Darling Harbour, Sydney

Darling Harbour is a great place in Sydney and seems to be teeming with so many things to see and do. Its a hub for cafes, restaurants and entertainment, including the IMAX theatre and a few convention centers.

You'll also find a children's play area, The Chinese Gardens, Sydney Aquarium, Outback Center and a few shopping centers.

4 more images

Cockle Bay Wharf is everything: food, music and art - it is one of Sydney's most exciting destinations. Cockle Bay Wharf is home to many restaurants, bars, cafes, takeaways and event venues, as well as to the cities most famous nightclub!
Yet sitting by the waterfront, letting the crowds pass by and watching the seagulls may sometimes be a worthwile interruption !

4 more images

There are plenty of things to do for the whole family at Darling Harbour, with so many of Sydney’s attractions to choose from. There’s hands-on fun, fabulous worlds to explore and open areas to run free.

Get up close to Australia’s extraordinary undersea creatures at Sydney Aquarium – Sydney’s #1 Attraction and one of the largest aquariums in the world. Catch a movie on the big screen at IMAX Theatre. Discover the history and the stories of the seas at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Visit the Powerhouse Museum – home to Australian history and culture.

Take a walk on the wild side at Sydney’s newest attraction, Sydney Wildlife World. You’ll discover nine unique Australian habitats – from a spectacular rainforest to the iconic red centre – showcasing more than 6,000 of Australia’s furry, scaly, hairy and spiky creatures.

For a change of pace, escape to a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Take a journey through the Chinese Garden of Friendship’s winding pathways and experience the serenity of its pavilions, lakes and waterfalls.

Star City Casino also offers a range of activities. The Lyric Theatre has presented a wide range of leading local and international entertainment events since opening in 1997. Experience one of Sydney's finest international or local shows at the Star City - Star Theatre.

All the main casino games like Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Sic Bo, Big Wheel, Roulette and Two Up are also available at Star City Casino.

Take a cruise on Sydney Harbour, peddle a paddleboat, get a bird’s eye view from Sydney’s Monorail or just walk along the foreshore of Cockle Bay. Darling Harbour is a great place to simply take time out.

Along with a program of fantastic free Sydney entertainment every week, Darling Harbour hosts seven free major annual events including the stunning Australia Day spectacular, the Latin American-inspired Fiesta, a Jazz Festival and the Hoopla acrobatic and street theatre festival.

4 more images

Sydney is not really expensive if you know where to go first. There's scenic Darling Harbour where you can watch the world go by in breathtaking surroundings without the cost! Pack a picnic, or buy fish and chips, yummy Aussie meatpies and relax on one of many places to chill out at the Harbour. The new picnic sites are over at one end near the Star City area where a fabulous new boardwalk has been built for families and there are tables and benches where you can just enjoy the water views around the Harbour, including the famous bridge and the lovely surroundings! All free!

Around Darling HArbour of course are the restaurants, shopping, and other attractions- museums, wildlife zoo, aquarium, IMAX, etc. ( It's less than an hour's drive from us too!)

3 more images

Darling Harbor has a million and one things to do.
Mono Rail - This will take you all around the city with a birds eye view of everything. I didn't go on it but I really wish I had.
Harborside Shopping Center - It has a lot of little interesting shops in it and there is a art / photography shop. If you are into anything like that I strongly recommend you go in. They have some amazing works and can ship them to your door if you can't take them home with you.
IMAX - I didn't go into the IMAX but it looks amazing with a lot of 3D shows on it is really popular. I plan to go on my next trip.
Chinese Gardens - They are absolutely amazing and are just behind the IMAX. At only $6 to enter it really is one of the cheapest and most amazing things you can go see.
Aquarium - This place was awesome! There is a massive shark tank and trust me it will blow you away.
Lindt Cafe - Yes there is a cafe just for Lindt chocolate!
Maritime Museum - I personally didn't in but they have a huge Navy boat you can go on and explore.
Wildlife - There is a wildlife place next to the aquarium but I didn't go in. I live in Australia so have seen my share of Aussie animals but for an overseas tourist I'm sure it would be great.
Harbor - You can catch a boat taxi or take a cruise from the pier but it didn't seem to be as busy as Circular Quay.

It's definitely worth going to Darling Harbor and you could spend a few days exploring it.

4 more images

There are lots of things to do at Darling Harbor: Outback Center, Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, Powerhouse Museum, IMAX Theater...

We did not visit any of these attractions. Indeed, we walked and shopped on the Harbor. This was also a wonderful experience.

At night, don't forget to dine at one of the best seafood restaurant in Sydney - Nick's Seafood Restaurant - We do recommend this. I would say this is the BEST restaurant we have visited in the whole trip.

We went on a terrific value Dinner, Dance, & Cabaret cruise. It left at 7.30p.m. on a Friday night and returned at 11.30 p.m. The captain made sure we got good opportunities to photograpgh the Sydney opera house on the outward cruise. The food was plentiful and of good quality. Followed by cakes and tea and coffee. The cabaret was entertaining. Definately worth the Au$69 and a highlight of our stay in Sydney. There did seem to be a lot of noisy girls on hen parties (about 4 groups), but it was worth putting up with. We booked from their kiosk near the Sydney harbour (along the promenade).

We booked a Jet Boat Harbour cruise. "Jet Boat" just fast speedboat with power stops, spins, wave bumps and wake jumps - nothing out of the ordinary for those who own/have ridden in speedboats. Guide pointed out aspects of harbour, annoyingly our tour was interrupted while we dropped off 6 pax mid-tour for their sea-plane trip and then had to return (and sit around waiting for 15 mins) for them to re-board. Usual splashes from wake, good close up sighting of other boats in harbour. Cost $70 per person, reasonably fun outing.