From a run down docks area, Darling Harbour became Sydney's spanking new harbourside leisure park following renovations for the Australian Bicentennial in 1988. It's now one of Sydney's most popular draws for its shopping, nightlife, dining, entertainment, and museum scenes. This is a second article on the highlights of Darling Harbour featuring five more reasons to visit this vibrant part of Sydney.
The first great reason is the Powerhouse Museum, a science-and-technology museum that promotes interactive learning via computer simulations, videos, demonstrations, lectures and an array of varied activities. The museum features over 25 exhibitions including decorative Arts and design, Australian history and society, sciences, and Koori history and culture.
The name derives from the old power station on the shell of which the museum was built. It was a working power station until 1963. It was named as the site for the new museum in 1979 and it finally opened in 1988 as part of the Australian Bicentennial.
Next, a great reason to visit Darling Harbour is to relax or enjoy a performance at Tumbalong Park. This circle of green is near the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Other than being a pleasant oasis to stroll or sit on the grass, Tumbalong Park is the venue for frequent concerts and other performances including dance programs, acrobatics, martial arts exhibitions, and food fairs. Check the local tourist guides for what's on.
In addition, Darling Harbour is a wonderful place for walks. There's the Darling Harbour Footbridge which crosses Darling Harbour and features kiosks, vendors and offers tremendous views. Crossing the footbridge, you'll see the Sydney Aquarium and see the city's sleek and modern monorail swishing by.
Then there are a number of longer walks such as the Darling Harbour to Circular Quay walk. This offers insights into Sydney's heritage as you walk from the Sydney Aquarium and along Sussex Street to Walsh Bay. Then make your way to Circular Quay along the waterfront under Harbour Bridge.
If you prefer a more organised walk, you can take Historical Walking Tour which is self-guided. It begins at Pyrmont Bridge and introduces you to the Pyrmont and Ultimo districts which played key roles in Sydney’s industrial and maritime past.
Another great reason to visit Darling Harbour is the area's proximity to other enchanting areas of Sydney. Darling Harbour, for example, borders on Sydney's Chinatown which is well worth a visit.
One of Chinatown's main draws is the many restaurants in the Haymarket area, especially Dixon Street, a pedestrianised zone. In fact, Dixon Street and Chinatown are often used synonymously by Sydneysiders. This is a great area for morning Dim Sum with tea or to pick up a late-night bowl of rice porridge.
The mainstays of the Sydney Chinatown shopping scene are Paddy's Market and the new Market City. Paddy's is gloomy and authentic; Market City glitters with the 'New Asia' ambiance of Hong Kong and Singapore.
Finally, Darling Harbour is home to some of Sydney's great hotels. Among the best of the Darling Harbour hotels are Four Points By Sheraton Darling Harbour Sydney and Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Sydney. |
