Darling Harbour Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Darling Harbour showing a city, central business district and modern architecture
Once the site of disused railway yards and dilapidated wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects has breathed life into this location once more.

In days gone by, the historic Darling Harbour site in Sydney played an important role the industrial generation of the cityscape. Today, as an urban renewal project, it is part of what defines new Sydney, with its collection of intriguing museums, fashionable eateries and chic boutiques attracting local residents and tourists alike.

The Darling Harbour area is perhaps best known for the popular Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo. This is a real tourist hub thanks to its wealth of exciting attractions all located in one area. Visitors can enlist the help of friendly and helpful guides who are on hand to answer questions, book tickets and plan activities at the modern Visitor Centre.

At the National Maritime Museum you can find out all about Australia’s intrinsic relationship with the sea. From vivid recreations of the historic journeys undertaken by the pioneering explorers that discovered Australia, to the opportunity to explore a decommissioned naval submarine, the National Maritime Museum provides a fascinating and interactive insight into every aspect of life at sea.

Children will love to visit the Wild Life Sydney Zoo, which houses more than 6000 animals native to Australia, and provides a perfect opportunity to get up close to some of the creatures including iconic koala bears and kangaroos. This is great fun and entertainment for families and for animal lovers of all ages.

Darling Harbour also boasts one of the only Chinese gardens erected outside of Asia: the unique Chinese Garden of Friendship. This garden was lovingly constructed by the local Chinese community during Australia’s bicentennial celebrations in 1988.

At night, the Darling Harbour comes alive with a variety of entertainment. Hear one of the world-class musical productions that run all year round at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at roulette at the Star City Casino. Harbour cruises are another great way to see the sights, or spend a romantic evening over a candlelit dinner in one of the waterfront restaurants, complete with breath-taking views over the ocean.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Darling Harbour Hotel Deals

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$167 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$167
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,265 reviews)
"room booked was unsatisfactory but management were very obliging and upgraded us to an ideal unit. Surprised to find cooking facilities. I would recommend that they upgrade the foyer outside the lifts and clean inside the lifts particularly the carpets"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$254 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$254
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,148 reviews)
"Amazing service, amazing hotel room & amazing rooftop bar! The only suggestion I would love to see is possibly the rooftop being used for morning coffee for sunrises, I think that would be a value of service to add that you offer that not a lot of other places offer!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Regency Sydney
W Sydney
W Sydney
5 out of 5
31 Wheat Road, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$399 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$399
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 4 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Star Casino and Circular Quay are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (134 reviews)
"Mood lighting"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

W Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
4.5 out of 5
150 Day St, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$261 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$261
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"I was very comfortable and well looked after."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
4.5 out of 5
100 Murray Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$233 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$233
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Bed was comfy. Staff were friendly. Room was quiet. Bathrooms are dated and need attention to detail cleanliness. Having an IGA across road was convienent."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
5 out of 5
12 Darling Drive, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$379 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$379
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Greqt"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Darling Harbour

Sydney Town Hall which includes cbd, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(8,551 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Capitol Theatre featuring street scenes as well as an individual female

Haymarket

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Haymarket. Check out top attractions like Market City and Paddy's Market, and jump on the metro at Paddy's Markets Light Rail Station or Capitol Square Light Rail Station to see more of the city.

Haymarket
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The Rocks
Surry Hills

Surry Hills

Travellers come to Surry Hills for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Crown Street and Belvoir Street Theatre while you're in town.

Surry Hills
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Darlinghurst

Darlinghurst is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Sydney Jewish Museum and William Street while you're in town.

Darlinghurst
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North Sydney

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to North Sydney. A stop by North Sydney Oval or St. Leonards Park might round out your trip.

North Sydney


Darling Harbour Travel Guide

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