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1 – Last call! The Sydney Royal Easter Show

If you haven’t taken the kids to the Sydney Royal Easter Show yet – well, you’re really missing out! This year you can walk through the actual Big Brother House, do the animal walk to see chickens, sheep, horses and feed and pet all the animals in the Farmyard Nursery (get a photo of the kids holding a baby lamb there!).

Then go watch impossibly muscled up men at the wood chopping arena – where else can you see it, after all?!  Eat your fill of the most incredible array of (absolutely delicious) show food, watch the street parade, check out the crafts where you’ll find incredible cakes, pet all kinds of dogs (maybe not the cats!), visit the Lifestyle Pavilion to have scones with the CWA ladies, sit atop a Police motorcycle, get a free RAT test from the NSW Gov stand and lay in a row of massage chairs. Aaah!

Then maybe stray to the different ride carnivals, ride the big wheel, buy copious amounts of showbags (Bertie Beetle bags are the cheapest at $3 but the big name bags such as Sonic, Paw Patrol & CoComelon are in the $20’s) and finish off the day with some Didgeridoo Fireworks! Phew!

Don’t forget to buy tickets online before you go as they do sell out. Public transport is included in your ticket, or if you’re driving be sure to book first – P1 is your closest Sydney Olympic Park Easter Show parking station choice.

NSW Government Discover NSW & Parents NSW Vouchers may be used when purchasing Carnival Fun Pass Credits via the Carnival Fun Pass App but not entry tickets into the show

Suitable for: all ages
How much: Standard $41, Concession $31, Kids Day Tuesday $12,  Buy tickets at Ticketmaster here
Where: Sydney Olympic Park
When: Ends Easter Tuesday, 19/04/2022
More info at the official website here

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here 

2 – Sydney Tower Eye Sydney’s Highest 80s Arcade event

It’s time to party like it’s 1981 – a time when perms were socially acceptable, as were bubble gum jeans and enormous hoop earrings. Yes, that was me – and not that much has changed! Take a ride up the Sydney Tower where you will find it has been transformed into an 80s video arcade for the holidays! You get to play on 80’s arcade games to your heart’s content – what’s not to love? No coins required, because it’s included in your general entrance ticket. If ever you needed an excuse to visit the Sydney Tower Eye, then this is it! Table Top Pac Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Upright pin ball machines, twin car racers, twin motor bikes, dance video games and heaps more are all there for the playing.

Checking out the amazing 360 degree views of Sydney city and beyond from the massive windows is pretty cool too.

There’s even an over 18’s night time bar sessions – how fun that would be (I can dream)!

Grab your 80’s fluro (okay, so you don’t need to go QUITE as over the top as we did at the media event) and get UP there!

Suitable for: school age children to (tragic 80’s!) adults
How much: Family daytime access inc. 80s game play: Adults $31.50, Child $23 (ages 3-15yrs), Student or Senior $24, Children under 3 are free
Night-time bar event for over 18s inc. 80s game play: Standard Entry: $55 and Premium Entry $65 which includes a cocktail, hotdog, icecream and glow accessories (Wow!)  Book online at the official website
Where: Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney CBD
When:
Daytime: 1st to the 30th April 2022 (stay as long as you like!)
Night-time: April 8, 9, 22, 23, 29, 30 (two sessions, 6pm and 9pm)
More info at the official website here

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3 – Sydney Raging Waters are open during April holidays!

Sydney Raging Waters is awesome fun, and you may not realise that they are still open these April school holidays! We had the best time when we were invited there earlier this year so I just couldn’t leave it out of our list when they invited us back again these holidays. There’s a special discount on right now too, which is buy one single ticket and get one half price – too good to miss!

Sydney Raging Waters is such a fantastic day out for the whole family. Take my advice and book a VIP Cabana so you have a cosy base to leave your gear in and order food from too. (I love that lazy factor!)

Ride the thrilling water slides (there are just so many of them!) for big kids, teenagers and parents or the scaled down version for the little kids. There’s water play areas for the non-swimmers, tiny tots and toddlers too. Catch some waves in the massive but gentle wave pool beach as lifeguards keep an eye out, or just go for a never ending floating ring circuit on the Dinosaur Lagoon. (Possibly the most relaxing heated pool activity ever!)

You can use your NSW vouchers to buy normal priced tickets here

Suitable for: all ages
How much: Save $10 by purchasing tickets online. Current offer buy one ticket get one at half price.
Adult $49.99 online (2 for $74.99 – can’t use NSW vouchers on this offer), Kids/Seniors (over 60yrs) $44.99 online  Buy tickets at the official website here
Parking: $10 per car
Where: Blacktown
When: Saturday 9th April to Sunday 24th April
More info at the official website here

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here 

4 – Sydney Aquarium & Sydney Zoo Peppa Pig event

Invited and we couldn’t make it to this one too, but we’ve seen the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo pics for this event and can’t imagine any toddler, preschooler or kindergarten Peppa fan wouldn’t want to get to this event in a hurry!!

Even if they’re not keen on Peppa (as if!), it’s the Sydney Aquarium and Zoo, which are epic Sydney School Holidays ideas anyhow. We never, ever get tired of visiting Sydney Aquarium!

Join Peppa Pig on an interactive adventure at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo from the 1st – 30th April 2022!

Suitable for: small children
How much: Adults $58, Child $41 (ages 3-15yrs) Children under 3 are free, for two attractions – so BOTH the Aquarium and Zoo  Buy tickets at the official website
Where: Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour
When: 1st to the 30th April 2022
More info at the official website here

5 – Disney+ Drive In at Openair Cinemas

Throw up the hatchback, pull out the fairy lights and cushions and sit back in your car for a Disney classic movie at the Openair Cinema’s Drive In. I don’t remember Drive ins ever being as fun as this one, with roller skating snack delivery waiters and a huge light-up mickey ears installation to take your own super-cool Instagram shots beneath. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car – couples can snuggle down in the red bean bags of the Doordash “The Park” and watch the show with their very own volume-controlled radio! Order your dinner with Doordash for a 30% discount and have it delivered to you without even lifting a finger thanks to QR codes. Supermarkets and cooking are soooo last school hols!

Drive In patrons (and mums and dads) never had it so good.

Suitable for: all ages
How much: Check website for next year
Where: Commbank Stadium, Parramatta
When: Ends Easter Sunday
More info at the official website here

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here 

Need more ideas? Check out our Australian school holidays movie reviews here

Have you attended any of these activities, or do you plan to go? Tell me, or ask your questions in the comments below…

All information is correct as at April 2022 – please check the official websites as linked above for relevant, up to date information and prices.

We were hosted or invited guests to all of the above activities and speak from experience or trusted sources. As always, all opinions remain firmly my own.

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The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a must-see when visiting Canberra. It’s full of native wildlife, has a great adventure playground and plays host to numerous beautiful Canberra bushwalks.

One of the top-ten things to do in Canberra

An incredibly beautiful corner of Australia, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is nestled in a valley surrounded by the stunning Tidbinbilla ranges. Huge, eucalypt-covered mountains contain a vast array of Australian native flora and fauna. All yours to see and explore via a network of well-maintained mountain and valley trails.

Access within Tidbinbilla is simple via a central “Ring Road” with several carparks branching off it. These areas often have attached picnic table areas and public toilets.

It’s almost impossible to visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and NOT see Australian wildlife here. On the open plains which the ring road passes through, Kangaroos graze and rest in groups. Rare Rock Wallabies have a special habitat too, hopping about in the foothills. A koala area is a mere stroll from a nearby carpark. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve truly is a mecca for Australian wildlife and nature lovers.

Our list of favourite things to do at Tidbinbilla

My family has been lucky enough to have visited Tidbinbilla many times over the years, Whilst I have enjoyed all of these with my kids, most of these activities will suit everyone – whether you are bushwalking alone, as a couple, with friends or family. Whether you live in Canberra and have an annual pass, or are visiting Canberra and visiting just for the day. In no particular order, here are my Tidbinbilla highlights for visitors:

Go on a Canberra picnic with kangaroos

There are several picnic areas scattered around Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where you can sit and picnic whilst watching wild kangaroos graze nearby. There is no wild animal feeding at Tidbinbilla to keep both animals and humans safe in the reserve.

A couple of these picnic areas you will come across almost immediately upon entering the reserve are Dalsetta on the right, and Flints on the left (all marked on the free Tidbinbilla map available from the front entrance). They are also trail setting-off points.

(It’s also very possible to spot kangaroos around the Visitors Centre before even entering the park if you’re super-short on time!)

Do the wheelchair accessible Koala Path walk

For a sure-thing sighting of koalas, go for a walk along the Koala Path at Eucalypt Forest. There is a Koala enclosure at the start where you can see koalas close up, and at only 700 metres, this level, wheel chair accessible loop trail is a must-do at Tidbinbilla – particularly if you love seeing koalas (and surely that’s everyone, right?!).

Do the wheel chair accessible Sanctuary walk – see Platypus and more!

Another wheel chair friendly trail loop around huge and beautiful water ponds, pools and dams is the Sanctuary. This gorgeous, level and peaceful walk incorporates hard, wide paths with long bridges spanning peaceful waterways chock-full of water birds and other native animals.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to see a lot of native wildlife that you’ll rarely get the opportunity to see anywhere else in Australia in such a natural setting, like the small but industrious Platypus. Don’t miss this one!

Take the kids to the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground

A favourite Canberra adventure playground of many Canberran parents is the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground, which is fantastic for kids of all ages. It includes a tiny tots play area, plus a big climbing frame, a huge twin slide and flying fox – all big enough for primary school aged children right up to teenagers.

There are a couple of shaded picnic tables at the top of the playground, and also large picnic grounds featuring covered areas and a toilet block just below the playground at Sheedys.

Watch our video of the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground

Watch this video to see what visiting the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground is like…

Bushwalks for beginners to advanced

A big highlight of visiting Tidbinbilla is going for a walk. From the long and difficult Gibraltar Peak hike to the gentle, flat Sanctuary stroll, there are a myriad of great walks and bushwalks at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, all well-signposted. This includes wheel chair accessible trails to makes sure everyone can get out there to enjoy the beautiful scenery and animals.

Tidbinbilla Hanging Rock short, easy bushwalk

The Hanging Rock bushwalk trail leads you through towering gum trees to a large, rocky outcrop which local Aboriginal people once used for shelter. Only 500 metres return, Hanging Rock is a short, gentle bushwalk suitable for those who are short on time, or perhaps aren’t able to walk very far, but still want to enjoy a walk through the beautiful Tidbinbilla bushland. It also makes a great introductory family-friendly bushwalk for those with toddlers who may tire more quickly. With it’s level, short path, it’s great for little ones to run along without coming to any harm.

Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop moderate bushwalk

One of our favourite bush walks at Tidbinbilla is only 1.8km long. The Cascades Loop is classed as “moderate” in difficulty, however it is big on beauty. It takes my family about one hour to complete this trail at a very gentle pace. My kids have been hiking the Cascades Loop since my youngest was about 6 years old, so it’s definitely do-able with school-age kids.

The Cascades Loop bushwalk encircles a very small and beautiful waterfall cascade and stream. Along the way it takes you up the foothills into the eucalypts, across quaint bridges spanning bubbling streams, and passes by huge boulders set deep in ferny gullies. There is a bit of uphill walking involved including rock stairs, but you don’t need to be a super-fit hiker.

The trail is wide dirt and mostly good underfoot, with a few short rocky sections or inclines. This is also a great trail for a hot day, as there’s plenty of shade. If you’re still wanting more at the end of the Cascades loop, you continue on to the Lyrebird loop and double the distance – and the fun!

To get to the Cascades trail start, head along the Tidbinbilla Ring Road until you reach the right-hand Mountain Creek turn off. Follow the road to the carpark at the end and follow the signs.

Watch our video of the Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop bushwalk

Watch this video to see what hiking the Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop bushwalk is like…

Important info and tips

• Bring your sunscreen, hat, drinking water and walking shoes
• Drinking water & free maps are available from the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre
• Don’t feed or pet the animals – this can be threatening to both animals and humans
• Don’t stray off the walking trails and do walk within your physical limits
• Sign the bushwalk registration book at the start of each trail (where provided)
• Be aware that there is little or no mobile phone coverage at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Where is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve?

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located off Paddy’s Road/Tidbinbilla Road, approximately 40 minutes drive from Canberra’s city centre in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

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Sydney Aquarium & Sydney Zoo are open every day of the school holidays

If you’re looking for fun things for your family to do before the kids head back to school, take a trip to beautiful Darling Harbour and visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo!

The Sydney Aquarium and the Sydney Zoo are located right next door to each other at Darling Harbour, and are open every day of the NSW School Holidays. They are two of Australia’s top family attractions for a reason – there’s so much for families to see and do there! Plus now there’s even more fun with the new Aussie Animal Passport.

The Aussie Animal Passport

The new Aussie Animal Passport is a fun way to get your kids discovering and learning as they explore either (or both!) the Sydney zoo and aquarium. Be sure to pick up a passport as you enter – it’s a free bonus activity that your children are going to love.

Several Australian animals are featured on the passport, and it’s a fantastic way to learn more about each one of them. From the adorable Kangaroos to the rather more formidable (but really, just as adorable) Grey Nurse Sharks, your kids will be tearing around ticking boxes and being compelled to learn so much more about their animal favourites!

What is there to see inside the Sydney Zoo?

The WILD LIFE Sydney zoo is a popular zoo in the heart of Sydney city in Darling Harbour.

It is primarily an indoor zoo, which means that it is perfect for hot or rainy days as it is weatherproof.

WILD LIFE Sydney zoo specialises in Australian native animals, and it is here that you can see snakes, frogs, wallabies, a huge crocodile, pat a kangaroo, talk to an emu and even get a coffee on the roof top cafe surrounded by koalas!

Learn all about Australian native animals, their habitat and what you can do to help preserve it for future generations of people and animals to come.

No time to read? Watch our Aussie Animal Passport blogger event YouTube video here…

A new cutie has arrived at the Sydney Zoo!

There’s a furry new arrival in town! Dharra the 3 year old Tasmanian Devil is the newest arrival at WILD LIFE Sydney zoo. She joins resident Tassie Devil Bub in educating visitors about the plight of the Tasmanian Devil. Tassie devils are under threat due to the facial tumor disease decimating their wild numbers.

What is there to see inside the Sydney Aquarium?

The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is located next-door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and features a huge range of Australian sea and water creatures. Inside there are lots of visually spectacular themed areas to be found which also feature education stations. These offer wonderful hands-on ways to learn all about the different sea animals.

Beautiful glass walk-through tunnels showcase stingrays, the gorgeous Pig the dugong and a huge number of colourful fish.

The shark tunnel brings you up up-close to massive grey sharks menacingly floating mere centimetres above your head!

The interactive Great Barrier Reef display is another amazing attraction housed within the aquarium, with it’s surreal glowing creatures and their twilight habitats.

There’s always someone new to meet at the aquarium –  like Plugga the rescue Green Sea Turtle who arrived in late 2020. And although the popular Penguin Expedition boat ride is temporarily closed, you can still view the penguin colony with their cute new brood of toddlers!

You can read more about the Sydney SEA LIFE aquarium in our Sydney Aquarium review here, or watch our new Sydney Aquarium video here.

Watch our exploration of the Sydney Aquarium here

Sydney Aquarium & Zoo opening hours & discount ticket prices

Visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo for yourself – it’s the perfect Sydney school holidays and Sydney weekend activity!

The aquarium is currently open every day throughout the NSW Summer school holidays, 2021.

Admission prices are $38.40 per adult and $28.00 per child, or combine the two attractions at $57 per adult and $40 per child, saving $37 when you combine your adult ticket. Kids under 4 are free. Booking online in advance (using the link below) is recommended to reserve your spot.

Further discount tickets are also available online to enter multiple attractions. These can include Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum – right next-door – making for a great day out!

How to get to the Sydney Aquarium & Zoo

The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo are located in Darling Harbour in the Sydney CBD.
Catch a tourist bus to the Aquarium, a Ferry to Darling Harbour, a train to Town Hall Station or simply walk straight down from the city centre (around a 10-minute walk).
Drive and park in one of the surrounding Wilson car parks – many of which are Sydney Aquarium partners. You can get your parking ticket validated in the Sydney Aquarium gift shop. Exact car park locations are listed on the Aquarium website.

Further Aquarium & Zoo information

You can find out more Sydney Aquarium information at the official website here and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo at the official website here.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider Facebook “liking” it or leave us a comment below – and thanks so much for reading!

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All information is correct as at January 2021. Check supplied website links for any price and availability changes.
Let’s go Mum were hosted guests of Sea Life Sydney Aquarium & Wild Life Zoo. All opinions remain firmly our own.

Have you ever visited Sea Life Aquarium or Wild Life Zoo? What’s your favourite animal? Tell us in the comments below!

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Santa Monica is a stunning coastal city in Southern California, USA.

Conveniently located just 25 minute’s drive from LAX and 45 minute’s from the Disneyland Resort theme parks, Santa Monica makes a great California family holiday base.

Watch our things to do in Santa Monica with kids video

Although many Californian attractions are a short drive – or Uber ride -away, there’s so much to explore in Santa Monica itself.

From surfing lessons year-round, to wandering through the elegant city boutiques and cycling along miles of beautiful beachfront bike paths, Santa Monica offers a plethora of family friendly activities.

Here are just some of our favourites things to do in Santa Monica – with kids!

Santa Monica Pier

A short walk from the city centre you’ll find the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

This is where you’ll find family holiday entertainment galore, including an amusement park, souvenir shops and some really great restaurants.

From the neon-lit entry archway to the big wheel, the Santa Monica Pier is a highlight of any stay.

Pacific Park amusement park

Santa Monica Pier is home to the historic Pacific Park amusement park, where you’ll find plenty of old-school carnival games and rides. You can keep the kids entertained for hours at this fun fair!

Open both during the day and at night, there’s a range of rides suitable for all ages – from toddlers right up to adults.

Rides include a swinging Pirate Ship, Dodgem Cars and a roller coaster. But the ride Pacific Park is most famous for is its iconic Ferris Wheel, The Pacific Wheel.

The Santa Monica Ferris Wheel

The Pacific Wheel is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel.

Located at Pacific Fair fun park on Santa Monica Pier, this big wheel commands impressive California coastal views.

A fun ride in its own right, from the very top you are rewarded with unsurpassed vistas of both the sea and sandy beach coastline for miles in either direction.

A ride on the Pacific Wheel is an iconic must-do whilst in Santa Monica!

The end of Route 66

The Santa Monica Pier also happens to be the official end of the historic Route 66 highway which runs right across the USA.

A photo taken at the Santa Monica Pier “66 End of the Trail” sign has become a popular Instagram photo location, and is sure to impress anywhere!

Heal The Bay Aquarium

Another fun family Santa Monica Pier attraction is a visit to Heal The Bay Aquarium.

This wonderful little aquarium is located beneath the Pier, and offers valuable learning opportunities for children of all ages.

Even little ones can get involved at Heal The Bay, with their large touch-pools filled with tactile sea creatures.

There’s even the opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour and feed baby sharks. This was something everyone loves to have a turn at, and the kids can forever-more tell their friends they have fed sharks!

Watch the sunset from the end of the Santa Monica Pier

One of our most memorable moments in Santa Monica was simply watching the sun set into the ocean.

Head up to the very end of the Santa Monica Pier for the best sunset viewing spot.

We weren’t the only tourists to be drawn to the end of the Pier to watch the sunset, either – this very special experience draws quite an audience.

It’s a beautiful golden light show to round off the perfect day that doesn’t cost a cent – or a USA penny either, for that matter!

Santa Monica bike rentals

We did two really fun family bike rides in Santa Monica – and yet both were quite different!

Bike Hire at the Santa Monica Beach

Our first experience was a self-guided Santa Monica beach bike ride.

Bike hire is conveniently available directly from the Pier at Blazing Saddle Rentals.

Once we were all fitted-out to suitably-sized bikes and helmets, off we rode to Venice Beach with its eclectic hippie-style shops, murals and cafes.

Our turn-around point was the Venice Beach skateboard park where local skateboarders provided a fantastic free show of skateboarding bowl trick and skills.

The Bike Center Santa Monica

Our second bike ride the next day was a guided tour of the city of Santa Monica run out of The Bike Center Santa Monica.

This fun bike tour took us along the city streets, ocean-front park paths and through some of the richest residential areas of Santa Monica, where we got to ogle at massive mansions!

Historic buildings, geographical oddities and sweeping views were all highlights along the way, and the tour included a scrumptious visit to Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee Shop.

Here we sampled enough delicious doughnuts  to help replace all of those calories we managed to burn off during our ride!

Hiring a bicycle is a really unique and fun way to see Santa Monica and many of its wonderful sights.

Santa Monica shopping

A visit to Santa Monica is worth it for the shopping alone. The shopping precinct offers the perfect mix of large commercial shopping malls and street shopping.

Perhaps the most well-known is the charming 3^rd Street pedestrian mall.

3^rd Street Pedestrian Mall

This pedestrian shopping precinct is an elegant shopping experience, with plenty of high-end boutique shops and stores to browse through.

As you make your way along 3^rd Street, scattered sculptures and fun installations line the way.

Wooden rocking chairs are a great way to rest those sore shopping feet, and the kids will love the climbable-sculptures and toys – there are even huge spinning top seats you can sit in!

In the evening, red hanging lanterns atmospherically light the way, making for a beautiful stroll to a great range of quality restaurants and bars to choose from for dinner.

The VOID Virtual Reality

Also on 3^rd street you’ll find the VOID.

This virtual reality experience takes VR fun to the max as you suit and mask-up to head off into the exciting VR world of your choice!

We experienced both the Star Wars and Jumanji experiences, and they were amazing fun for both adults and kids.

The VOID is a great Santa Monica activity to do, particularly for families with older kids and teenagers.

Family restaurants in Santa Monica

There are numerous excellent restaurants and cafes spread throughout the city of Santa Monica – so many you could be forgiven for spending your time simply café and restaurant hopping!

Here are a couple of our family restaurant favourites…

Gallery Food Hall, 3rd Street

We loved eating at the Gallery Food Hall.

With different eateries laid out over two levels, there’s a dish at the Gallery Food Hall to suit every food craving.

Downstairs you’ll find a fabulous lolly shop for desert – decked out with pink chandeliers!

Seaside On The Pier restaurant, Santa Monica Pier

We enjoyed a delicious lunch upstairs at the Seaside On The Pier.

This restaurant is very easy to find, as it sports a full-sized model of Arnold Schwarzenegger from Terminator 2 movie (filmed in Santa Monica) standing at its entrance!

The food is delectable, and you can’t beat the location either – it’s well worth having a meal at this excellent local restaurant.

Where to stay in Santa Monica

Whilst in Santa Monica we stayed at the stunning Shore Hotel – an elegant, environmentally conscious luxury hotel located right at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier.

Take a look at our family suite and find out more about our stay at the Shore Hotel here.

Santa Monica really is the Californian city for all seasons. Make sure you include it in your USA family holiday itinerary for a true slice of California beach life and a whole lot of family fun!

Find out more about booking your next family holiday to Santa Monica, California at Visit California

Read all about the three exciting California destinations we visited in 2020 here!

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give it a Facebook “Like” or comment below!

This article is meant to inspire travel to California once it is safe to do to. The attractions and experiences featured in this article may be temporarily unavailable due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please consult official travel resources and individual businesses to confirm future plans.

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Visit California and their supporting partners for this trip.  As always, all opinions are our own.

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Sydney Aquarium is open & taking COVID-19 safety measures

Located in the beautiful Darling Harbour precinct of Sydney close to the historic Rocks area and the Sydney CBD, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of Sydney’s top family attractions.

Although Sydney is still experiencing COVID-19 restrictions, the Sydney Aquarium is currently open and taking extra measures to help keep their patrons safe.

Aquarium visitor numbers will be limited, and ticket holders will be required to book online in advance. Visitors will have their temperatures taken upon entrance. Those aged 12 and over are strongly advised to wear face coverings to help limit the risk of Coronavirus transmission.

No time to read? Watch our Sydney Aquarium YouTube video here…

What is there to see inside the Sydney Aquarium?

The Aquarium offers several themed areas housing educational stations and a huge range of Australian sea and water creatures. These include a large number of fish species, sharks, rays, penguins, a dugong and many more.

The Penguin Expedition boat ride is temporarily closed, however there are still over 13,000 beautiful creatures to visit at the aquarium, including Plugga a rescue Green Sea Turtle who arrived last month.

Upon entry, visitors follow a winding series of fascinating passage ways passing through a wide range of different aquatic exhibitions and tanks, including an interactive Great Barrier Reef display

A popular feature of the Sydney aquarium are the huge glass walk through tunnels where visitors can experience huge sharks, stingrays and even a dugong swimming above their heads!

At the end of the aquarium is an excellent gift shop and a large cafe offering many family-friendly lunch and snack choices.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium opening hours & discount ticket prices

Visit the Sydney Aquarium for yourself – it’s the perfect Sydney school holidays and weekend activity!

The aquarium is currently open Thursday-Monday from 10am to 4pm (Last entry is 3pm).

Admission prices are $38.40 per adult and $28.00 per child. Kids under 4 are free. Booking online in advance is essential.

Discount tickets are also available online to enter multiple attractions. These can include the Sydney Wildlife Zoo and Madame Tussauds – both are located right next-door, making for a great day out!

How to get to the Sydney SeaLife Aquarium

The Aquarium is located on the Sydney City side of Darling Harbour.
Catch a tourist bus to the Aquarium, a Ferry to Darling Harbour, a train to Town Hall Station or simply walk straight down from the city centre (around a 10-minute walk).
Drive and park in one of the surrounding car parks – many of which are Sydney Aquarium partners.

Validate your parking ticket

If you are driving to the Aquarium, you can park at a parking station within a five minute walk. Validate your parking by presenting your admission ticket together with your parking ticket at the Aquarium gift shop. This will give you a significant reduction on the price of several surrounding Darling Harbour partner car parks. Car park locations are listed on the Aquarium website.

Further Aquarium information

During the COVID-19 pandemic opening hours and conditions of attractions can change quickly, so it is always advisable to double-check before you go.

You can find out more Sydney Aquarium information at the official website here.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider Facebook “liking” it or leave us a comment below – and thanks so much!

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