Winter is the perfect time for a heart-warming holiday with the kids. From snow-capped mountains (and toasty hot springs) to cosy getaways on the coast, these seven New South Wales destinations shine through the cooler months.
The NSW winter school holidays run from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July in 2026. Perks of visiting during this period include holiday park kids’ clubs and fun local events – but you’ll need to book your accommodation ASAP!
Interstate visitors can take advantage of earlier or later school holiday dates to score cheaper rates and a quieter holiday vibe. Alternately, why not plan a cheeky off-peak escape or weekend getaway this winter? Many of these NSW family holiday destinations are only a few hours from Sydney!
1. Whale-watching on the NSW South Coast
Make the most of those long winter days in Kiama, starting with a whale-spotting stroll along the 20 km Kiama Coast Walk – now extended to Bombo Quarry via the new staircase – with viewing platforms at Minnamurra and Gerringong.
School holiday guests can enjoy the Kiama Winter Street Festival fun, from free street performances and kids’ activities to feasting at the finest local food trucks. NSW’s largest sea lion colony on Montague Island also doubles in size during winter – and it’s only a 20-minute boat ride off the Narooma coast.
For a close encounter with frolicking humpbacks, head out on a Jervis Bay Wild whale-watching cruise, then take a road trip south to follow the Eden Killer Whale Trail from the historic Davidson Whaling Station to the Whale Dreaming Trail, exploring the relationship between the Katungal Aboriginal people and their ocean-going beowas (brothers).
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Where to eat
The region’s kid-friendly wineries are winter crowd-pleasers – ‘Family Fridays’ at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla include free entertainment and a fab $75 family meal deal (think pizzas, salad, soft drink, and house wine or beer for parents). Brave kids (and eager adults) can sample the South Coast’s famous Rock Oysters, which are at their best this time of year.
Where to stay
Stay right in the middle of the whale-watching action at beachfront BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park in Kiama – the Coastal Walk passes right by the Park!
Fill your days splashing in the heated lounge pool and water park, enjoying the games room and indoor play corner, and soaking up some winter sun on the verandah of your Villa or Retreat. The Krazy Kidz Club offers creative fun for kids on long weekends and school holidays, including cooking activities, slime-making and teddy bear workshops.
2. A family adventure in the Snowy Mountains
Each year, the Snowy Mountains transform into NSW’s own winter wonderland. From the thrilling Alpine Coaster to the school holiday Kids’ Snow Festival, even non-skiers will have a blast at Thredbo.
For a day of tobogganing and snow play, head to Tube Town at Perisher Ski Resort or take advantage of Selwyn Snow Resort’s great-value day passes (only $119 for a family of five when you book online).
Taking a dip in Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is a magical experience – even when surrounded by snow, hot springs keep the water at a toasty 27C. Located in Kozioscko National Park, the 0.7km access walk is rather steep but well worth it.
A morning spent at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre is a great way to escape the chill and give the kids a memorable hands-on learning experience.
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Where to eat
The Snowy Mountains offers families plenty of cosy winter eats – like burgers and brews with a view at lakeside Jindabyne Emporium (which offers budget-friendly weekly specials). Wildbrumby Distillery is a slice of the Austrian Alps Down Under; parents can sample local gins, schnapps and gluhwein while kids play in the sculpture garden.
Where to stay
At the lakefront NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park, families can enjoy roasting marshmallows around the communal campfire or cooking up their own woodfired pizza. The park offers a range of family-friendly cabins, villas and four-person ‘glamtainers’ with a fireplace and snow gear storage space. Closer to the slopes, Thredbo Alpine Resort has a fantastic ‘vintage lodge’ vibe and is located just 200 metres from the ski lifts.
❄️ MORE HERE: Top family accommodation in the Snowy Mountains
3. Art, culture and kid-friendly fun in Sydney
Winter in Sydney starts with a bang, thanks to the annual Vivid Sydney festival (22 May–13 June), but the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids can unleash their inner ice prince or princess on the Darling Harbour Ice Rink (27 June–19 July) and refuel at the fantastic Winter Festival night markets.
The beachfront rink at Bondi Festival (3–19 July) is another ice skating hotspot — make time to ride the Ferris wheel and stroll from Bondi to Coogee Beach, looking out for humpbacks as they migrate along the coast.
When it comes to indoor fun, Sydney’s museums and galleries are fantastic for families year-round. Head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Entry is free, and kids under 12 enjoy free access to ticketed exhibitions, with family discounts available. Kids can build their own deep-sea creature at the National Maritime Museum or journey through Country with Burra (eel) in the Australian Museum’s immersive play space.
Catch some winter sun at the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens in Doonside and the Auburn Botanic Gardens, which hosts Sydney’s annual cherry blossom festival in August.
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Where to stay
The newly refurbished Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall is your family’s ‘home away from home’ with separate bedrooms (each with a bathroom), full modern kitchen, lounge and dining space, laundry appliances and a private balcony. The semi-indoor heated pool is perfect for winter, and it’s only a quick stroll to Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.
🏨 MORE HERE: 8 fantastic places to stay in Sydney with kids
4. Celebrate winter in the Hunter Valley
Build a snowman, try tobogganing and skate up a storm in the heart of Wine Country! Snow Time in the Garden (27 June–26 July) brings wintery goodness to the Hunter Valley each year.
Light up your winter with fire performances at Luminous Maitland (19–20 June), then enjoy a new perspective on the Hunter with a sunrise hot air balloon ride or a horse-and-carriage tour with Hunter Valley Horses. Of course, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy what the Hunter region is famous for: fabulous food and wine.
Where to eat
Kids can enjoy their own special tasting experience at Saddler’s Creek Wines, while Lovedale Smokehouse Cafe is a must-visit for low ‘n slow barbecue and lots of lawn to play on.
Keep it efficient at this year’s Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival (10-11 July) with over 50 wineries, distilleries and craft breweries in attendance (plus family entertainment and gourmet eats).
Where to stay
With everything from miniature train rides to an epic (heated!) waterpark and supervised kids’ club, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley in Lovedale is a family-friendly oasis. The winter school holiday program dials the fun up to 11 with a jumping castle, Ferris wheel, carousel, push-pedal rollercoaster and pony rides.
From $309 per night midweek, the Snow Time in the Garden package at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley includes an overnight stay, breakfast and event tickets for two adults and one child*, plus six ride tickets per person. *Additional cost for extra guests and room upgrades. T&Cs apply.
🎠 LEARN MORE: Holiday fun for kids at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
5. Escape to the country in Mudgee
Take the kids to Mudgee this winter for a truly rural Aussie adventure. Traditionally a farming hub, this charming town of around 13,000 is best known today for food, wine and stunning scenery all year round.
It’s easy to spend hours exploring the Gulgong Pioneers Museum as you weave through immersive displays from Australia’s history. See children’s bedrooms, vintage kitchens, schoolrooms and a colourful display of vintage toy cars, plus a fully restored Cobb and Co coach from Gulgong’s heyday.
Where to eat
Many of the Mudgee region’s best wineries are kid-friendly, including Rosby Wines, a cellar door and art gallery with a fantastic sculpture garden. Families will love seeing the vintage motorcycle collection at Robert Stein Winery & Vineyard and following the farm trail walk at Lowe Family Wine Co to find the perfect picnic spot — pick up a map when you arrive, along with your choice of grazing hamper.
Where to stay
Mudgee Getaway Cottages is set on gorgeous riverfront parkland in the heart of town. Kids can pick seasonal veggies from the garden, collect eggs from the chicken coop, cuddle with rabbits and guinea pigs, and meet the resident turkeys, Shetland ponies and miniature donkey.
Half an hour from town, luxe Ba Mack Farmstay is a working sheep property where kids can enjoy pony rides, and afternoon babysitting is available (so parents can squeeze a wine tasting or two).
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6. Catch Newcastle's hottest winter events
Newcastle comes alive with family fun in winter! Rug up for Lake Macquarie’s Float Your Boat festival on 19 June. Newcastle Winter Fun Fest brings all your favourite carnival rides to Nobby’s Beach Reserve. The iconic Winterheat Festival lights up Pacific Park with food, family-friendly entertainment, fire installations and more – and entry is free!
Let the kids practice their moves at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in Warners Bay.
Fill a rainy day at the Newcastle Museum featuring interactive earth science exhibits, plus the Hunter Region’s fascinating history. Catch a show at the heritage-listed Civic Theatre.
Where to eat
If there’s room in your schedule, book in for high tea at Cake Boi or choose from the weekly cake menu. Merewether Beach is just as fun in the cooler months. Snag your fish and chips at retro Larrie’s takeaway and don’t forget to check out Merewether Aquarium — it’s not what you expect!
Where to stay
Just across the Hunter River, pet-friendly NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park offers camping, caravan and villa stays on the doorstep of the famous Stockton Bight Sand Dunes.
Or for something in the heart of town, how about an indulgent escape at Crystalbrook Kingsley? From the luxe rainforest shower and waste-free toiletries to the rooftop restaurant, it’s the perfect place to pamper teens or cocoon for a winter ‘mummy and me’ trip.
7. Cosy winter vibes in the Blue Mountains
Just a stone’s throw from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are all about breathtaking landscapes and cosy retreats. This winter, the Gruffalo Spotters Trail at Scenic World puts a magical spin on the already-enchanting landscapes for littlies. The self-guided experience runs until 31 August 2026 (and you can ride the scenic railway while you’re there).
Rug up for bushwalks to scenic spots like Wentworth Falls, then warm up in the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, where kids can learn about local Aboriginal culture and take a VR journey through the hidden valley of the Wollemi pines. Enjoy a spot of shopping at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre in Blackheath and end your day exploring the skies with a kid-friendly Blue Mountains Stargazing Tour.
Don’t miss the fun at Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink and Fairmont Adventure Park, both located at family favourite Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains.
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Where to eat
Enjoy morning tea at one of the Blue Mountains’ charming cafes, from traditional high tea at Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum to sampling the famous scones at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, which hosts a Saturday-morning farmgate market.
Where to stay
Why not make a weekend of it at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains? Picture high-end ski lodge vibes, then add a merry-go-round, ice-skating rink, miniature train and electric car rides, indoor play spaces and a games lounge for maximum kiddie bliss.
If the budget is tight, YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba) offers private family rooms, and there’s a cosy log fireplace in the restored Heritage building’s former ballroom.
Winter NSW travel tips for families
Whale-watching season
Whales start migrating north between May and June, then back down south from about August to November. Across NSW’s coastal whale-watching spots, sightings are highest right in the middle, through the end of June and throughout July. While humpbacks are most common, you can also see southern right whales, occasionally minke whales, orcas and blue whales.
Snow & ski holidays
Whether you’re teaching your little ones to ski for the first time or looking to enjoy a cosy mountain retreat, NSW’s family-friendly ski resorts have you covered. Families can also enjoy winter fun at Snow Time in the Garden in the Hunter Valley, try tobogganing at Corin Forest just outside Canberra or check out these ice skating rinks across NSW.
New South Wales holiday parks in winter
Not just for summer breaks, NSW’s best family holiday parks offer plenty of great drawcards over the cooler months! Parks offer great bargains on family accommodation this time of year, even during the winter school holidays. With so much to do on site – from games rooms and heated pools to adventure playgrounds and family movies – who needs the beach anyway?
More winter holiday inspiration
🐳 WHALES, THRILLS & EPIC DEALS: Winter fun for families on the Gold Coast (including some great-value holiday packages!)
🛝 NSW’S BEST ROAD TRIP: Follow our Grand Pacific Drive road trip itinerary for the most stunning scenery Down Under
🍎 VISIT THE APPLE ISLE: Head south for a cosy stay at one of Hobart’s best family hotels
Produced in partnership with BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park
Opening image: Children building snowmen at Snow Time in the Garden in the Hunter Valley Gardens. © Snowtime in the Gardens
