The 7 best family-friendly hotels in Sydney, from children's afternoon tea to picnics in the park

The pool is a big draw for families looking to stay at the Four Seasons in Sydney’s tourist precinct
The pool is a big draw for families looking to stay at the Four Seasons in Sydney’s tourist precinct

Sydney is a child’s playground. There are beaches and interactive museums, nature walks and family-friendly restaurants... For Sydney children, summer is spent on the beach; morning swims roll into afternoons spent wandering the rockpools, searching for hermit crabs and collecting shells. From high-end properties providing miniature robes and personalised welcome packs, to self-contained apartments with much-needed laundry and cooking facilities, the following properties are the ones where you need not worry (too much) if your children make noise at breakfast or trek sand through the lobby.

Adina Apartment Bondi Beach, Sydney
Adina Apartment Bondi Beach, Sydney

Adina Apartment Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

8Telegraph expert rating

These stylish, self-contained apartments, located in the heart of Bondi Beach’s vibrant shopping district, are just footsteps from the shores of one of Australia’s most popular beaches. It’s a spacious and convenient option for family holidays and then laundry and cooking facilities are a godsend when travelling with small children. Plus, guests can access Harris Farm, one of the country’s best fruit and vegetable stores, from the hotel lift and take everything they need to their fully equipped apartments. Children will love the pool and the proximity to the beach and playgrounds. Read expert review From £107 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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QT Bondi, Sydney
QT Bondi, Sydney

QT Bondi

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

8Telegraph expert rating

Located just across the road from world-famous Bondi Beach, you may not be able to see the surf, but it’s only footsteps down to the sand, closest to the north end, favoured by young families and the suburb’s fashion set. The hotel is full of families in summer – large rooms with fold-out couches and large living spaces make it ideal – and bicycles and surfboards are available free-of-charge for guests. There’s a lap pool, plus yoga studio and fitness classes for older kids. Pastel-coloured doors and polka-dot carpets echo Bondi’s carefree, frisky tone and give the hotel a sense of fun. Read expert review From £112 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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Four Seasons Sydney, New South Wales
Four Seasons Sydney, New South Wales

Four Seasons Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

8Telegraph expert rating

A true five-star property located in the epicentre of Sydney’s tourist precinct. Interconnecting rooms are available alongside special touches such as children’s menus in restaurants and in-room dining, age-appropriate amenities packs, mini robes and slippers and the occasional personalised milk that the children will love. Babies under two years of age can stay for free and cots and/or rollaway beds are no extra charge (both on request). The pool is a big draw. Read expert review From £141 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia
Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia

Park Hyatt Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

9Telegraph expert rating

Highly trained staff, a fine dining restaurant, rooftop pool and elegant spa, make Park Hyatt Sydney a truly luxurious experience, but they also make a fuss over little ones. A special programme includes a personalised welcome letter, children’s menus and activities. The Museum of Contemporary Art is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and Circular Quay, the city centre, and public transport to Bondi Beach and all other attractions are a five-minute walk. There’s also a rooftop pool for unwinding after a busy day’s sightseeing. Read expert review From £525 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

8Telegraph expert rating

The 1856 Beaux-Arts building boasts one of Sydney’s most glamorous façades. It's in the fancy end of town though a short stroll will land you at some of Sydney’s most arresting sights. The Family Getaway Package includes free overnight accommodation for up to two children if using existing beds (rollaway beds are extra), breakfast, a kids’ gift on arrival and an in-house family movie and a snack. If the children find afternoon tea a delight, the Kids in the City High Tea, with a menu designed for children by children, features savoury and sweet treats along with a mocktail. There’s also a Chocolate High Tea inspired by Willy Wonka. Read expert review From £109 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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Fraser Suites hotel, Sydney
Fraser Suites hotel, Sydney

Fraser Suites Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

7Telegraph expert rating

Everything you need for a comfortable stay in Sydney can be found at these upmarket serviced apartments: spacious and fully set up with kitchenettes equipped with a hob, microwave, laundry facilities and two televisions, the rooms are certainly convenient for families. Cots are available at no extra charge and rollaway beds are charged at AUD$65 (£37). The large, open-plan studios have soaring views that stretch across Darling Harbour – a scenic eight-minute walk away if you take the route through the Chinese Gardens of Friendship – and the city. Read expert review From £115 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, Australia
Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, Australia

Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

7Telegraph expert rating

What the Vibe Hotel might lack in family-friendly packages and kids’ clubs – although it does have a lovely rooftop pool – it makes up for with its location, perfectly placed halfway between the beaches and the city. It overlooks one of Sydney's best-loved green spaces, Rushcutters Park and picnic packages are available on request. In terms of rooms, they have a Junior Suite with a pull-out sofa which can accommodate two small children, and interconnecting rooms. Cots are free and extra beds are AUD$50 (£28). Read expert review From £79 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com