Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

This 4-star Accor property sits in the Darling Harbour precinct, a short walk from SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum — useful when a rained-out afternoon needs an indoor backup within walking distance. Rooms run up to 4 guests with options including two double beds, and an outdoor pool gives tired kids somewhere to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

The hotel does not run a staffed kids’ club or supervised childcare programme — the ‘kids’ corner’ referenced in some listings is an unstaffed play area, not childcare, so budget for a babysitting service separately if you need one. Light rail (Convention station) sits about 100 metres from the door, useful for reaching the CBD or Chinatown without a car.