Darling Harbour Travel Guide

Sydney

Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes
Darling Harbour showing cbd, a city and modern architecture
Darling Harbour which includes a bay or harbour
Darling Harbour showing a city, skyline and a marina
Darling Harbour featuring a city, central business district and signage
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


Top hotels in Darling Harbour

Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ₹13,768 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹13,768
₹15,145 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,765 reviews)
"AMAZING!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
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 ₹7,340 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹7,340
₹8,074 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,181 reviews)
"Stayed in the hotel for a convention at ICC, really quick walking distance made it very convenient going back and forth! Room was spacious and functional, perfect for 3 people. Would recommend for smash con goers or any convention in ICC!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney

4.5 out of 5
150 Day St, Sydney, NSW
The price is ₹12,182 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,182
₹13,400 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,588 reviews)
"Great staff & facilities."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
W Sydney

W Sydney

5 out of 5
31 Wheat Road, Sydney, NSW
The price is ₹17,351 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹17,351
₹19,086 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (588 reviews)
"We’ve stayed at W Sydney a few times now and enjoyed it everytime. As a family staycation, we enjoy the large round bath, the pool with the cabanas and pool side food service and the amazing morning breakfast buffet options."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

W Sydney
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

4.5 out of 5
100 Murray Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ₹10,697 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹10,697
₹11,767 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,161 reviews)
"Nicely presented room, well appointed bathroom. It is a bit of a hike from the lightrail and metro / train services though."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
ibis Sydney Darling Harbour

ibis Sydney Darling Harbour

3.5 out of 5
70 Murray Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ₹7,626 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,626
₹8,389 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great service and was allowed to check in very early, which was a massive help to me since I had been flying all night. The hotel rooms looked a little dated and could probably do with a it of an uplift. Breakfast was ok with lots of choice. Overall happy and I would go there again."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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 neighbourhoods around Darling Harbour

Star Casino featuring modern architecture

Pyrmont

Star Casino and Sydney Fish Market are top sights in Pyrmont, and you should be sure to explore the captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Wentworth Park Light Rail Station or Fish Market Light Rail Station to see more sights in the area.

Pyrmont
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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 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 Museum of Contemporary Art.

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


Darling Harbour Travel Guide