from the CBD and some good parks, playgrounds and museums for the kids.

      • revheadgl on 08/03/2022 - 10:42

        Plenty to do in Canberra too. Tidbinbilla Tracking station, Tidbinbilla nature park, The Mint, the war memorial, Black mountain, old parliament house, national museum etc. Plenty of nice places to stay, heaps of great cafes and restaurants.

        And as mentioned above, Cockington green, dinosaur museum etc.

        I live in Canberra and have done for nearly 40 years and you forget about what it has to offer to visitors.

    • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:12

      and - with kids - as we always did each way - break halfway at Mickey Dees Sutton Forest (not halfway distance but halfway driving time from inner Sydney traffic to Canberra) for toilet break, coffee and some 'fries with that'

  • WreckTangle on 07/03/2022 - 20:46

    Dubbo Zoo

    • dust on 07/03/2022 - 23:15
      +2

      Within 4 hours drive?

      • Ghost47 on 08/03/2022 - 00:42
        -4

        It’s crazy that the zoo is five hours from Sydney. I don’t get why they didn’t build it closer, like I’m sure it’s a nice zoo but a 5 hour freaking drive (10 hours in total!!!!!!!) to see a zoo? Wtf. Some of the decisions that people make in NSW boggles my mind completely.

        Next they should build an ice rink 6 hours west of Sydney, make it the biggest ice rink in the country. Or a top notch bakery 8 hours from Sydney so people can drive 16 hours in total to eat a meat pie.

        • morse on 08/03/2022 - 07:38
          +1

          Uh… you know there is another Zoo in Sydney as well? Do you want Australia Zoo to be moved down from Queensland too?

          • dust on 08/03/2022 - 08:21
            +2

            @morse: There are other zoos in Sydney, not just one now!

            • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:14

              @dust: "it's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under"

            • morse on 08/03/2022 - 20:17

              @dust: Ah yes, I’m a little out of touch, I’m an ex sydney sider. We’re going to Taronga soon as part of a weekend away, can’t wait to show my little one giraffes and elephants in real life.

          • Ghost47 on 08/03/2022 - 10:06
            -2

            @morse: Yeah I do, Taronga.

            Doesn’t change the fact building a zoo a 5 hour drive from Sydney (or any capital city) is incredibly stupid.

            Why would I want Australia Zoo to be moved down? Was I complaining about Australia Zoo’s location? Whoever planned that zoo had the foresight and brains to build it a 1 hour drive from Brisbane. That’s my point.

            You don’t have to drive far if you live in Brisbane to go to Australia Zoo. In fact, if you flew from Sydney to Brisbane, then hired a car and drove to Australia Zoo, you would get there faster than if you drove from Sydney to Dubbo Zoo, LOL. Heck you could even fly from Melbourne to Brisbane then go to Australia Zoo and get there faster LOL!

            But if you live in Sydney you have to drive FIVE hours to get to Dubbo zoo. It’s plain silly.

            • ZachBlasphemy on 08/03/2022 - 11:08

              @Ghost47: Not everyone lives in Sydney though. There's places in your area that are too far from where I live but that's how geography works.

              • Ghost47 on 08/03/2022 - 11:18
                +2

                @ZachBlasphemy: That’s true, but the closest capital city is Sydney. A zoo like Dubbo zoo would probably receive a lot more visits if it was easier to access. I just can’t get over the fact they decided to build it so far away from where most people in NSW reside.

                • ZachBlasphemy on 08/03/2022 - 11:26

                  @Ghost47: I can't speak for the people that were involved in the planning of the zoo and I haven't been there myself but the location seems good for the animals themselves. Since it's been brought up it is now on my list of places to visit.

                  Oh it looks like you can fly there too. The Taronga website says it's an hours flight away from Sydney.

                  • Ghost47 on 08/03/2022 - 11:38

                    @ZachBlasphemy: It might be good for specific animals like rhinos. Giraffes I think you can see at most zoos. Whether or not it’s worth the drive (if you drive) to see them is another question.

                    Didn’t know you could fly there, that’d be a much better option IMO.

                    • ZachBlasphemy on 08/03/2022 - 11:40
                      +1

                      @Ghost47: Can also go with NSWTrainlink, should be even cheaper but not as quick as a flight.

                • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:15

                  @Ghost47: yes it's terrible that all the interesting things in Europe and the US are so far away from Sydney - couldn't they have built them closer !? ;-)

                  • Ghost47 on 08/03/2022 - 15:35

                    @Hangryuman: So you think it makes sense to choose to build a zoo five hours away from the nearest capital city?

                    No wonder why Sydney is a mess of a city.

            • morse on 08/03/2022 - 20:25

              @Ghost47: I guess firstly they need a decent amount of space for the free ranging aspect of it. putting attractions in rural centres is also quite a deliberate strategy for the health of rural economies, for diversification, training opportunities, employment etc.

              I know 5 hours isn’t a short drive, but I think most Aussies, especially when western plains was opened are pretty used to and even enjoy the concept of a road trip for a holiday, even with young kids. It’s the whole thing of stops on the way, listening to stories/music in the car, banter, games etc.

    • onetwothreefour on 08/03/2022 - 06:01
      +2

      I wouldn't go to Dubbo zoo if you're trying to fix your relationship. It's hot and dusty and you're exhausted by the time you finish. You will end up just getting into more arguments. Plus there's not much else to do in Dubbo.

      • Ghost47 on 08/03/2022 - 10:36

        It’s also a 5 hour drive. Kids could get restless, they’d have to stay overnight because it would be a very long day. Petrol is expensive. All that added up = a costly day to see a giraffe.

        • onetwothreefour on 08/03/2022 - 11:28
          +1

          Yep, I went in January with 4 kids, I probably wouldn't go back.

      • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:16
        +1

        unless you choose the 'feed them to the lions' option … problem fixed !?

    • Helmuth on 09/03/2022 - 15:38
      +1

      Heh. I took our kids there in the Summer. They liked the zoo. They couldn't stop raving about the water park at the caravan park we stayed at. Go figure :)

      https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/caravan-parks/new-s…

  • avoidfullprice on 08/03/2022 - 00:49
    +2

    Take the train and go to blue mountains? Stay there for couple of nights and do tourist thing? The kids won't remember the trip but you can build some good memories with missus being in scenic place.

    Thinking out loud if you want to improve on your relationship with your missus (based on those long posts you had before), don't think a four hour trip in car is a good setting. The adults will be at the front and the one on the passenger seat will just be turning around for the car trip.

    The benefit of the car trip is you can put baby shit in the boot vs pushing prams and luggages. But then people have travel overseas with young kids before. Not impractical.

  • jv on 08/03/2022 - 00:53
    +1

    Trips within 4 Hr Drive of Sydney with Young Kids

    Big Merino…

    Appox. 2.5 hour drive from Sydney.

    You can get some nice knitwear for the kids there…

  • beefmaster on 08/03/2022 - 08:15
    +15

    If your marriage is in tough spot then please don't go to Zoo or Blue mountain. Carrying a 2.5yrs old and 6mths is tiring and with a crying and needing baby will but a lot more strain to your relationship.

    I would recommend just book a holiday beach house. Just sit down and spend some quiet time, enjoy the view and kids.

    Book and plan dinner ahead of time.

    Having done a fair bit of traveling with 2 young child before Covid (Now they are 6 and 4.5), I recommend just keep it simple and lower your expectation of the trip.

    Good luck with your relationships.

    • May4th on 08/03/2022 - 13:59
      +1

      Yes, holidaying with kids is stressful. Book a beach house or resort with plenty of downtime and no packed itineraries. Somewhere with plenty of in resort activities and bonus points for childcare facilities for a bit of couple of time when desired (they exist).

      • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:20

        son of a beach - when the beaches get busy - get the kids to a beach with a group of families - slop some hats/rashies/sunscreen on the kids and they'll play on the sand all day - mommas get busy socialising with the food preparation - and pappas doze out under the beach umbrellas - after all they worked so hard driving to the beach, they need to rest and recuperate for the heavy traffic back to Shitonme - sorry Sidonee

        happy daze for all

        • May4th on 08/03/2022 - 16:37

          Mate sounds like you need a beach house too!

  • cyrax83 on 08/03/2022 - 08:27

    I've got a young kid (~1 yr) and we haven't been travelling anywhere overnight. Just too hard to be honest and I can imagine would be stressful (feed/nap times etc etc).
    I've got some time off in April and my plans are to do day trips (Zoo, Aquarium etc).
    If you are to travel, I'd recommend just booking a beach/getaway house and relax

  • smurftastic on 08/03/2022 - 09:29
    +1

    Not sure if relevant but just for a nice day trip this weekend (weather permitting)

    https://www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au/

    Lots of activities, stalls and food. Also the train museum is out there and they'll have steam train rides during the weekend

  • Lastchancetosee on 08/03/2022 - 09:49
    +2

    Just a suggestion, but maybe a long weekend to a nice resort, Blue Mountains, coast, or fly to Port Douglas without the children might be better for getting closer as a couple. Unless of course the issue is not spending time together as a family.

    Some time to focus on each other, having fun together, doing a few romantic things, lazy mornings, uninterrupted sex, can help to reconnect.

    Good on you for making the effort together. If you're both trying, you're halfway there. All the very best to you.

  • Cyphar on 08/03/2022 - 09:49
    +2

    our marriage is in a real tough spot we are both trying our best to work our way out of

    Have you considerred marriage counselling? If you are both doing it really rough, there's a possibility that a trip away with the kids won't alleviate that.

    • Faithgrrl on 08/03/2022 - 14:18
      +2

      Or hire babysitters/help around the house to alleviate some of the work/exhaustion? For me I am noticing that some of the toughness that comes from having kids is just exhaustion and the constant work. It goes away after having a pause, having some help around the house rather than just constantly doing chores/kid/work/repeat.

      • Hangryuman on 08/03/2022 - 15:23
        +2

        I think I heard Suva or Fiji or somesuch resorts had childcare where you put the kids for the day and newly-romantic couple could doze on the pool-side recliners and imaging gettin' busy away from the kids - but more likely just relax into doing nothing at all - depending on interest and opportunity, y'no ?

  • BartholemewH on 08/03/2022 - 09:50
    +1

    Gerringong/Gerroa. Not sure if it's still peaceful. I hope so.

  • Lostatsea12 on 08/03/2022 - 10:16

    Look into a Farmstay, best holiday ever with kids, we did one in Nabiac and loved it so much we moved there, close to Forster for beaches, restaurants etc and only 3 hours from northern sydney.

    Read the reviews and find one that is very interactive (the one we went to has closed but it was 20 years ago)

    Good Luck

  • metaverse on 08/03/2022 - 10:31

    Are you still friends with jin yang?

  • Surtr on 08/03/2022 - 10:33
    +2

    Do you have friends or family that would be willing to babysit for a few days?

    • serpserpserp on 08/03/2022 - 12:03
      +1

      LOL that'll go down well with a 6 month old.

  • serpserpserp on 08/03/2022 - 12:03

    Go somewhere less then 2 hours drive. Such a hassle going a longer distance with such small kiddos

  • Caped Baldy on 08/03/2022 - 12:15

    Stay at home and binge watch Silicon Valley

  • afah0447 on 08/03/2022 - 14:11

    Plenty to do in Canberra but more expensive than you would expect.

  • cupcake on 08/03/2022 - 14:21

    It's flooding at the moment. Stay home.

  • h4zey on 08/03/2022 - 18:07

    obviously didn't learn your lesson 2.5yrs ago, there is no such thing as relaxing with kids around…

  • Bammers on 08/03/2022 - 19:45

    mmmmkay. following this post, interesting ideas. thanks OP.

  • 1Kenobi on 08/03/2022 - 20:38
    +3

    Hang in there…it gets easier/better

    • jv on 09/03/2022 - 00:20

      that is cruel…

    • GourmetFoodie on 09/03/2022 - 23:41
      +1

      It does. Yes older kids have challenges but at least you get your sleep back so you can actually think straight and you don’t have the physical exhaustion of helping them with every minute of their existence eg. Feeding them, bathing them, wiping their butt etc! Plus you can leave them with babysitters/they can go to friends houses or maybe they’re even old enough to look after themselves while you and the missus have some time alone.

  • pogichinoy on 08/03/2022 - 22:03
    +1

    Perhaps a resort that has child minders?
    Bowral is quite nice.
    Blue Mountains observatory (http://www.bluemountainsobservatory.com.au/cottage.html) - You can book to stay here, and also have an astronomy tour by the host. Very fun and kid friendly.

    Hang in there, and I hope things work out. Stay positive!!

  • imrichkid on 08/03/2022 - 23:32

    Put the kids up for adoption, they're little enough to forget about you and the wife so win win.

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