Darling Harbour’s best attractions

Sydney is anything but the average destination for travelers. Known for it’s pristine beaches and infamous opera house, the largest city in Australia offers something for everyone. Yet, no trip to Sydney can be complete without a few days spent in Darling Harbour, one of the most fun-filled areas in the entire bay.

Named after Lieutenant-General Ralph Darling, the Governor of New South Wales from 1825 to 1831, Darling Harbour possesses a rich history since it once was a huge part of Sydney’s commercial ports. In fact, part of the Harbour was known as the “Hungry Mile” during the Great Depression, due to the fact that dockworkers would be constantly searching for jobs.

About 30 years ago, the area was redeveloped for tourism.  In fact, the harbour houses the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, one of the venues of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. But besides the rich history, Darling Harbour provides a wide slew of activities for the entire family to enjoy, on both an entertaining and educational level.

When it comes to the history of the bay, no trip is complete without a stop off at the National Maritime Museum. Covering a huge time frame of Australian history, from Aborigines and convicts to the eventual establishment of the nation, the museum houses fantastic photographic exhibitions as well as a gigantic wharf space with a whole fleet of boats, ships and submarines. One specific boat is the “Spirit of Australia,” owned by Ken Warby, which holds the world water speed record of around 318 miles per hour.

The main attractions of the museum are the 3 ships and submarine. The ships include The Australian-built replica of James Cook's HMB Endeavour one of the world's most accurate maritime reproductions. The restored 19th century James Craig tall ship. The HMAS Vampire, Daring class destroyer and the HMAS Onslow, Oberon class submarine.

Of course, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the great wonders of the world, Therefore, there is really no reason not to stop by the Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour to check out not just a small recreation of the Reef, but also the 6,000 fish and 650 species of aquatic life that inhabit the waters surrounding Australia. As one of the most known tourist attractions in the city, the aquarium provides visitors with a great sample of the marine life around Sydney, seen especially with one of the key highlights of the aquarium, the system of underwater tunnels made out of acrylic glass. Since they are see-through, visitors can watch sharks swim above their heads while exploring the bay’s depths just a few meters below the surface.

Right next to the underwater world of the aquarium is none other than the famous Sydney Wildlife World, which opened just a few years ago. With around 130 different, native Australian species and over 65 exhibits, the Wildlife World is one of the most known zoos in Australia and is the perfect destination for to partnering up marine life with land-based Australian life. The combinations of butterflies, crocodiles, platypus, little penguins, wallabies and koalas will make this one of the highlights for all kids and parents while in Darling Harbour. Not to mention that the zoo also houses red kangaroos and the Cassowary, the world’s most dangerous bird.  Whether visiting during day or night, the Wildlife World simply cannot be missed.

For nightlife, Darling Harbour has all visitors covered. As a culinary capital of the world, Sydney offers all types of cuisine, specializing in local seafood and the neighboring flavors of Southeast Asia. If looking for a great place to hang out, grab a bite and possible play a board game, look no further than the Bayside Lounge. If the great food and affordable prices are not enticing, than the harbour view will be. For more of an upscale feel, Nick’s Seafood Restaurant is the place to be. Fresh, simple flavors make this restaurant one of the more memorable if craving oysters or perfectly grilled filets.

There is a wide selection of Darling Harbour accommodation options, from big name hotels like the Holiday Inn to historic, vintage lodging such as the Vulcan Hotel and the Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments, which were originally constructed in 1883, there is a place for everyone to stay, regardless of budget.

When it comes to a trip to Sydney, Darling Harbour literally has it all. From historical and environmental aspects to simply breathtaking views of the bay, there is really no better way to spend a vacation.

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