StayAreas
Luxury pick
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Why we like it: Tower hotel by the convention centre with harbour views.
Typical luxury rate in Darling Harbour: ~$395/night
Darling Harbour
Sydney
The harbour west of the CBD, lined with attractions, restaurants and the convention centre, with Barangaroo to the north and Chinatown to the south.
Best for Families · Business
- Transport
- 4/5
- Sights
- 4/5
- Value
- 3/5
- Quiet
- 3/5
- Food
- 4/5
Typical mid-range hotel ~$200/night · 15 min to Circular Quay
See hotels in Darling HarbourDarling Harbour on the map
What it's like
Darling Harbour is Sydney's family playground: SEA LIFE aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, the Maritime Museum and a big playground along the water, with restaurants and fireworks on Saturday nights in summer. Barangaroo to the north has a harbourside park and newer restaurants; Chinatown and the Chinese Garden of Friendship are to the south.
It's a good base for families and conference visitors, with walking access to the CBD. It's built for tourists and events, so it can feel artificial, and restaurant prices are high.
Best streets and sub-areas
Cockle Bay Wharf
Restaurants and bars along the eastern side.
Barangaroo
Harbourside park, walkway and restaurants to the north.
Darling Square
Food lanes and the library on the south side.
Where to stay in Darling Harbour
A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.
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Hotels in Darling HarbourMid-range from ~$200/night
See hotels