School holiday fun to pinch pockets as ticket prices for family attractions soar

Having fun during these school holidays could cost families a lot more than last year, as half of Sydney’s most popular attractions jump in price. See what your tickets will cost.

Sydney families could end up forking out extra money to pay for fun these school holidays as tickets to the city’s most popular attractions climb in price.

New data from Compare the Market has revealed that the cost of child and family tickets at major attractions across Harbour City, including Taronga Zoo, Madame Tussauds and Timezone, are between 3.12 per cent to 7.69 per cent more expensive than last year.

Even online prices, which are sometimes advertised at cheaper prices, are not immune with the digital purchase of a Taronga Zoo child ticket costing $27 – an extra 90c more than September 2021.

Sydney’s 3 Attraction Pass, which allows access to three attractions from the choice of SEA LIFE Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds or Sydney Tower Eye, will slap families with an additional five dollars, bringing the cost to $75 per ticket.

Meanwhile, thrill-seeking families eager to zip around Sydney Harbour on the Oz Jet Boating tour can expect to pay an extra $10.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour. Picture: Damian Shaw

The attraction with the most significant price hike was amusement arcade centre Timezone where an hour’s worth of fun has leapt 7.69 per cent in a year, resulting in a new cost of $28.

The new costs of entertaining kids these school holidays comes at a time when cost of living pressures are already squeezing household budgets.

Patrick Lorenzutta, 5, pictured feeding a kangaroo at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo with keeper Jess (left). Picture: Damian Shaw

“Coupled with rising fuel prices, soaring grocery costs and the worsening energy crisis, it’s proving to be an expensive time for many families in Sydney,” Compare the Market’s Sarah Alexi said.

“We know that 2022 is already proving to be a difficult time for many and with operating costs for many popular attractions and entertainment options rising, companies have no choice but to pass the increases on to consumers.”

Parents may be left feeling short-changed, but are encouraged to shop around for affordable bundle deals or school holiday discounts.

“We know that some attractions have school holiday offers, which either reduce the overall price if you purchase more admissions, throw in some extra entertainment perks as part of a bundle or offer discounts at certain times,” Dr Alexi said.

Oz Jet Boating has shot up $10 for families. Picture: Supplied

Good news is that Luna Park ticket prices haven’t budged. Picture: iStock

“We’d encourage all families to hunt for deals or check out the attraction’s websites ahead of their visits, as you may also receive a discount for booking online.

“There are several different cinema chains, bowling alleys, zoos and game arcades across Sydney, which can set their own prices and offer their own deals.”

In a win for families, ticket prices remained the same for a visit to Luna Park and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

There was also no surge in the cost of climbing the Harbour Bridge or taking a ride on the Darling Harbour Ferris wheel.

It comes as Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers flagged that Australia’s cost of living will be the top priority for next month’s budget with the full extent of the crisis being revealed.

Originally published as School holiday fun to pinch pockets as ticket prices for family attractions soar