Why Novotel Sydney Olympic Park is the smart choice for a fun, affordable Sydney family summer break.
You know how most family holidays involve at least one meltdown (usually mine when the WiFi doesn’t work), someone having a hangry meltdown before lunch and parents who look like they need a holiday from the holiday? Well, Novotel Sydney Olympic Park throws all that chaos out the window and replaces it with a family getaway that makes everyone happy. I know, right? Revolutionary stuff!
Novotel prioritises making families feel genuinely welcome rather than merely tolerated. The Kids Zone isn’t just three sad toys in a corner. There’s a proper play shop setup with cash registers, Matchbox car racing tracks and puzzles that kids actually want to use. Teenagers have easy access to nearby activities that they’ll actually enjoy, and parents get breathing room in comfortable, practical spaces. So everyone can do their own thing or hang out together without it feeling forced.
Novotel Sydney Olympic Park Accommodation
The hotel’s 177 rooms across 16 floors manage to feel both modern and comfortable without that weird sterile hotel vibe. Every room comes with complimentary WiFi (crucial for teenager survival), flat-screen TVs, air conditioning that smartly turns off when windows open, tea and coffee facilities and minibars. The Superior Twin Rooms work perfectly for families because two proper double beds mean everyone actually sleeps instead of someone ending up on the floor by 3am.
For families wanting to level up, the Superior Spa Suites deliver a separate lounge area (parents can watch TV after kids sleep without waking everyone), views over Sydney Olympic Park, a kitchenette for quick snacks and a spa bath perfect after long exploration days.
Summer Activities at Sydney Olympic Park
The 640 hectares of parklands that surround the hotel make it even more desirable for families. Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre headlines summer fun. The pool where Ian Thorpe won Olympic gold now features Splashers Playground with water slides, spray cannons and wading areas across four pools. Vigilant lifeguards mean parents can relax instead of being on constant alert and the on-site café keeps parents caffeinated and kids suitably snacked.
Blaxland Riverside Park spans three massive hectares with a double flying fox, tunnel slides, scramble walls, a Viking swing, a multi-level treehouse and outdoor water play areas. It’s one of those playgrounds where kids don’t want to leave and parents don’t mind staying. Bicentennial Park offers 40+ hectares with free barbecues, lakeside picnic spots and splashing fountains that save lives on 35-degree days. And 35 km of cycling paths allow families to explore on BYO or hired bikes without Sydney traffic stress.
Then there’s UrbnSurf for actual surfing in a controlled, family-friendly environment; the Archery Centre where kids can channel their inner Katniss; Monster Skate Park for board enthusiasts; and the Golf Centre for both serious golfers and casual putt-putt families. Bubble Planet brings the cute, and the Horizon of Khufu immersive VR experience whisks you straight from Homebush to Egypt!
Plus, being minutes from Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena and Sydney Showground means entertainment stays close. And December and January bring Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames NBL action for sports fans.
Dining at Boulevard Brasserie & The Brewery
Boulevard Brasserie & Bar is a casual fine dining space with a menu that ranges from Asian street-style snacks to mains like barramundi with squid ink noodles and 18-hour slow-cooked Korean beef ribs, plus an absolutely massive Singapore chilli mud crab for two. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Accor Stadium and alfresco terrace dining makes summer nights special. And to make meal times easier with fussy eaters, kids can choose from a dedicated kids’ menu.
The breakfast buffet delivers proper barista coffee, bakery-fresh bread, organic options and fresh juices that fuel actual day-long activities instead of everyone being hungry again by 10am.
The Brewery Bar + Kitchen on the lower ground floor nails a casual entertainment vibe with chicken schnitzel, wagyu beef burgers and salt and pepper squid. Big screens show global sports and Friday nights feature live entertainment.
Other Accor options at Olympic park
The 5-star Pullman Sydney Olympic Park and the budget-friendly 3-star ibis Sydney Olympic Park sit right next to the Novotel, offering the same easy access to Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, and the Showground. The trio of Accor hotels lets families and groups choose accommodation to suit any budget while enjoying the convenience of shared facilities and a prime location.
Novotel Sydney Olympic Family Getaway package
At just $322* per night for accommodation in a Superior Twin Room, Novotel Sydney Olympic Park’s Family Getaway package represents great value when factoring in all the little extras like breakfast for the family, a welcome gift for the kids, complimentary tickets to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, access to Novotel’s Kids Zone and parking discounts.
And families needing extra space get 50% off their second room when travelling with kids. That’s serious savings.
Book it now. Future you will appreciate present you’s excellent decision-making!
*Price is at publication and is subject to availability, change and booking conditions. Package is valid only for stays at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.
Novotel Sydney Olympic Park
11A Olympic Blvd,
Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
Ph: +61 (0)2 8762 1111
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 