Sydney’s early settlers knew Darling Harbour as Cockle Bay, due to the abundance of shellfish. A steam mill was built here in 1815 and this previously tranquil inlet became the city’s main industrial region, with docks, a railway yard and an international shipping terminal.

By the early 1980s, however, businesses in the area languished and the Darling Harbour Authority was formed in 1984 to revamp the precinct, which was opened in 1988 in time for the city’s Bicentenary celebrations. There is something for everyone here – from museums and parks to shopping, dining and live entertainment.

Darling Harbour is close to Chinatown and therefore is an appropriate location for the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship, designed by landscape architects from Guangdong Province.

Also at Darling Harbour are the vast Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, around 15 hotels and serviced apartment buildings and some innovative modern architecture, particularly at Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf which opened in 2000.

Shopping

Darling Harbour’s main shopping strip is the Harbourside centre, which caters for locals as well as tourists. There are some great fashion, gift and homewares outlets here, as well as a bookshop, pharmacy, newsagency and bottle shop. Books, quality gifts and ‘Australiana’ can also be found at the Maritime and Powerhouse Museums and at Darling Walk’s Outback Centre.

Dining

With over 100 restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets Darling Harbour caters for every taste and budget. The three main ‘Eat Streets’ here are the beautifully refurbished Harbourside complex, Cockle Bay Wharf and nearby King Street Wharf where 11 restaurants and bars are set right beside a waterfront marina. Cuisines vary from Malaysian to Italian, seafood to Indian, and many establishments are open until late.

Leisure & Entertainment

Day or night, Darling Harbour offers plenty to see and do. There’s free outdoor entertainment on weekends, cruises and ferry rides, history and culture at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum and Chinese Garden, while kids love the Sydney Aquarium and IMAX Theatre.

Pyrmont Bridge is the starting point for the City’s self-guided historical walking tour of Pyrmont & Ultimo. Download a brochure or pick one up from any Council Location for this fascinating tour around the peninsula.

After dark, visit one of the pubs and bars at Cockle Bay Wharf, Harbourside and King Street Wharf, or the vast Star City entertainment complex.

Did You Know?

Pyrmont Bridge, opened in 1902 to replace the original 1857 wooden structure, is the world’s oldest surviving electrically operated swingspan bridge.

The Chinese Garden contains a delightful traditional Tea House, the perfect spot for lunch or afternoon tea.