Toddler-Friendly Stay at The W Hotel in Sydney, Australia.
Last updated: October 2025
My entire adult life unfolded in the heart of the Sydney CBD - university days, work years, and all those messy nights out in between. I knew it like the back of my hand and always knew where to get the best hot chips, best cocktail and best unpaid parking.
Now I come back as someone completely different - as a mum with a little one who's getting his first taste of the city where his parents grew up. Exploring Sydney with a kiddo is a whole new adventure. This city is a toddler's playground and I'm proud to say it's one of the most family-friendly cities I know. On our latest visit, we decided to become tourists in our own backyard. We planted ourselves right in the center of Sydney and set out to explore all those spots that out-of-towners are always raving about
The W Hotel Overview
Best for: All families (especially with toddlers and kids under 6).
Location: Darling Harbor
Toddler Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Price Range: starting at AUD$359 per night for the Deluxe Studio Suite (prices vary depending on type of room and time of year).
Book Now: [Affiliate Link]
Location
We decided to stay at The W Hotel in Darling Harbor. Darling Harbor is an area we avoided as locals, but absolutely loved and appreciated as parents of a toddler, “visiting” Sydney.
Darling Harbour sits right in the heart of Sydney and easily accessible by train, ferry, bus and car. The entire precinct is incredibly stroller-friendly with wide pedestrian walkways, ramps instead of stairs, and smooth harbourside promenades that make navigating with a toddler a breeze.
Getting Around
Train: Darling Harbor is a 10-minute walk from Town Hall Station - one of the Sydney CBD’s central train stations. You can find the the train schedules here and plan your trip using the Opal app.
Ferry: You can also catch a ferry to Circular Quay and walk to Darling Harbor with a stroller. The walk is scenic with lots of yummy treats along the way. Check out the schedule here.
Light Rail: This is a new, but excellent option to explore the Sydney city with a toddler - there are plenty of things to see along the way and you can catch it from many spots throughout the CBD, including Town Hall and the Pitt Street Mall shopping district - plan your trip here.
Uber / Car: Parking is available however is limited can be expensive. Uber’s are readily available but not all have car seats for young kid. Check your Uber app to see if you request one with a car-seat option for toddler.
Parking: Valet parking is available for AUD $100 per day, but there is limited availability. Make sure you pre-book (max vehicle height is 1.7m).
My recommendations for products for traveling internationally (*Check local safety standards before purchasing any products.
What Makes The W Hotel Perfect for Toddlers?
Beds & Cribs: You can bring you own crib or request one for kids under 2 (subject to availability.)
Kitchen: We stayed in a 1 bedroom Deluxe Studio Suite with a full-kitchen (fridge, stovetop, dishwasher, pots and pans, dishes, glasses and silverware) which was great for cooking quick meals for our picky eater.
Amenities: We also had 24-hour room service, complimentary bottled water, a coffee/tea maker and Minibar for FREE! Our enormous TV had all premium movie channels, cable TV and local channels (but we didn’t even end up watching it!!). With wifi, business center on-site, fitness center and housekeeping - Mumma and Dada were super happy too!
Bathtub: We could also give our toddler a fancy bubble bath because the hotel had a tub (wohoo). They also have showers too!
Add-ons: We purchased the buffet breakfast option for both mornings we stayed here - and it was totally worth it! There are plenty of hot breakfast options, salads, international cuisine choices, fruit, pastries, yogurts, cereals, juices - enough to keep you fueled for hours!
Outdoor Pool: The outdoor pool is complimentary for all guest and is kid friendly! It is also heated which means it can be enjoyed in the evening or when the weather gets chilly! It is open daily from 7am - 5:30pm.
Things To Do
This aquarium is a short walk from the W Hotel in Darling Harbor and is a great way to kick off the day. Our toddler loves sea animals and this was the perfect morning activity to get his energy out. Your can take your stroller inside as the aquarium has ramps and elevators.
Hot Tip: Take a your own water and snacks because food options are limited. There are bathrooms with change-tables inside too.
Price: General Admission from AUD$39
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm
A great spot to wander around and have a picnic. We loves the open spaces for our toddler to run free and there were plenty of yummy food and drink options to refuel after a busy morning. If you plan ahead you can see what events are happening before you’re there - click HERE for more info!
This is another one of our favorite spots and a treat for toddlers. It's a peaceful place to recalibrate after a busy morning or nap. Toddlers will love to walk through the garden to find waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways.
Price (AUD$):
$12 Adult
$8 Child (under 12*)
$30 Family (two adults and three children)
Concession/Student: $8 (Australian card holders)
Senior: $8 (Australian card holders)
Book your tickets HERE
This is where we spent most of our afternoons post-nap! This park caters to children of all ages, with water pumps, climbing areas and swings for toddlers to a giant 8 metre water slides and a flying fox for older kids. There is a path for strollers and is surrounded by delicious food options.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: FREE
Overall
The W Hotel in Darling Harbor earns our recommendation for the best pitstop for a Sydney city adventure with toddlers. A bit if luxury for us parents, fantastic kid-friendly amenities and fun activities all around for the whole family to enjoy!