NSW, Australia with a 2 year old - it looks really un-child-friendly to me...

[LokiTheCynicalCat]

Help! We are taking 2-and-a-bit weeks to go to Oz in December, first 10 days in NSW. Planning to stay in Sydney for the first weekend and then head up the coast a bit for a few days before we head to South Australia (that bit is fine and will probably be quite relaxing). We will be seeing friends and family for some of the trip, or else I'd happily have left it a few years!

NSW looks full of lovely things to do as an adult but not with a toddler in tow - we were told to try the Hunter Valley but the winery guesthouses, lovely ranch style places, don't seem suitable for children. We will probably stay in a serviced apartment in central Sydney as my brother is based in Darling Harbour, but while he is working during the week it would be nice to find somewhere within 2 hours' drive of the city with a good pool, child-friendly facilities and a decent restaurant/bar onsite - am I asking too much?!

Can any MNers who live locally or know the area recommend somewhere to look at? I don't even know the names of the neighbourhoods to look at, and I am swamped.

I'd stick this on the living overseas board. Loads of Sydney members there.

Thanks so much, that's a really good idea. I didn't think of that!

We spent 5 days in Sydney alone before travelling for two weeks in NSW finishing up in Melbourne! Two DDs were 4 and 2.

We also stayed near Darling Harbour. There's a fantastic playground a stones throw by the harbour, with water play and sandpit.

You could get the 5-in-1 combo pass for the Merlin attractions (Sydney Wildlife, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, Manly Sealife, Madam Tussards). Also, Taronga Zoo is a full day trip!

The Blue Mountains are not too far away for day trips and have some buggy accessible walks around the Katoomba Falls area.