Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the most exciting and colourful places in Sydney. The Darling Harbour complex has been developed into pedestrian promenades, which come alive with street theatre, live bands and buskers. Tumbalong Park is the outdoor concert area for live events which are held regularly on the weekends. There are over 200 shops and boutiques, over 40 international food outlets and 9 waterfront restaurants.  You can get to Darling Harbour by car, train, ferry, Monorail or bus 456 from Circular Quay, Wynyard and Town Hall stations.  If you're walking, the main pedestrian access to Darling Harbour from the city is historic Pyrmont Bridge, at the bottom of Market Street. 

IMAX, Darling Harbour. The largest and most exciting film format in the world. Though there are IMAX Theatres scattered all over the world, the one in Sydney has the biggest screen of any, over eight storeys high. Most IMAX films last about 40 minutes, and they show a different film every hour.

Sega World Sydney, Darling Harbour. This is Sydney's first indoor family theme park, with attractions, entertainment and rides never seen before in Australia. A visit to Sega World combines old-fashioned fun with the technology of tomorrow. Sega World's elaborate themes and storylines, based on three different time planes: the Past, the Present and the Future, all offer participants a fun day. Major rides include a rollercoaster, a haunted house, a 360 degree cinema, and adventure playground, live performances and family games. Be forewarned: It is expensive. Open 10am to 10pm daily. Cost: Adults $30, Children $24.  

National Maritime Museum. Located in Darling Harbour at the western end of Pyrmont Bridge, this museum has thousands of exhibits that relate Australia's history from ancient times up to the present. You can see what life was like on convict ships, and board several ships that are there. There are informative displays, hands-on exhibits, a cinema, and museum computer games. Free guided tours.  

Bus: Sydney Explorer
Ferry: Darling Harbour
Train: Town Hall
Monorail: Harbourside

The Chinese Garden. Known as the Garden of Friendship, the Chinese Garden was built in 1987. The garden's design was a gift to Sydney from its Chinese sister city of Guangdong. The Garden was designed by landscape architects and embodies principles dating back to the 5th century. The pavilion has become a Sydney landmark. Open from 9.30am-5pm (6.30pm daylight savings) daily.
Monorail: Haymarket

Sydney Aquarium. One of the largest aquariums in the world. Over 5000 different Australian fish are displayed in their natural habitats. The highlight is a walk "on the ocean floor" through two floating oceanaria with 145 m (480 ft) of acrylic underwater tunnels. Open 9.30am-9pm daily, with the last admission at 8pm. Located at Darling Harbour.
Bus: Sydney Explorer
Ferry: Darling Harbour
Train: Town Hall
Monorail: Darling Park

Powerhouse Museum. 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. This former power station, completed in 1902, was redesigned to become the modern museum of today. This is Australia's largest ( and I do mean large!)and most exciting museum. Located on the edge of Darling Harbour, it houses 25 displays of decorative arts, technology and social history.   Open every day except Christmas, from 10am to 5pm daily.
Bus: Sydney Explorer
Ferry: Darling Harbour
Train: Town Hall, Central
Monorail: Haymarket

Harbourside Shopping Centre. Offers a wide variety of retail stores, including fashion, souvenirs and duty free, plus waterfront restaurants and cafes. Also located there is Ettamogah Bar and Family Restaurant, which is based on a famous Australian cartoon series; and Cinimagic, an exciting new Hollywood Film Studio attraction that you ride.

Hotels

The Waldorf Apartment Hotel.  Spacious, elegant alternative to a 4-star hotel room.  Fully self-contained luxury apartments with balconies and panoramic city view.  24 hour reception, rooftop pool, spa, and BBQ area.  Close to Darling Harbour attractions.  Ph:  9261 5355

Grand Mercure Apartments.  Luxury 4˝ 2 and 3 bedroom self contained apartments overlooking Darling Harbour.  Rooftop pool, spa and gym. Ph:  9653 6666

Parkroyal at Darling Harbour.  Luxury accommodation, 295 rooms and suites with views of the city skyline and Darling Harbour.    Santa Fe Bar and Grill, Day Street Café.  Weekend packages.  Ph:    9261 1188

Ibis Hotel Darling Harbour.  256 rooms, superb views over Darling Harbour, Walk to attractions, shops and restaurants, Monorail to the CBD, Skyline Restaurant and Bar.  Ph:  9563 0888

Furma Hotel Darling Harbour.  This heritage listed hotel, overlooking Darling Harbour and a short stroll from city shops and theatres, combines a sense of history with the best in 4 star accommodation.  266 large rooms, 2 restaurants including JB's Bar & Grill, opposite the Entertainment Centre. Ph:    9281 0400

Hotel Nikko Darling Harbour.  The only 5 star hotel situated on Sydney's beautiful Darling Harbour waterfront.  Spectacular views from 645 rooms and suites.  Located on the city side of Darling Harbour.  The best of Australian contemporary cuisine in the award-winning Corn Exchange Resturant.    Ph:  9299 1231

Restaurants

Ettamogah Pub.  Based on a famous Australian cartoon series, Ettamogah Pub is the latest theme restaurant to open at Darling Harbour.  With plenty of character and atmosphere, it's a great place to enjoy a Struth Lager and a light snack, or a hearty meal.  Special children's menu and Kid's Room for a day out with the family.   Located in Harbourside Shopping Centre.  Open 7 days a week.  Ph.    9281 3922

Rainforest Café.  Enjoy the atmosphere of a rainforest in a restaurant, complete with a waterfall, a lush forest of ferns and the natural enchantment of calming greenery.  This is a theme restaurant with a difference, with a wholesome delicious menu based on natural ingredients.

Heartbeat Café Restaurant.  Sit inside or outside under our magenta market umbrellas and choose from a range of delicious dishes, including top salads and desserts.  Light meals, gourmet pizzas, sizzling charbroiled steaks, pasta and a children's menu.  Open for breakfast.  Ph:  9281 3744

Jordon's Seafood Restaurant.  Renowned for its innovative seafood, as fresh as the morning's catch, and its stunning harbourside location, Jordon's is one of the most popular restaurants in Sydney.  Ph:  9281 3711

JoJo's Restaurant & Bar.  Outdoor lunching and dining at its finest.  Located right on the waterfront overlooking Darling Harbour, JoJo's specialises in creative international cuisine.  Featuring a wide selection of fresh Australian seafood, steak, poultry, game, fine pasta and exotic, tempting salads.  Ph:  9281 3888

Café Pronto.  A popular café restaurant where you can choose from a range of delicious light snacks, pastas and pizzas, chargrilled hamburgers and steaks, seafood and salads.  Bright yellow and white umbrellas shade your table overlooking the water.