Sydney
City Center (CBD)
Australian Museum-
In the Search & Discover gallery kids can learn about Australian animals and indigenous cultures with hands-on activities. Touch the fur of a possum, dingo, alligator, koala or platypus, pick up indigenous artifacts, such as a boomerang, emu caller, and firestick. Kidspace is a play area for children under 5, with books, soft animals and toys.
Surviving Australia features dioramas (and some live animals) of Australia's unique animal life, including some of its deadliest creatures. Learn about some extinct animals, such as diprotodons, (like a giant wombat), or the Tasmanian tiger.
The Mesozoic dinosaur exhibit has ten full size skeletons, plus dinosaur eggs and re-creations of Australian dinosaur environments. Additional galleries include rocks, minerals and crystals, Australian birds (listen to bird songs) and insects. Check the calendar for events at the museum, such as aboriginal song and dance performances.
Cook + Philip Park Aquatic & Fitness Centre - After a full day of sightseeing, kids will enjoy this super indoor pool complex. In the Leisure Pool area there's wave pool, rapid river, slide, children's pool and snack bar. Family tickets (two adults, two kids) are available.
Tip: Cook + Philip Park is right across from the Australian Museum.
Sydney Tower Eye - On a clear day, take a ride up to the Observation Deck, for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, all the way to the Blue Mountains in the west. Train your telescope on the Sydney Harbour Bridge or other famous city landmarks. Also included in the ticket is the 4-D Cinema Experience, with dramatic flyovers of Sydney by day and night (spectacular fireworks), enhanced with special effects.
Ride the monorail - A convenient way to get from the CBD to Darling Harbour is to take the monorail, zooming high above the city streets. Family Monorail Day Passes (which include discounts for the Aquarium, Tower Eye, Maritime Museum, harbor cruises) are available.
Take the free 555 shuttle - Hop on and off the free bus shuttle that goes in a loop through the CBD. It runs from Circular Quay, down Elizabeth Street to Central Station, and up George Street.
Tip: If you're riding the regular buses in the CBD (Central Business District), it's pre-pay only, meaning you have to have a ticket to get on. Your best bet is a day or week MyMulti ticket, good for unlimited bus rides, and also trains and ferries.
Fun food
In the Central Business District (CBD) are indoor shopping centers with restaurants, take-out, delis, bakeries, supermarkets. Try the Westfield Sydney (Level 5), MetCentre, MLC Centre, Chifley Plaza, World Square.
