Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South wales, Australia

Darling harbour Overview

Darling Harbour is a colourful, strikingly modern waterfront development of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, casino, hotels, theatres, large tourist attractions, marinas and is just minutes from the Sydney CBD.

Darling Harbour is unashamedly modern and futuristic and this is a perfect balance to The Rocks which is a heritage listed area. The modern architecture has the spectacular backdrop of the sky-rise's of the Sydney CBD to one side and the colourful Novotel, Ibis and Mercure hotel developments to the other. At night the area looks even more stunning as the lights of towering buildings sparkles and silhouette of the shimmering water.

At the marina a host of pleasure cruises and even liners are anchored, some offering a variety of excursions.

Water taxis and Sydney ferries are a great way to commute from Darling harbour to Circular Quay.

Darling harbour

Darling Harbour has several distinct (although linked) sections surrounding the water, each offering something unique to the overall experience. These include: King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Walk and the Harbourside complex.

King street wharf

King Street Wharf is a highly sought after residential and office development with harbour side shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.

The James Squire Brew House, a favourite of ours, features beers from the 'Malt Shovel' brewery and also serves hearty pub style food.

cockle bay wharf

Darling Harbour is perfectly complimented by Cockle Bay Wharf which has been superbly developed as a chic and stylish centre for night clubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Several top Melbourne restaurateurs have opened eateries at Cockle Bay and, in the few short years it has been open, is already a huge hit with Sydney- siders.

There is also a marina / jetty where you can catch ferries, take 'pleasure cruises' or board a water taxis.

darling harbourside

Darling Harbour has its centre in the harbourside shopping and hotel complexes. The shopping precinct has many unique Australian orientated shops where you may find the perfect souvenir.

There are several harbourside restaurants, cafes and bars including the famous Jordons International Seafood Restaurant. Another unique place to eat is the South Steyne Floating Restaurant which is moored at the end of the Harbourside Shopping Complex.

darling walk

Darling Harbour has its mid point at Darling Walk which as the name suggests is a walkway round to the Harbourside Complex.

Many attractions are compacted into this area including the world's largest movie screen the IMAX Cinema, Sega World, The beautiful Chinese Gardens of Friendship and also the Northern Territory Visitors Centre (a must to see if you are planning a visit to the Red Centre). Tumbalong Park has water features and is a pleasant area for small children with outdoor gentle rides.

Sydney Aquarium

Kings Street Wharf leads into Sydney Aquarium which has the most magnificent floor to ceiling display of tropical fish from the Great Barrier Reef. This innovative aquarium has some spectacular exhibits including under water walk through tunnels housing shark tanks and the newly renovated seal enclosures. In one section you can sit and gaze into an aquarium through a vast glass wall whilst listening to the accompanying classical music.

Sydney Wildlife World

Adjacent to the aquarium and opened in 2006 is the Sydney Wildlife World. The centre takes you into some natural habitats of indigenous Australian animals and opens up a new world. You will see a wide variety of animals for across Australia including spiders, reptiles, nocturnal animals, insects, koalas, wallabies and snakes.

Sydney Entertainment Centre

On the south side of Darling Walk is the Sydney Entertainment Centre which is one of Sydney's venues for major bands and live concerts.

China town

China Town fringes on the south side of Darling walk and George Street. Wonder through and experience true authentic chinese cuisine.

Sydney Exhibition Centre

The Sydney Exhibition centre is located adjacent to Harbourside and is the venue for many international conventions and major exhibitions including The Sydney Motor Show.