Public transport can be so fun for kids! Whether they love trains, ferries, or just the thrill of the journey, these outings are not only exciting but also budget‑friendly and educational. Here are some great ideas for days out that the whole family can enjoy.
🛥️ Catch a Ferry to Darling Harbour
F3 Ferry from Putney/Kissing Point to Barangaroo (Darling Harbour)
Darling Harbour has CHANGED and it’s not just for tourists anymore! Gone is Sega World, the Entertainment Centre and monorail, and there’s a NEW IMAX, with a massive 692 m² 4K laser‑projected screen.
The ferry ride remains a highlight, and once you arrive, kids will love the Darling Quarter Playground, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Maritime Museum. Bring swimmers for the water‑play fountains and grab a bite from one of the many kid‑friendly eateries.
Read more about a day out in Darling Harbour for families here.
🏝️ Visit Cockatoo Island
F3 Ferry from Putney/Kissing Point to Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is rich in history and full of space to explore. It’s perfect for kids – think tunnels, shipyard cranes, convict stories! Bring scooters or bikes – the flat island is ideal for zipping around. For more adventure, book a night of glamping.
Read about our visit to Cockatoo Island here (including glamping!).
🚇 The Metro to Chatswood
Metro North West Line – Epping to Chatswood
Ride the fully driverless Metro train and fascinate the kids with a modern transport experience! They can pretend to be the driver and watch the tracks. Once in Chatswood, enjoy an Asian cuisine lunch or head to Chatswood Park for a playground fix.
💡TIP: Look for the “M” on train network maps.
🌄 Head to the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains Line – via Central or Strathfield
Discover the majesty of the Three Sisters! Take a train to Strathfield (or Central) and transfer to the Blue Mountains Line towards Katoomba. Ride the Explorer Hop‑On Hop‑Off bus to visit Echo Point, Scenic World, Leura, and more.
Read all about the Blue Mountains here.
🏙️ Peruse Parramatta
F3 Ferry from Putney/Kissing Point to Parramatta
Explore the charm of Parramatta with a ferry ride along the river. Visit Parramatta Park and Paperbark Playground, enjoy Riverside Theatre’s shows, or picnic under the trees. For foodies, the Parramatta CBD boasts hundreds of café and restaurant options.
🌊 Make it to Manly
F3 Ferry to Circular Quay + Manly Fast Ferry to Manly Wharf
Yes, it takes a bit to get there—but the views are worth it! The ferry journey across the Harbour is a treat, followed by fish’n’chips and ice‑cream on the beach. Afterward, stroll the Corso, visit Shelly Beach, or explore the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.
🐨 Zoom to the Zoo
F3 Ferry to Circular Quay + F2 Taronga Zoo Ferry
Make the journey to Taronga Zoo just as interesting as the destination. Start with the F3 ferry, switch to the F2, then enjoy a short scenic walk uphill to the zoo entrance.
Heads up: the Sky Safari gondola closed on January 31, 2023, and a new, fully accessible cable‑car system is planned for 2027–2028, following community consultation over the last year
Don’t forget – Opal cards or contactless payments (debit/credit cards or phone) are valid for all public transport—ferries, trains, buses.
Happy adventuring! 🚉⛴️