Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is an exciting and vibrant part of Sydney and is home to many major attractions
Darling Harbour is a great place for a stroll along the Sydney waterfront, but be prepared to be distracted by its many activities including tourist attractions, dining, shopping, nightlife, festivals and more. There is almost no end of things to see and do in and around this exciting and vibrant part of Sydney where there are lots of things are happening both day and night.
Located at the western periphery of the Central Business District and the northern edge of Chinatown, Darling Harbour is very central and very easy to access by public transport. A Cinderella story, Darling Harbour was transformed from a decommissioned and run down NSW Railway's marshalling and freight yard, into a beautiful pedestrian friendly part of Sydney that is now very popular with tourists and locals alike. You can catch a Ferry at the Pyrmont Bay or King Street Wharf and enjoy a view of the harbour from the perspective of the water. You will often see a large cruise ship berthed on the east side of the harbour, an area now known as Barangaroo.
The harbour extends along both sides of Cockle Bay and beyond and offers a pleasant place to stroll and access to many of Sydney's major attractions. At the south end of Cockle Bay you will find the Sydney Visitor Centre and a little beyond that on the other side of Tumbalong Park you can enjoy a visit to the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship.
During the month of December there are fireworks every Saturday beginning about 9pm. For more information about events happening in and around Darling Harbour you may want to check out their official website: Darling Harbour.
Nearby attractions: Chinese Gardens, Imax Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney, Madame Tussauds, Australian National Maritime Museum, Star Casino and Lyric Theatre, Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew's Cathedral.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Address: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Official Website: Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour Reviews
Rated out of 5
Darling Harbour is a jewel hidden in the heart of the city. Its spacious promenade, lined with ships and historical sailboats, is impeccably maintained—clean, open, and quietly romantic. The surrounding architecture rises with confidence, home to luxurious nightlife and high-end restaurants, creating an elegant contrast between maritime heritage and contemporary urban life.
Sabrina - 3 weeks ago
I love Darling Harbour, it's just a shame that all the shops and eateries are gone from the western side and it's now a Mirvac construction zone.
The children's playground is amazing and my grandson loved it.
We didn't eat there this time, but the restaurants look fantastic.
Wd stayed at the Novotel Darling Harbour and really enjoyed it. Their breakgasts are to die for !!!!
Sea Life and Wild Life are eorth a visit, but prebook your tickets to avoid the wait.
The bars are great, but expect to pay a higher price for drinking there.
Peter Flanagan - a week ago
Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most enjoyable waterfront areas, with a perfect mix of views, attractions, and atmosphere. The whole precinct is clean, lively, and beautifully maintained, making it great for both daytime strolls and evening visits. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do, plus the harbour scenery is stunning from every angle. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, exploring the museums, or enjoying the nightlife, Darling Harbour always feels welcoming and full of life.
Daniela - a month ago
Lovely place to spend time and explore.
Darling Harbour is lively, colourful, and full of energy—waterfront views, glowing lights, and endless buzz. A perfect mix of relaxation, entertainment, and city charm, day or night.
Mahima Ponnappan - 2 weeks ago
Great walk through the darling Harbour Promenade at day or night with a scenic water view. Plenty of restaurants along the promenade open until late. Great for pics at night with Harbour Bridge, should not miss the walk.
Jishnu Withanage - a month ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rail - L1 | Harbourside or Pyrmont Bay | 0 minutes |
| L2, T1, T2, T3 or T4 | Town Hall | 7 minutes |
| T1, T2, T3 or T8 | Wynward | 7 minutes |
How to get to Darling Harbour by Train
By Light Rail: Two Light Rail Stations on Line 1 serve the Pyrmont (west) side of Darling Harbour and access to the harbourside is evident as soon as you exit.
By Train or Light Rail L2: From Town Hall Station, walk north to Druitt Street and proceed west watching for the pedestrian ramp off to your right. Follow the ramp to the harbourside. From Wynward Station go right (south) on York Street then right again on Erskine Street and continue to the Wharfs (either is about a 7 minute walk).
You can also get access to Darling Harbour via pedestrian ramps from Market Street or King Street.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Darling Harbour:
Photo Gallery
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Pananoramic view of Darling Harbour cc licensed photo by Wykymania -
People out enjoying the pedestrian friendly Darling Harbour cc licensed photo by savv -
Photo Credit: Jack Slack - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: johncooke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: johncooke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Tim J Keegan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr
