Kings Cross is about 2 kilometres east of the Sydney CBD, and its reputation runs well ahead of its size. Known as The Cross, it was Sydney's nightlife and red-light district for decades, so it is fair to ask whether Kings Cross with kids works at all.
It can, with realistic expectations. The daytime sights are short, the history is colourful and the transport is easy, but this is a mixed locality with bars, nightclubs and adult venues. We would treat it as a place to pass through by day and a base only if the family is comfortable with that. Our Kings Cross guide covers the wider picture, and the Wikipedia entry for Kings Cross gives more background.
Is Kings Cross suitable for children?
Honestly, it depends on the hour and the age of the kids. The locality sits within the suburb of Potts Point, and today it offers supermarkets, bakeries, gyms and a railway station alongside the entertainment venues. That means daytime errands are easy. After dark the character changes.
Nightclubs and pubs closed after the lockout laws arrived in March 2014, and the NSW government announced the end of those laws in March 2021. We would still plan family outings for daylight and keep evenings quiet. That is our own judgement, and a sensible one for most young children.
Family-friendly sights and short walks
El Alamein Fountain and Fitzroy Gardens
The easiest stop is the El Alamein Fountain, at the entrance to Fitzroy Gardens on the corner of Darlinghurst Road and Macleay Street. It was designed in 1961 by the New Zealand-born architect Robert Woodward and commissioned as a memorial to soldiers who died in two battles at El Alamein, Egypt, in 1942. Its dandelion design has since been copied for fountains around the world, and it is heritage listed. Children tend to like the shape, and it is a quick, free stop.
Old mansions and street names
For older children, the area's past makes a decent story. In 1828 Governor Sir Ralph Darling subdivided the land then known as Woolloomooloo Hill and granted large estates, some with gardens of up to ten acres. Streets such as Roslyn, Orwell and Kellett are named after those mansions. Nearby Elizabeth Bay House is one of the survivors, and Tusculum on Manning Street and Rockwall on Rockwall Crescent still stand, though now used for other purposes.
Kids may also enjoy the heritage facades on Darlinghurst Road, including the Bourbon & Beefsteak building and the Empire Hotel. Look at them from the street and keep the stories age appropriate, since the area's history includes crime and sly grog.
Getting around
Kings Cross railway station is one stop from Martin Place by train, and you can also walk up William Street to reach Hyde Park in a few moments. A taxi stand operates near some accommodation, which helps when little legs give out. For more ideas, see our Kings Cross attractions and activities pages.
A private tour for the whole family
If you would rather not plan every stop, the Private Sydney City and Bondi Beach Half Day Tour runs for 4 hours and costs from AUD 260. A private driver takes you through the Rocks' sandstone laneways, past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and through the Botanic Gardens before heading east to Bondi. The route also takes in Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and South Head's clifftop views.
Because it is private, the pace can suit your family rather than a group. More options are listed under Kings Cross tours.
Weather and when to go
The figures below are for the Sydney area, about 1 km from Kings Cross, using 1991 to 2020 averages.
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.5 | 19.3 | 67.8 | 9.4 |
| February | 24.9 | 19.2 | 87.3 | 10.5 |
| March | 23.6 | 17.9 | 70.1 | 10.8 |
| April | 21.4 | 15.0 | 54.2 | 7.9 |
| May | 18.6 | 12.0 | 45.8 | 6.5 |
| June | 16.3 | 10.0 | 65.3 | 8.1 |
| July | 15.8 | 8.7 | 35.8 | 5.9 |
| August | 17.0 | 9.0 | 37.2 | 5.1 |
| September | 19.4 | 11.2 | 40.4 | 6.4 |
| October | 21.2 | 13.5 | 50.6 | 7.7 |
| November | 22.5 | 15.5 | 70.3 | 8.9 |
| December | 24.2 | 17.5 | 56.2 | 8.8 |
For walking with children, we would aim for the drier, milder months. August has the fewest rain days at 5.1 and about 29 sunny days, with highs near 17 degrees. February is the wettest month at 87.3 mm, though it is also warm, with highs near 25 degrees.
Where to stay
Lodging at The Cross ranges from luxury hotels to serviced long-stay apartments and backpacker hostels in grand old Victoria Street terrace houses. Families may find extra space useful, so start with our Kings Cross apartments and accommodation pages. Check the official Visit NSW site for wider trip planning.
Family holiday parks around Sydney
If the Cross feels too lively, a holiday park outside the centre may suit better. These parks are listed on this site, and none show prices, so contact each for current rates and availability.
- Discovery Parks - Lane Cove at Macquarie Park, with powered sites and cabins.
- BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park at North Narrabeen, with powered sites and cabins.
- Royal National Park, with powered sites and cabins.
Day trips from Sydney are also possible, with drive times such as 72 minutes from the Central Coast and 104 minutes from the Blue Mountains. Pet policies are not stated for these parks, so ask before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kings Cross safe for families?
It is a mixed locality with supermarkets and bakeries as well as bars, nightclubs and adult venues. We suggest visiting in daylight and keeping evenings for quieter areas.
What is the easiest thing to see with kids?
The El Alamein Fountain at Fitzroy Gardens, on the corner of Darlinghurst Road and Macleay Street, is a short stop with a distinctive dandelion design.
How do we get there from the city?
Kings Cross station is one stop from Martin Place by train. You can also walk up William Street from Hyde Park.