Darling Harbour, Sydney – Backpacker Guide
Darling Harbour is a dining, entertainment and leisure hub with a convivial vibe. It’s a favorite hangout of locals who converge here in the evenings to cap off their day with lively music, food and chatter.
It is also a tourist magnet with its many offerings of live shows, international cuisine and cruise tours. Darling Harbour is expansive and covers the whole area around Cockle Bay.
The harbour was not always the people friendly entertainment center it is today. Many decades ago, when Australia was still an emerging colony of Great Britain, Darling Harbour became its biggest industrial sea port.
However, over the years, other harbours like Botany Bay were developed as they were more strategically located. As a result, business was shifted to these harbours and Darling Harbour fell into decline.
Fortunately, in 1984 the government commissioned a large-scale project to revive the area and restore business. By 1988, her majesty Queen Elizabeth II graced the opening ceremonies of the new and reinvented Darling Harbour.
Iza Sanchez Photography
How to go to Darling Harbour
By Ferry – Sydney has a very efficient water transportation system and you can easily ride a ferry to go to the harbour.
By train – The closest station is Town Hall. From Town Hall station walk eastward via Druitt or Market street, it will take around 15 minutes to get there.
By bus – You can take Bus 443 from Circular Quay and get off at Darling Harbour. 
The Pyrmont Bridge, Darling , (Iza Sanchez Photography)
Attractions at Darling Harbour
Madamme Tussaud Museum
Like other Madame Tussaud franchises around the world, the museum features life-size replicas of International celebrities, historical figures, music icons, athletes, world leaders and more. The museum houses over 70 figures, including some of Australia’s notable actors’ Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
Sydney Aquarium
The Sydney Aquarium is home to over 100 species of Marine life.
Latin Band performing at Darling Harbour (Iza Sanchez Photography)
Latin Women performing at Darling Harbour (Iza Sanchez Photography)
3 Top Museums
The Powerhouse Museum
Built in what used to be a power plant, this museum is dedicated to science, technology, innovations in scientific research and the like.
Display Ship at the National Maritime Museum, Sydney, (Iza Sanchez Photography)
The National Maritime Museum
The museum features maritime culture and history. It has a wide array of sea vessels on display, many you would still see coursing through Sydney’s modern waterways.
In front of the museum, three retired sea vessels are docked. These include a warship, a submarine and a Viking ship which you can board for an additional fee. You can purchase a Big Ticket which includes access to all exhibits and tours on the display ships.
Iza Sanchez Photography
Sydney Convention Center – A hotel and casino.
Harbour Side Mall – A complex for shopping and dining. Other recreational activities within the complex are bowling, billiards, cinemas and the IMAX theater.
Other attractions near Darling Harbour: Tumbalong Park, Chinese Garden of Friendship
From its days as an industrial sea port to the energetic entertainment hub it is today, the harbour has truly become a darling of the city and will continue to draw visitors from far and wide.
Check out these Sydney Travel Guides for more info on cool attractions and things to do in the city
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