The Best Christmas Getaways For Families Near Sydney

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Sunshine, Christmas festivities, school holidays....December really is the perfect time to book in a sneaky family getaway. Leave the rat race of the city's busiest period behind you and set off to one of these hand-picked, glorious oases for families.

Whether you're a family on a budget, a family seeking adventure or a family in need of some fresh air and serious relaxation, this list will get the job done. 

1. Mowbray Park Farmstay

We just keep going back to the incredible Mowbray Park. Animal-loving families will love the fresh air and quality bonding time that comes with a stay here. Children will be able to get hands-on with a whole heap of farm-based activities, such as petting farm animals, riding tractors, milking cows or learning new skills such as archery or boomerang throwing. Mowbray Park offers both catered and self catered stay options, with a catered overnight stay including three delicious home cooked meals. Being only a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Sydney, this tops our list for best Christmas family getaways. Read about our amazing animal experience at Mowbray here, and more about what a Mowbray experience is like for families here. 

2. Crowne Plaza Terrigal

You'll feel miles away at this beachside village despite being only a short 90-minute journey from Sydney. Directly across from Terrigal Beach, there are rooms to suit all sorts of budgets from terrace suites to ocean view rooms, onsite dining options including the family-friendly Florida Beach Bar & Terrace as well as the Lord Ashley Lounge Bar for adults to steal away for a cheeky cocktail, special Family Getaway packages, and most importantly, a great kid's club called Kid Zone operating during the school holidays to transform your family getaway into a romantic escape. 

3. Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

The Fairmont Resort is one of the most kid-friendly resorts out there, complete with epic kid's club, mini train rides, indoor soft play and a bowling alley! Whilst you might think of it as a winter destination, the Fairmont celebrates Christmas in style, so join in the fun. They even put on a serious feast on Christmas day in the Grand Ballroom, if you're looking for a Christmas away from home in 2017. 

4. Kingscliff

Kingscliff is home to the famous Salt Beach, a huge stretch of blue ocean and white sand that has been used for weddings and as a popular holiday destination for years. Peppers Salt Resort and Spa and the Mantra on Salt Beach (pictured) resorts are buzzing with kids in peak holiday seasons, but with the air of luxury that parents crave. When your not lounging by the pool, the onsite restaurants at the Mantra in particular are simply delicious- some of the best Tweed Heads has to offer. 

5. Wollongong

Wonderful Wollongong is such an overlooked destination for families. We love staying at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, and taking day trips to the awesome and interactive kid's museum called the Early Start Discovery Space, as well ad Glenbernie Orchard for a day of family fruit-picking, Symbio Wildlife Gardens for some animal adventures and Jamberoo Action Park for some thrills and adrenaline-pumping action. 

6. Newcastle

Not many people know that Newcastle is jam-packed with family fun. Check out Speers Point adventure playground and conquer the epic 9-metre spiral slide, meet some Aussie animals at the Blackbutt Nature Reserve, check out the kid's play zone at Newcastle Museum, walk along Nobby's Beach and have a splash at the Bogey Hole!

Brought to you by Mowbray Park Farmstay