Darling Harbour Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Darling Harbour showing a city, central business district and modern architecture
The best place to get acquainted with Sidney's nautical passions – sailing, pleasure-boating, whale watching – or the Maritime Museum if you prefer dry land.

Sydney loves the sea – it is after all shot through with the deep blue inlet of Sydney Harbour – and it indulges its visitors with a plethora of harbours, coves, marinas and bays. But one of the best places to get nautical is Darling Harbour, with its cluster of quays, museums, restaurants and markets. The next bay around from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour was once the city's commercial port and a massive railway shunting yard. You'd hardly guess that today. The whole area has been reworked into a shiny pedestrianized waterfront. The attraction that first draws the eye is the Australian National Maritime Museum. Or rather the 122-metre naval destroyer, HMAS Vampire, parked outside the museum. It is over 60 years old, and was the last serving gun-destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy. It can be boarded and explored, along with the navy submarine parked alongside. And you can step right back to the start of Australia's naval heritage when you board the sailing ship behind – the HM Bark Endeavour, which is an exact replica of Captain James Cook's famous vessel that 'discovered' Australia for the Europeans. Of course, the Aborigines got here a little while before him, and their relationship with the sea is explored at the Museum too. You can see the artistic side of Australia's first inhabitants at the Gavala Aborigine Art Centre, which sells original Aborigine art. Darling Harbour is also a launching point for messing about in the water – jet-boating, sailing trips and cruises can all be booked here. Some of the most exciting are the whale-spotting cruises, which almost guarantee you a humpback, and even a sighting of a blue whale, during 3 hours out on the waves. And if your sea-legs won't go that far, you can always take in the marine wildlife at the Sydney Aquarium – or do some retail-therapy (piscine-style) at the Sydney Fish Market. More likely the Harbourside Shopping Centre will appeal for that, though, which has a great haul of the best in modern Oz shops, restaurants and waterfront cafés.


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
The price is NZ$169 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$169
per night
4 Apr - 5 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! (1,273 reviews)
"Carpet in front of elevator is worn. The hotel is in the process of changing base molding but the wall base area exposed to not pleasant look."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$277 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$277
per night
21 Apr - 22 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! (1,160 reviews)
"Nice hotel near Darling Harbour. Just a shame they have ripped the heart out of the harbour by demolishing all the restaurants and shops along the far side. All there seems to be in Sydney now are restaurants. We won't be back."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Regency Sydney
W Sydney
W Sydney
5 out of 5
31 Wheat Road, Sydney, NSW
The price is NZ$435 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
NZ$435
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$284 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$284
per night
21 Apr - 22 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$254 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$254
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 NZ$378 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$378
per night
4 Apr - 5 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay very much. Only feedback was it was disappointing our room was locked by the hotel with belongings inside on our second last day. Returning to the hotel after a hot day with a child and then a long wait at reception for the keys to be reissued was frustrating. I understand credit ..."

Reviewed on 26 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


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