Darling Harbour

Sydney
Darling Harbour featuring a city, central business district and modern architecture
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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Darling Harbour Hotel Deals

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is CA $129 per night from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8
CA $129
CA $142 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
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! (1,269 reviews)
"Very good location. I’m very impressed and happy with the property."

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is CA $205 per night from Apr. 14 to Apr. 15
CA $205
CA $225 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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! (1,159 reviews)
"Close to my conference"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2024

Hyatt Regency Sydney
W Sydney
W Sydney
5 out of 5
31 Wheat Road, Sydney, NSW
The price is CA $329 per night from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8
CA $329
CA $362 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
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! (135 reviews)
"Outstanding hotel. Beautiful facility. Service very slow though."

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2024

W Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
4.5 out of 5
150 Day St, Sydney, NSW
The price is CA $210 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $210
CA $231 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Steve is a fabulous concierge! He was very helpful with getting rides and directions to walking areas. You have a gem in him."

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 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 CA $188 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $188
CA $206 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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 Mar. 27, 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 CA $305 per night from Apr. 14 to Apr. 15
CA $305
CA $336 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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 Mar. 17, 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 city views, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(381 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 showing street scenes as well as an individual femail

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, a city and heritage architecture

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

Travelers 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
Darlinghurst showing a city

Darlinghurst

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

Darlinghurst
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North Sydney

The abundant dining options and 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

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