Darling HarbourSydney

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Visit Darling Harbour

Sydney Travel Guide

Once the site of rusting railroad yards and wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects now buzzes with museums, boutiques and eateries.

Named after a former governor of New South Wales, the Darling Harbour precinct features a wealth of things to do. There are public gardens and promenades, restaurants, bars and hotels, and major attractions such as the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo.

Start your visit by chatting with the friendly guides at the Visitor Centre. They’ll help you to plan your day, purchase tickets and book activities.

To learn more about Australia’s connection with the sea, visit the National Maritime Museum. Here, you’ll vividly experience the journeys undertaken by the nation’s early explorers, settlers and immigrants. Climb aboard and explore the many historic vessels moored out front, including a decommissioned naval submarine.

Say “G’day” to some of Australia’s deadliest and cuddliest creatures at Wild Life Sydney Zoo. Home to more than 6,000 native animals, this nature park offers visitors a chance to pet koalas and wander through a tropical butterfly house. For a truly “Aussie” experience, hang out with the kangaroos in the Kangaroo Walk-About zone.

Don’t miss the peaceful Chinese Garden of Friendship. One of the only Chinese gardens outside Asia, the grounds were created by the local Chinese community to celebrate Australia’s 1988 bicentenary. Beautiful water features and traditional pavilions make the garden a peaceful place to relax and revive after sight-seeing.

In the evening, catch a musical production at the Sydney Lyric Theatre inside Star City Casino or book a romantic harbor cruise. Grab a table at one of the many waterfront restaurants. For something fun and informal, pick up fish and chips from one of the take-away eateries and find a spot overlooking Cockle Bay.

Darling Harbour hosts free music, annual events and film festivals. (Check the calendar on the Darling Harbour website for a schedule.)

Darling Harbour is located adjacent to downtown and is accessible by train, bus, monorail or foot from the city center. There are paid parking lots throughout the precinct.

Top Hotels in Darling Harbour

Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
4.5 out of 5
150 Day St, Sydney, NSW
$119
per night
Jan 30 - Jan 31

Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sydney Town Hall, International Convention Centre Sydney, and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. ...…

4.4/5Wonderful! (3,145 reviews)

"• Staff were generally helpful and accessible, and great in booking excursions at no extra cost than doing it online. • The location was fantastic with key sights within walking distance (usually less than 1.5 miles). • The room itself was lovely and peaceful with blackout curtains so had we wanted ..."…"

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2020

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
$129
per night
Jan 31 - Feb 1

Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is steps from Wild Life Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Sydney Tower and Sydney Town Hall are also within ...…

4.2/5Very Good! (3,654 reviews)

"Location is outstanding as is the refurb from the Four Points days. Staff are outstanding! The Club lounge is well worth accessing - food was terrific and plentiful."…"

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2020

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
4.5 out of 5
100 Murray Street, Sydney, NSW
$129
per night
Jan 30 - Jan 31

Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Lyric Theatre. International Convention ...…

4.1/5Very Good! (3,012 reviews)

"Merits: Near Darling Harbour; easy to access the mall and casino nearby; not too far to go to China Town when staying there beautiful decorations and happy atmosphere than in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year's holiday. The hotel should consider to improve the bathtub, a bit slippy, other than that, ..."…"

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2020

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
5 out of 5
234 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Free CancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
$85
per night
Jan 31 - Feb 1

Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Sydney Town Hall and Queen Victoria Building. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney ...…

4.6/5Wonderful! (173 reviews)

"Perfectly located property. Clean and staff were friendly. Recommended to anyone wanting to stay central to the happenings of the city"…"

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2020

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
5 out of 5
12 Darling Drive, Sydney, NSW
$178
per night
Feb 2 - Feb 3

Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is steps from Harbourside and International Convention Centre Sydney. Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney ...…

4.6/5Wonderful! (1,069 reviews)

"Quality roof top pool. Amazing location. Great restaurants nearby. Love it!"…"

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2020

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Darling Harbour
Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Darling Harbour
4 out of 5
243 Pyrmont Street, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, NSW
$97
per night
Jan 30 - Jan 31

Located in Darling Harbour, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Harbourside and Australian National Maritime Museum. Chinese Garden of Friendship ...…

4/5Very Good! (6,251 reviews)

"Location was great. Would have preferred a higher floor."…"

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2020

Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Darling Harbour
See all 161 properties in Darling Harbour

Popular things to do in Darling Harbour

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
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SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

4.5/5(212 reviews)

Discover Australia’s diverse marine environments, from the Great Barrier Reef to the wild Southern Ocean, right in the heart of Sydney.

Star Casino
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Photo provided by The Star Sydney

Star Casino

4/5(72 reviews)

Why not try your luck with a visit to Star Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Pyrmont? Discover the acclaimed art scene and shops in this vibrant area.

Wild Life Sydney Zoo
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Wild Life Sydney Zoo

4.5/5(95 reviews)

Encounter Australia’s diverse habitats at this interactive zoo and come face to face with the country's most loved, feared and iconic animals.

Madame Tussauds Sydney
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Madame Tussauds Sydney

4/5(13 reviews)

Sing next to Kylie Minogue, stand next to Ned Kelly, admire world leaders or strike a pose with the star you adore the most in this world-renowned wax museum.

Sydney Lyric Theatre
Image for Sydney Lyric Theatre
Photo provided by Sydney Lyric Theatre

Sydney Lyric Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Sydney Lyric Theatre, a popular theater in Pyrmont. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Australian National Maritime Museum
Image for Australian National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Exhilarating oceanic adventures, replica ships and interactive displays and activities, make this a great place to discover Australia’s history on the seas.

Top activities in Darling Harbour

Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
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Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

$36

Discover the streets of Sydney and the sandy shores of Bondi Beach as you cruise around town on an open-air, double-decker bus. Experience all the excitement of Australia's famous harbour city, hopping on and off at more than 30 stops near great attractions.

Sydney Attractions Pass including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Image for Sydney Attractions Pass including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Sydney Attractions Pass including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

$45

See all that Sydney has to offer with the convenience of a single pass that lets you choose between 2 or 3 of the Harbour City's most popular and well-loved attractions. Start with admission to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and then choose other attractions to enjoy on your own schedule.

Taronga Zoo Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Cruise
Image for Taronga Zoo Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Cruise

Taronga Zoo Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Cruise

$45

Take to the water with a 2-day ticket allowing you to hop on and off a Sydney Harbour rocket ferry to cruise along the harbor at your own pace. With commentary along the route, learn about Australian history and the importance of the harbor from the city's soul.

Blue Mountains & Wildlife Day Tour
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Blue Mountains & Wildlife Day Tour

$110

Breathe in the clean, crisp air and take in the sights of the captivating Blue Mountains on this premium coach day tour. Admire stunning views over Megalong Valley, stop at Echo Point to see the iconic 3 Sisters rock formation and meet native Australian animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park.

All Inclusive Small-Group Tour of Blue Mountains
Image for All Inclusive Small-Group Tour of Blue Mountains

All Inclusive Small-Group Tour of Blue Mountains

$159

Journey to the majestic Blue Mountains from Sydney on an all-day nature sightseeing tour to experience must-see Australian landscapes and landmarks. On your all-inclusive, small group tour, explore lush rainforests, see native Australian wildlife, and relax on a river cruise, all with a professional guide.

Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket
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Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket

$4

Visit: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Pier Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia The walled Chinese Garden respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden in its waterfalls, lakes, exotic pla

See all activities in Darling Harbour

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Chatswood CBD
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Maroubra South
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Collaroy Beach
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