For the coolest family outing around, bundle up and head to your nearest ice skating rink! There are seven permanent ice rinks to choose from across Sydney and NSW, along with a few pop-ups—here’s where to find them.
Where to go ice skating in Sydney
Macquarie Ice Rink — North Ryde
Tucked inside Macquarie Shopping Centre is Sydney’s only Olympic-sized ice rink. Open every day except Christmas Day, Macquarie Ice Rink has something for everyone: a Kiddies Club for preschoolers, Coffee Club for grown-ups and a fun School Holiday Program too. It’s a great way for kids to try ice skating without committing to a full term of lessons.
Ice Zoo — Mascot
After outgrowing its Alexandria origins, Ice Zoo has moved to temporary digs in Mascot, pending completion of a permanent Wolli Creek facility. In the meantime, the fun continues with daily public sessions and disco skating on Saturday nights.
LCC Ice Rink — Prestons
Littlies are invited to Playgroup on Ice at Liverpool Catholic Club’s ice rink. Sessions include an age-appropriate lesson, snow play and plenty of fun and games. There’s also a popular school holiday program and weekly Inclusive Skate School sessions, supporting people of all abilities to enjoy their time on the ice.
Darling Harbour Ice Rink
Families flock to open-air ice skating at Darling Harbour Ice Rink. It’s a great place to try ice skating for the first time, with penguin skating aids available for littlies. The ice rink is open Sun – Thu, 10am – 8.45pm and Fri & Sat, 10am – 9.45pm.
Where to go ice skating in Greater NSW
Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink — Leura
Nestled in the beautiful Fairmont Resort, the 600 square metre Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink is open to the public as well as accommodation guests. However, as one of Australia’s best kid-friendly resorts, the amenities here are one-of-a-kind—so why not make a weekend of it?
Hunter Ice Skating Stadium — Warners Bay
Home of the Newcastle Northstars ice hockey team, the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium can be found in Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie. Affordable learn-to-skate programs run through NSW school terms, while all-ages ice hockey lessons are held each Monday evening (beginners welcome!)
The Big Banana Fun Park — Coffs Harbour
This iconic Coffs Harbour attraction is full of surprises, including the ultra-fun ice skating rink. The Big Banana Fun Park ensures the whole family can join in, with strap-on skates and skating frames helping kids two years and older glide around like pros (well, almost). Sit-down ice chairs also let toddlers and kids with disabilities experience all the frosty fun.
Erina Ice Arena — Central Coast
Conveniently located in Erina Fair shopping centre, Erina Ice Arena provides a fun and safe place to try ice skating on the Central Coast. The ice rink welcomes kids aged around three and up, as their smallest skates are a kids’ size 9. Seal skating aids are available to hire, and the on-ice staff are always ready to teach kids the basics.
Opening image: Family enjoying a winter ice skating session at Darling Harbour, Sydney. © Destination NSW
