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Of many iconic places to visit in Sydney, Darling Harbour takes the cake. Sydney Darling Harbour offers every fun thing in one place: shopping, eating, games, and scenery. A favorite among travelers and locals alike, this place is close to other iconic attractions, including Sydney Harbour Bridge.
History of Darling Harbour
Located close to the city center, Darling Harbour is a hub of fun activities and public attractions. Originally Long Cove or Cockle Bay, it was later restored in 1826 and named after Ralph Darling, the governor of New South Wales, from 1825 to 1831.
Darling Harbour originally served as a railway marshaling yard, freight consolidation center, and goods handling center. In the mid-1980s, civil engineer and commissioner Gavan McDonell declared the area inefficient for such functions, leading to the removal of the facilities and renovation to create public spaces.
Interesting Facts about Darling Harbour
Sydney Darling Harbour has been a popular background in various shows and movies. From reality shows like MTV’s The Real World to iconic 90’s kid’s movies like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the harbor and surrounding structures added the iconic Australian flavor to the background.
Despite the modern look, the harbor has various species of fish. There are more than 568 species of fish here, more than the entire known species in the UK. The entire harbor also has 20 swimmable beaches and around 20,000 boats registered.
What Makes Darling Harbour Famous?
Darling Harbour is the location of Darling Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, two icons of Sydney. The area is known as a hub for entertainment, culinary, business, and shopping, with a lot of seating places, bike lanes, and pedestrian areas.
Darling Harbour is the perfect place for enjoying a lot of activities at once. As a famous hub of public attractions, it houses a shopping center, several museums, an aquarium, an Aborigine culture education center, a wildlife park, restaurants, coffee shops, and many more. A great place to see travelers from around the world mingle with locals!
Things to Do and See in Darling Harbour
Wondering where to go in Darling Harbour? Make sure to try these activities.
Learn about Sea Life
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium features more than 700 marine species, perfect for learning while having fun. This amazing aquarium is a favorite among travelers and locals, featuring 14 themed areas, dugong displays, a magnificent ocean glass tunnel walk, and a glass-bottom boat tour.
Shop Until You Drop
Make your way to retail paradise at Harbourside Shopping Centre. This place offers thrilling shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in a waterfront area. Choose between over 100 retail stores, or walk to the promenade and eat while facing the beautiful harbor view.
Enjoy a Unique Cinematic Experience
Kids and adults would enjoy 9D Action Cinemas, a 12-seat cinema with moving seats that feature full special effect experiences. When you watch the actions unfold on the screen, you will also experience the effects of water, wind, snow, and smoke, bringing the scenes to life.
Eat at Waterfront Wharf Area
Darling Harbour has a lot of great restaurants, but the Cockle Bay Wharf is a must-visit for culinary adventurers. It has amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs where you can eat and drink while enjoying beautiful harbor scenery.
Relax at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
Escape the bustling crowd for a moment at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. This beautifully landscaped garden features lush trees and bushes, flowers, pagodas, fish ponds, and waterfalls. You can join a guided tour or sit at secluded spots and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
We recommend Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, which serves freshly caught seafood. For prime Australian steak, visit I’m Angus Steakhouse. Café del Mar brings the Ibiza atmosphere with a beautiful Sydney waterfront view. Chocolate lovers should not skip Lindt Chocolate Café, which serves sweet treats and drinks made of premium chocolate.
Finding accommodation is easy! Darling Harbour offers a wide selection of hotels. Some that offer stunning harbor views include Hyatt Regency, ibis Darling Harbour, and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Do We Need to Book in Advance Before Visiting?
Darling Harbour does not require booking! However, some restaurants and paid attractions like SEA LIFE Aquarium and guided tours offer online booking or ticketing. Use these features to make your trip easier, especially if you visit during the high season.
Is Sydney Darling Harbour worth visiting? Absolutely! It is a great place to sample attractions, culinary feasts, pub life, family entertainment, and shopping havens in one integrated location. Don’t forget to sample other delights in Sydney, like Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Queen Victoria Building!