Your Guide to Family-Friendly Living
Family Matters in Sydney
Sydney is more than just a bustling hub for professionals; it's also an incredible place for families. With a wealth of family-friendly activities, top-tier childcare options, and exceptional schools, Sydney offers an enriching environment for children of all ages. This guide will help you explore the family-friendly side of Sydney, from exciting activities to educational opportunities.
Family-Friendly Activities
Explore Sydney's Green Spaces and Cultural Gems
Sydney's parks, museums, and interactive spaces offer endless opportunities for family bonding and education. Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures or creative indoor experiences, the city has it all.
Fun for All Ages
What’s on for the Fam?
Nestled on the north side of Sydney Harbour, this historic amusement park offers classic rides like the Ferris Wheel and family-friendly carnival games, all with breathtaking harbour views.
Quality Education for All Ages
Childcare and Schools
Safe and Stimulating Environment
Childcare Options
Sydney provides diverse childcare facilities, including daycare centres, family daycare, and preschool programs. These services focus on early childhood development through play-based learning and nurturing environments, with many centres conveniently located near residential areas and workplaces.
Tailored to Your Family’s Needs
Primary and Secondary Schools
Sydney’s mix of public, private, and faith-based schools offers families a variety of curricula and extracurricular activities. Local public schools are zoned by catchment areas, while private schools like SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Kambala or Sydney Grammar School offer specialised programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside the standard Higher School Certificate (HSC). For children with unique needs or talents, Sydney has schools and programs that provide tailored support and enrichment.
Preparing for the Future
Tertiary Education
Older children have access to some of Australia’s best universities and vocational training institutions in Sydney. The University of Sydney and UNSW are globally recognised for their academic excellence, offering diverse pathways for future careers. For hands-on skills, TAFE NSW provides high-quality vocational courses across multiple campuses.
Building a Community
Support for Spouses and Partners
Settling into Sydney isn’t just about work and school—it’s also about creating a thriving social and professional life for the whole family. Sydney offers plenty of community networks, expat groups, and professional support for spouses and partners. From local meetups to career development workshops, it’s easy to feel at home and build connections in this vibrant city.
Find Your Community
Networking and Social Groups
Sydney has a wide variety of clubs and organisations where spouses can meet people, build friendships, and integrate into the local community. Whether you're interested in sports, hobbies, or cultural activities, there’s likely a group to match your interests.
Local Facebook Groups: Local Facebook groups are a fantastic resource to connect with your community. Most neighbourhoods have their own group where residents share tips, organise meet-ups, and provide support. By joining the Facebook group for your area, you’ll have an easy way to stay informed about local events and meet new people nearby.
MeetUp Events: Platforms like MeetUp host regular events tailored to those looking to expand their social circles. Whether it’s attending casual coffee gatherings or exploring Sydney with fellow newcomers, MeetUp offers countless opportunities to connect. For example, the New Friends in Melbourne group regularly hosts events designed to bring people together. You can check out more details here.
Gyms and Workout Classes: For those who enjoy staying active, joining a local gym, run club or regular workout class is a great way to meet like-minded people while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many gyms offer group fitness classes like yoga, pilates, or spin, providing both physical activity and a sense of community.
Boost Your Career
Career and Employment Support for Spouses
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and creating professional contacts in your new city. By joining local interest groups and employer networks, you can engage in online discussions and expand your professional reach. LinkedIn is also a great platform to search for job openings, connect with recruiters, and showcase your skills to potential employers.
Brought Your Furry Friend Along?
Best Pet Friendly Activities Around Sydney
Looking for a fun day out with your pet in Sydney? This city has it all: dog-friendly walks, off-leash beaches, awesome dog-friendly cafes and more.
If you’re looking for some beautiful walks, crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge or exploring the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee with your pet are two great options. Some of the city’s best dog-friendly beaches are Rose Bay Beach, Clifton Gardens Beach, Clontarf Reserve Beach and Kutti Beach in Vaucluse. Dog-friendly parks include Centennial Park, Bayview Dog Park in Rowland Reserve and Bicentennial Park in Glebe. Catch a movie at the Skyline Drive-In Blacktown operated by Event Cinemas, or spread a rug at the Moonlight Cinema. If you have time for a day trip, the Blue Mountains with the three sisters and the beautiful Sea Cliff Bridge are great destinations. Some of the best dog-friendly cafes include Porch & Parlour in Bondi, Barzura in Coogee, Four Ate Five in Surry Hills and Cuckoo Callay in Newtown.
What's Next?
