Darling Harbour

Sydney

Darling Harbour which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor
Darling Harbour showing city views, modern architecture and a city
Darling Harbour featuring a bay or harbor
Darling Harbour featuring a marina, a city and skyline
Darling Harbour showing a high rise building, a city and signage
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

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥23,050 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
¥23,050
¥25,355 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,737 reviews)
"Magnificent views of Darling Harbour especially at sunset and night. Staff are all very friendly and obliging. Wonderful stay."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥14,935 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥14,935
¥16,429 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,114 reviews)
"location is great and within walking distance to most of downtown Sydney. The fire alarm in on of the units went off in the whole building due to people cooking without appropriate ventilation in that unit. It happened after 11 PM. This was very annoying. The hotel should fine those or regulate this ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
4.5 out of 5
100 Murray Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥17,052 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥17,052
¥18,757 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,140 reviews)
"Good location to easily walk to all attractions in the city. The property was nice, very clean, and had a good gym facility on the roof top, which includes a swimming pool and tennis courts"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
W Sydney
W Sydney
5 out of 5
31 Wheat Road, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥28,250 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥28,250
¥31,075 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (552 reviews)
Great place for families
"We had a great stay at the W. Staff was friendly and helpful. Our room was really comfortable and well-appointed. We had space for two adults and two teenagers in good confort. The location is perfect and we had amazing views from our room. We didnt need much but whatever it was the staff was on ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

W Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
4.5 out of 5
150 Day St, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥20,394 per night from Jun 26 to Jun 27
¥20,394
¥22,433 total
Jun 26 - Jun 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,558 reviews)
"Excellent location, lovely hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
ibis Sydney Darling Harbour
ibis Sydney Darling Harbour
3.5 out of 5
70 Murray Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ¥11,911 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥11,911
¥13,102 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It was a budget stay. Basic amenities in the room - very basic. Construction going ondidnt help."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

ibis 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 neighborhoods around Darling Harbour

Star Casino featuring modern architecture

Pyrmont

Enjoy the captivating waterfront views in Pyrmont. Star Casino is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Wentworth Park Light Rail Station or Fish Market Light Rail Station to see more of Sydney.

Pyrmont
Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(1,320 area reviews)

Historical and commercial heart of Sydney, the CBD boasts towering skyscrapers, lively café culture, and nightlife in areas like Darling Harbour. Explore parks such as Hyde Park and cultural institutions, while enjoying easy access to public transport.

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

Historic area near Sydney's city center, The Rocks boasts close proximity to Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge views. Explore weekend Rocks Market, galleries, and historic pubs like Fortune of War, while enjoying walkable streets and easy rail access.

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 Sydney Jewish Museum and William Street while you're in town.

Darlinghurst


Darling Harbour