Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour
4.5
About
Scenic entertainment complex that features shops, restaurants, museums and other tourist attractions.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Darling Harbour
The area
How to get there
- Town Hall • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,594 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,066 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Mallo_PahanenHelsinki, Finland977 contributionsNice area to go aroundAn area with nice conditions and looks. The streets are clean and the water is nearby. Here you can find the passage of time in the form of museums and places of entertainment. There are many places to eat, they are overpriced and not particularly good. The harbor area is long and especially good for moving and walking.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Gregg SLondon, United Kingdom13 contributionsAn iconic historical waterfront destination in australiaIt is bustling with activity and offers a diverse range of attractions, from museums and galleries to restaurants and shopping. Enjoy the view of the harbour from the promenade, and explore the nearby Chinatown and Powerhouse Museum. There's something for everyone, with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the sights.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 20, 2023
- Liza Rene3 contributionsAn absolute delight to explore!The vibrant atmosphere, waterfront views, and buzzing energy made it an instant favorite. Strolling along the harbor, I was spoiled for choice with an array of restaurants, shops, and attractions. The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium was a highlight, bringing the ocean to life with mesmerizing exhibits. The laid-back vibes, coupled with street performances, created a perfect setting for a leisurely day. Whether you're a foodie, nature enthusiast, or just in the mood for a scenic escape, Darling Harbour nails it – a must-visit gem in the heart of Sydney!Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 23, 2024
- smiler1956Birmingham, United Kingdom602 contributionsVisitI visited this beautiful harbour with my wife and Daughter. Not only is it a lovely setting but lined with shops and restaurants. The iconic swing bridge gives tall ships access to the harbour, and the National Maritime Museum has some great examples of shipping through the ages. Perfect for people watching, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 6, 2024
- EndlessTravelsGreater Melbourne, Australia38,701 contributionsA Sydney must seeIf you have kids you will end up visiting darling Harbour a lot. Excellent aquarium and the kids highlight of the zoo. We parents loved the views and Madame Tussaud’s. The harbor is great for walking but even better when on a ferryVisited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 5, 2024
- VadajewettAustralia15 contributionsCharming Darling HarbourThe waterfront promenade, adorned with vibrant eateries, beckoned us to indulge in a gastronomic adventure. Families strolled by, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Every corner was photogenic, inviting us to capture memories. Truly, Darling Harbour is a delightful blend of flavors and charm.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- Betty C6 contributionsInteresting section of Sydney with nice views of the harbor area.We liked the area around the harbor -- museums, restaurants and views. It is where you can take the ferry to Circular Quay, the hub for all ferries and rail/train connections. Walk across the Pyrmont Bridge for many more restaurants, bars and scenery. Loved the fireworks on Saturday night but go early for a good place to view them.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 2, 2024
- Badcat110St Austell, United Kingdom4,060 contributionsBeautiful areaWe stayed very close so went here several times day and evening during our 3 days. It’s a lovely area, especially at night when it really comes alive. Plenty of good places to eat and drink, easy to catch ferry to circular quay and then on to lots of other places. We thought this was one one of the nicest areas in Sydney.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- markinseoulTaipei, Taiwan60 contributionsSomething for everyoneEvening time was the best time to visit. Colorful, vibrate and energetic... Multi-cultural Sydney for sure. Grab a drink (at a premium) and watch the world go by. Yes, it is touristy, but where in downtown isn't? A fun place to people watch.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 11, 2024
- CarloHelmondHelmond, The Netherlands725 contributionsA nice place for a relaxing strollThe area around Darling Harbor is centrally located. Within easy walking distance of many place. There are many restaurants around for a nice and relaxing lunch with friends or family. Having a look around and enjoying the scenery. Take some time to walk around the area, observe people and the sights. It can also be used to go for a short run.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,408 reviews
Excellent
6,782
Very good
3,572
Average
817
Poor
180
Terrible
57
jenny j
Canberra, Australia28 contributions
Feb 2020
Stayed at the Adina Apartments in King St (entrance on Shelley St) - cross the road and you are right in Darling Harbour where there is easy and flat walking. There is a huge choice of restaurants/bars. Many are a bit on the expensive side but some offer very reasonable prices. For a really fabulous seafood meal try Nick's Seafood Restaurant at the Cockle Bay Wharf end of Darling Harbour - best seafood we have had in a long time; they really know how to cook calamari. It is easy to walk to Barangaroo from Darling Harbour, or to walk into the city over the walkway at the end of Shelley/King Sts (there is a lift as well as stairs). You can catch the ferry from Darling Harbour at Wharf 1 or 2 to Circular Quay, Balmain, even to Parramatta.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene J
14 contributions
Jan 2020
If it wasn't for the access of a couple of things we wanted to see here I don't think I would bother coming back here. Whilst we came in Summer, Sydney put on a drizzly day. - if you didn't have a rain coat (too hot for one) or umbrella there was no major area to take dry cover. Crossing over the bridge we found a shopping centre which did keep us dry but shopping wasn't in the game plan. When the drizzle stopped we did enjoy visiting the Maritime museum and spent a good couple hours here. Madam Tasseuds, Sea Life & Wild Life Sydney Zoo are there to visit as well. Gondolas, Cruises and other boat activities are docked in the wharf. Food areas are more to one side of the bridge. The dock side is more travel kiosks. Just depends on what you are wanting to do there depends on your thoughts though. I found Sydney Harbour more fun
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pdhgirl
Sydney, Australia124 contributions
Jan 2020
We come into the city quite often and this is our 4th time coming into Darling Harbour to celebrate Australia Day. No problem finding seating in the morning but was a very hot day so more shade could have been installed. We stayed mostly at the Watershed Hotel/Pub which was opposite the stage for live music on the day. What a shame it played mostly latino music for Australia Day!....while we enjoy a lot of different music this was not really enjoyable and there was no Aussie band playing at all! Even the DJ who came on later played all random nightclub stuff which no one enjoyed as there were lot's of complaining where we were. A small amount of water ski displays were shown with no fireworks (as previous years)...well not near the harbourside area anyway. We usually enjoy the ambience of Australia Day in Darling Harbour but this year was a fail. Probably not going to return to this area again anytime soon.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane T
Sydney, Australia1,157 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Took the kids on what we called an adventure. Caught the bus and train to darling harbour. Would of preferred to drive as it would if knocked 2 hours of our return trip but public transported it for the kids.
Plenty to do as we first let the kids play on the playground which is packed but ample size to play comfortably. If it was summer they could play in the water features but too cold yet some kids were in the water still. There was a festival for kids which included a ice rink but queues were to great to bother so we went to the maritime museum to go on the ships. These were great fun for the kids unfortunately the submarine was already booked out so maybe next time.
Lots to do but time got away from us. Advice if you want to eat in a restaurant there book ahead as we had to eat in the food hall as all restaurants were booked out with waiting times 1 hour +
Plenty to do as we first let the kids play on the playground which is packed but ample size to play comfortably. If it was summer they could play in the water features but too cold yet some kids were in the water still. There was a festival for kids which included a ice rink but queues were to great to bother so we went to the maritime museum to go on the ships. These were great fun for the kids unfortunately the submarine was already booked out so maybe next time.
Lots to do but time got away from us. Advice if you want to eat in a restaurant there book ahead as we had to eat in the food hall as all restaurants were booked out with waiting times 1 hour +
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry Werchon
Adelaide, Australia248 contributions
Jan 2020
My 12 year old grandson, Anton and I took a train in from Mascot Tain station to Sydney city. The train ride was smooth and efficient being double story. There were lots of people and the train stations can be like rabbit warrens but so long as you have your phone charged, you could find your way around, and attendants were happy to help with the navigation. From Sydney Central train station we navigated our way through the Queen Victoria Building and viewed the Sydney Eye Tower. We then asked for directions from a street side fruit seller and we took the short walk to Darling Harbour. There were people climbing one of the buildings which was briefly entertaining to watch. We then made our way over the bridge to the Australian Maritime Museum. It was a beautiful sunny day and people were walking around enjoying the environment. I had been to Darling Harbour a few times before, the last in 2012 with my daughter, Yaz, when we stayed at the lovely Novotel Hotel. We visited lively restaurants with great service while we were there and also Madam Tassaulds museum. The late night visit to play a game of ten pin bowling with champagne on ice was a real treat! Before that, we visited in 2002 when going to the nearby Chinese gardens which was lovely and had huge goldfish.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimonTaylor13
Griffith, Australia24 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Spent about 2 days of our 5 day trip here.
It’s very busy however is great for families, the shopping centre has a good variety of food to fill the family up.
There was a neat little bungy jump type ride in the food caught, my 9 year old loved it, pity it wasn’t there on Tuesday when the kids wanted more!
The maritime museum eats a fair amount of time, as do the other attractions on the other side.
Watching Pyrmont bridge spin around was great too.
It’s very busy however is great for families, the shopping centre has a good variety of food to fill the family up.
There was a neat little bungy jump type ride in the food caught, my 9 year old loved it, pity it wasn’t there on Tuesday when the kids wanted more!
The maritime museum eats a fair amount of time, as do the other attractions on the other side.
Watching Pyrmont bridge spin around was great too.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kdr07
Sydney, Australia67 contributions
Jan 2020
loads of restaurants. The eateries vary in price so whatever is your budget you can find a nice place to eat at any time of the day. Darling Harbour accomodates for the young and the old and it can get pretty full on the weekend with loads of people walking along its promenade. There are clubs and bars and kids fun there is fun for everyone. Tourist attractions and also souvenirs to buy. Its a great place to be the vibe is magical.
There are plenty of hotels to stay at at a good price and your location to the Casino is just perfect a block away so entertainment is definately at your fingertips in this location.
There are plenty of hotels to stay at at a good price and your location to the Casino is just perfect a block away so entertainment is definately at your fingertips in this location.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loveagreathotel
Hobart, Tasmania478 contributions
Apr 2021
Staying in Darling Harbour is great if attending the Convention Centre. Lots of hotels to select from. Restaurants are starting to go back to normal but be aware lots of either not opened or have restricted hours or days. The Harbourside Shopping Centre is very quiet and several stores not opened or closed. All part of the effects of Covid.
There is a light rail that goes to Central Station however does not go into the City Centre however it is a $10 Taxi Fare to the Centre of town.
There is a light rail that goes to Central Station however does not go into the City Centre however it is a $10 Taxi Fare to the Centre of town.
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgewood48
Llangollen, UK332 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
What a fantastic place this is. Waterside restaurants and bars. The Maritine Museum is worth spending a couple of hours with the destroyer and the submarine. Dont miss the wall showing details of immigrants and some quotations. Madam Tussauds and the Aquarium, we felt were far too expensive.
There is so much to do and see in this area with access from the L1 Tram, ferry boats from Circular Quay and walking from near China Town. A lively interesting place during the day and lovely restaurants at night.
There is so much to do and see in this area with access from the L1 Tram, ferry boats from Circular Quay and walking from near China Town. A lively interesting place during the day and lovely restaurants at night.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MonanMatt
Adelaide, Australia137 contributions
Jun 2019
We stayed in an apartment just of Murray St, it accommodated 5 Adults easily The local shopping centre Harbourside has most things you need and there is a Coles Supermarket around the corner across the road from the Star Casino. All of this is within a 10 minute walk. You can get on the Light Rail (Tram) to go into the city, take the ferry around to Circular Quay under the Harbour Bridge or walk (approx 20 min walk to Pitt St) central shopping district being mindful that there are quite a lot of hills.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any protests around Darling Harbor?
Good evening everyone, hope you are all staying safe in these troubling times.
I am looking to have some holiday time in the near future at the Darling Harbor, but have heard there are currently some protests in Sydney. While I know these are peaceful protests in nature, unfortunately it would all be a bit much for me, as I currently have a permanent bout of Lou Gehrig’s disease, which limits my physical functions. Thus making transversing through a large crowded area highly untenable.
I hope this finds you well. Please note, for the record, I like both the left and ring wings of politics, but am probably most aptly described as being of the apathetic center of the political spectrum, and therefore I don’t wish for this to be engaged with as a political discussion on the protests themselves.
Thanks in advance
Written June 9, 2020
Your politics are irrelevant. Darling Harbour is great and worth the visit If there us a demon station just get on the tram and go elsewhere. You can get a ferry to Circular Quay and/or Mankey. Both are lovely.
Written June 12, 2020
We are staying just near Darling Harbour on NYE. Is this a good place to see the Sydney bridge fireworks or not because I have read they do their own firework display?
Is it worth trying to get somewhere near the bridge? If so, is there anywhere we can book a table?
Or are the Darling Harbour fireworks as good and if so, again is there anywhere I can book a table?
Looked at boat trips but The cheapest I’ve found is about £300 GBP per person.
All hints/tips welcomed.
Written May 24, 2020
One of the best views is from the Altitude bar and restaurant at the top of the Shangri-la hotel in the Rocks. They sell tickets but will be pricey. Down around Circular Quay too but again most places will sell tix for NYE.
Written May 25, 2020
We will be flying in from the US on a Friday early AM and will be staying in Sydney for 3 nights. We have a Blue Mountain excursion planned for one day. Is Darling Harbour a good place to get a Hotel or would the Rocks be better?
Written September 21, 2019
The locations mentioned by you are quite close to each other , a good walk away or a short metro ride or ferry ride.
Stay as per your budget , take an Opal card and travel around the city. On Sundays the Opal travel card limit is much lesser too. The information centres around the city are really helpful .
Written October 10, 2019
Hi was wondering how i could get from sydney opera house to darling harbour? i dont think there is a subway station nearby
thanks
Written December 13, 2017
You can get there by river taxi/ferry or if your energetic like us it’s a 35 minute walk along George Street turning off so far down towards the Opera house.
Written December 22, 2017
Is the Sydney Harbour Bridge easily accessible from darling harbour.?
Written February 17, 2017
I agree with first response, you can walk (30-40) min but take the ferry for the best views of the bridge. The bridge is adjacent to central Quay, darling harbour is further inland and bridge is not visible from there.
Written February 17, 2017
Looking for a bar restaurant tonight
Written December 30, 2016
Looking for a bar restaurant tonight if possible
Written December 30, 2016
There is a few bar restaurants along Darling Harbour, including Hard Rock Cafe. We went there and it was very nice.
Written January 4, 2017
Nice bars near Darling harbour please.
Written November 1, 2016
Check out the darling harbour website to find one that suits you requirements. There are heaps to choose from. It won't let me put the link in here.
Written November 2, 2016
tony433
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Where is the nearest Commonwealth Savings Bank located in the Darling Harbour area?
I'm on a group Tour comng in from Cessnock the Monday 15 Aug afternoon, thanks!
Written August 9, 2016
Seem to be plenty of ATM's around the area. Unsure about banks as already had cash with us! I'm sure you would find out on Google!
Written August 11, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing