Your Guide to School Holiday Family Fun in Western Sydney(Bring coffee… you’ll need it!)

Planning a school holiday getaway, the whole family will love (and survive)? Western Sydney is a treasure trove of fun — and Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys is smack bang in the middle of it all.

Whether your kids are animal lovers, thrill seekers, or just need space to run wild, we’ve pulled together an easy family itinerary to help you make the most of your stay. Even better? It’s all super close — no “are we there yet?” needed.

And to make it even better, book our Family Getaway Package (2 adults & 2 kids under 12yrs) which includes:

  • A spacious family room
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Late check-out so there’s no rush
  • And a 15% discount code for Sydney Zoo entry tickets!

Meet the Millers!

Let’s follow a day or four in the life of the Millers — a fictional family of four with big energy and an even bigger holiday wish list.

Day One: Check-in & check it all out

Arrive at Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys, where our friendly team will welcome you and your chaos (kidding… kind of). Unpack, stretch out in your spacious family room, and start planning the adventure — warning: narrowing it down is the hardest part!

Wild Encounters at Sydney Zoo

Get up close with exotic and native animals at Sydney Zoo. Wander through the reptile house, feed the farm animals, and meet the cheeky meerkats — it’s fun for toddlers through to teens.

Bonus: With our Family Getaway Package, you’ll get 15% off entry!

Slide into Raging Waters

If the sun’s out, it’s time to splash! With over 30 slides and rides — from gentle paddling zones to jaw-dropping drops — Raging Waters is your go-to for a day of water-fuelled fun. (Open during warmer months only)

Rainy Day = Indoor Play! Here’s where to go

Bad weather? No biggie. Check out these indoor gems:

  • iFLY Indoor Skydiving
  • Flip Out Trampoline Arena
  • Freak VR
  • Smash Stuff
  • Holy Moley Mini Golf
  • Escape Rooms, Zone Bowling & Reading Cinemas
  • Museum of Fire
  • And our fave: Go Bananas Indoor next doorfree entry for hotel guests’ kids on weekends 12pm–5pm!

Day Two: Great outdoors & Big adventures

Penrith is known as the Adventure Capital of NSW — and it’s easy to see why. Within 30 minutes’ drive, you can:

  • Cruise the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler
  • Take on Jetpack Adventures or the Whitewater Stadium
  • Walk, fish, paddle, or picnic along the Nepean River
  • Enjoy Cables Wake Park, Footgolf, or Aqua Golf
  • Explore the stunning Blue Mountains or heritage trails. Nature + action = tired (and happy) kids by sunset.

Can’t get enough animals?

More wildlife fun all within 30 minutes:

  • Zambi Wildlife Retreat
  • Featherdale Wildlife Park
  • Plus, a second round at Sydney Zoo if the kids are obsessed!

🍕 Evenings made easy – no need to drive anywhere

After a big day, refuel at one of our four on-site restaurants or chill outside at the Ironbark Terrace. Psst… we have Ben & Jerry’s ice cream available 24/7 – no judgement if it becomes dinner.

Mornings done right

Start your day with a hot coffee and a delicious buffet breakfast for the whole family — the perfect fuel for round two of family fun.

And before you head out, take a peek outside… you might just spot one of our friendly resident kangaroos hanging out in the car park!

Bonus fun next door

Right next door, St Marys Rugby League Club often has school holiday activities and shows for kids – think Lego workshops, glow discos, and kids’ trivia! Check out what’s on before you stay.

Wrap it all up with a sleep-in

Take advantage of our late check-out, soak up one more brekkie, and head home with full hearts and tired feet.

Whether you’re staying one night or four, it’s easy to fill your days with adventure when you base yourself at Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys — the perfect launchpad for family fun in Western Sydney.

 

Don’t forget to book the Family Getaway Package for the best value and the easiest planning ever!