Car Hire in Darling Harbour, Australia

Introduction

Darling Harbour is the entertainment and leisure hub of Sydney. Its waterfront setting makes it a firm favourite with the residents of Sydney, who flock here both day and night to take advantage of its amenities. Located only twenty minutes walk from landmarks like the Opera House and Sydney Bridge, or five minutes drive from the CBD, the harbour is packed with things to see and do. It is also possible to get a water taxi here from Sydney Harbour which adds to the experience. Every night the lights from the buildings and boats give the harbour its very own light show, which helps create the atmosphere of the area. Its location means that it enjoys a temperate climate for the majority of the year, which can be enjoyed while dining in one of the many restaurants that line the harbourside.

Attractions

Sydney Aquarium is filled with hordes of tropical fish found in the waters that surround Australia, as well as national creatures which fill its lakes and rivers. The aquarium is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas day, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and regular feeding times throughout the day are open for visitors to observe.

Australian National Maritime Museum is devoted solely to the history of the sea, which Australia holds high in its national history. Voyagers such as Captain Cook feature predominately, as well as other seamen who have influenced Australian history. Galleries are exhibited for around two months each, these include pictures, maps and recovered nautical finds, and to find out current and future exhibitions look to the website for details.

Sydney Wildlife World promotes itself as Australia’s newest flora and fauna attraction. In this glass-covered dome, located on the edge of Darling Harbour, you can find all of Australia’s unique and amazing creatures. From creepy crawlies to cuddly koalas there is something for all members of the family. Guided tours are available, and again visitors are invited to observe feeding times.

In the centre of all the bustle that comes with Darling Harbour you can find the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Australia’s multicultural society can be seen in many of its landmarks, and this is no exception. Initiated by the Chinese Community in 1989, this garden represents the bond of friendships between Sydney and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province, China. You can stroll around the garden taking in the traditional Chinese architecture, exotic plants and carvings of mythological creatures, while being soothed by the lakes and waterfalls. The garden is meant to represent a traditional garden from the Zhang dynasty, which existed more than three thousand years ago, and embodies Taoist principles. You can also relax in the Chinese Teahouse and enjoy a cup of Jasmine tea after your visit. The garden is open to functions and weddings.

Sailing trips are available from Darling Harbour which take you around the waterways that surround Sydney. These take in landmarks such as The Opera House, Sydney Bridge, Circular Quay and The Rocks. The trip lasts for over five hours and lunch is included at the isolated beach, Spring Cove, at North Head. While lunch is prepared there is the opportunity to swim, snorkel or to try your hand at fishing off the side of the boat. After lunch you leisurely sail back to Darling Harbour, while soaking up the rays of the afternoon. Details of companies who carry out these trips are available from the Visitors Centre or from your hotel.

Nightlife/Dining

With more than fifty restaurants to choose from all based around a harbourside setting, picking somewhere to eat in Darling Harbour can be a tough choice. Seafood dominates most of the menus, and you can find a range of prices and styles of cuisine. Many of these are reasonable pricey, although the food and setting makes this well worthwhile. The harbour is also packed with bars which attract the most fashionable of Sydney’s residents, and many choose to come here over the backpacker filled bars of the main city.

King Street Wharf houses most of the most popular and fashionable bars and restaurants, including Bungalow 8 and The Loft. Cockle Bay Wharf is where you will find the majority of bars and clubs in the harbour, all of them having have an outstanding harbour view which takes in the lights of the surrounding buildings and boats. In the Harbourside Shopping Centre you will find cheaper eateries offering quick and simple food.

The Star City’s Lyric Theatre, housed in the Star City Complex which consists of a casino, restaurants, bars and numerous types of accommodation, offers a wide range of local as well as national and international performances if you fancy a more cultural night.

Shopping

The Harbourside Shopping Centre is home to two floors of shops that range from traditional Australian crafts to designer retail stores. Homeware shops and food stalls can also be found, and it is possible to loose a whole day in this enormous mall. Darling Walk also has numerous boutique-style shops selling vintage clothing and crafts where you can pick up many bargains and souvenirs.

Tourist Information

Sydney Visitors Centre
33 Wheat Road
Darling Harbour
Sydney
NSW

• Tel: +61 (0)2 9240 8788
• Fax: +61 (0)2 9252 8738
• Email: visitorinformation@shfa.nsw.gov.au

Airport

Voted one of the top ten airports in the world, Sydney Airport is located only thirty minutes drive from the centre of Sydney and around forty minutes drive from Darling Harbour. With two terminals, this airport is one of the largest in Australia and has transfers to national cities, as well as hundreds of international destinations. Ample links are available from both of the terminals, as well as transfers between the two.