Suggestions for 4 day trip outside of Sydney
 

I'm looking for a 4 day excursion driving or flying out of Sydney to get a tropical or wildlife experience for our family - teens and young adults. We'll be traveling between Christmas and New Years, which I know is the peak of the travel season. I've heard it's a dreadful time to go to The Great Barrier Reef because of jellyfish. Is this so? We've been to the Blue Mountains and are looking for something more coastal. We may consider a resort experience as well. Any suggestions?

Marine stingers don't affect reef to Great Barrier Reef, in fact December is a great time to visit reef, well after south easterlies have finished.

Stingers breed in and around coastal mangrove waters, which is why stinger proof nets are in place on lifesaver patrolled beaches in the north from about November to May. But just to be super safe, rent a stinger suit, all reef operators carry them, and will protect you against sunburn, a far likelier danger.

Another option: Victoria's Phillip Island & surrounds. Lots to engage adults & kids, good accommodation options.
Silverwater Resort at San Remo might suit you. http://www.visitphillipisland.com/

Another area that may interest, especially for teens/young adults, is Port Stephens.

http://www.portstephens.org.au/

It is very popular and busy at Xmas/NY - but an ideal coastal spot with many attractions and accommodation alternatives, all within 2/3 hours drive of Sydney.

Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions. I'm still shying away from the GBR because of the monsoon warnings so I think I'll do a car tour south and make a few stops. Any particular "must sees" would be greatly appreciated.

Going to the south coast,I'd recomemnd going to Narooma to see the fairy penguins (at Montague Island). Tilba Tilba in that area is also worth a visit, there's a great bush walk.

On the way down the coast I'd stop at the Minnamurra Falls National Park just behind Kiama, gorgeous rainforest with an easy walk.

Jervis Bay national park is another nice stop. Hyams Beach in that area has beautiful white sand.

Berry is also a good stop, have lunch at the Sourdough bakery. Further south, Pretty Beach has lots of resident kangaroos.

Hi feiners01. You might like to consider flying from Sydney into either Brisbane or Coolangatta, and staying for a few days on Queensland's Gold Coast. You can have a tropical, beach experience here and because marine stingers don't drift that far south, you can swim without fear (remember to "swim between the flags" though). I'm sure the teens/young adults will enjoy visiting one of the theme parks (Seaworld, Dreamworld, Movieworld, Wet'N'Wild etc.) You could also take a day trip to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, (which is at Beerwah, an hour or so north of Brisbane) to get your "wildlife" fix.