Best Train Rides in Sydney for Kids and Families

By: Serina Hajje, ellaslist

Choo-choo! Who doesn’t love a good train ride? It’s spacious, requires minimal concentration and keeps the kids gawking out the window leaving you to relax! Almost every little kid begins to obsess over trains at some point and looking at museum relics doesn’t always cut it. We’ve picked out some short, scenic train rides that’ll take you somewhere enjoyable for you and your kid.

1. Sydney – Blue Mountains

Duration: 2 hours
The Sydney-Blue Mountains trip is one that you can do comfortably within a day. Trains heading to the Blue Mountains depart almost hourly from Central Station for Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Lithgow. There are so many things to do there once you arrive: from the sprawling expanse of trees to the thrilling rides at Scenic World. But there are some hidden gems that you may not know; find out what you can do at the Blue Mountains here.

 

2. Sydney – Kangaroo Valley

Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
A valley of bursting beauty that will awe anyone. Take a relaxing train ride from Central to Bomaderry (Nowra) and take a 30 minute bus ride to Kangaroo Valley. It’ll be a memorable train ride, with the chance to see the magnificent South Coast. Kangaroo Valley has traditional country fun written all over its sprawling hills and knuckled hills, so we’ve written up all the amazing things you can do with the family here.

 

3. Sydney – Hawkesbury

Duration: 30 minutes
Trains operate on both the Northern Line to Pennant Hills Station and Western Line to Parramatta Station where connecting bus services will bring you to the Sydney Hills district. It’s a very relaxing and short train ride, perfect for restless kids. Once you’ve arrived several exciting kid activities are within easy reach! Featherdale Wildlife Park offers a unique chance to meet animals within their natural habitat anytime of the day. Learn about the different things you can do with your little ones at the Featherdale Wildlife Park here. Dural Putt Putt in the Gardens is a lovely mini golf arena with fun challenges. This is just the tip of the iceberg, explore all the kids activities in Hawkesbury here.

 

4. Sydney – Wollongong

Duration: 2 hours
This is an easy ride with a regular daily train service! Wollongong is located on Sydney Train’s South Coast Line, so you can catch it from most stations. ellaslist is really excited about Early Start Discovery Space at The University of Wollongong: which packed with fun activities for kids of all ages and their grown-ups! Our editor went to test out the new and improved space and was blown away by what she found!

 

 

5. Sydney – Moss Vale

Duration: 2 hours
This trip requires two fun train rides: the first from Central to Campbelltown and then from there to Moss Vale. The second train takes you through a scenic path through several towns.

 

Or take a day trip on a restored heritage train that operates from Sydney through to Robertson and Moss Vale via Wollongong on select Thursdays and Sundays with The Cockatoo Run. The journey offers spectacular coastal scenery prior to the ascent of the Illawarra Escarpment. The line climbs 600 metres through rainforests, past waterfalls and the spectacular viaduct. The train makes a stop at Summit Tank to admire the view over Lake Illawarra out to the Tasman Sea. The train is hauled by one a Heritage Diesel Locomotive and consists of fully restored 1930s and 1940s built carriages complete with its original open air windows, and a buffet car offers light refreshments and souvenirs.

6. Sydney – Gosford

Duration: 1 hours 45 minutes
The Sydney to Gosford train ride is a lovely way to travel to the central coast, with glimpses of the crystal landscape. With glimmering beaches, tidal pools and parks, there’s no shortage of outdoor excitement in Gosford. We suggest you get off the train at Woy Woy station just before Gosford. The kids will love the Pelican Feeding at the Waterfront. This gives you the chance to hand feed some pelicans for FREE! It’s almost a tradition up there. And then there’s the fantastic Australian Reptile Park! The reptile park  is nestled in tranquil bushland with a hands-on experience that’ll please all kids! (You’ll need to take a taxi from Gosford Station to the park. Central Coast Taxis can take you from the station to The Australian Reptile Park.)