When it comes to scenic cities, it is hard to top Sydney. No matter where you are, whether it is on top of the Harbour Bridge or shuffling your feet through the crowd at Central Station, every place is a scenic spot. In fact, even on a rainy day, Sydney still looks sunny! And while Sydney Harbour, with its iconic bridge and Opera House, is the most famous of Australia’s harbors, one place near this Australian tableau is the bustling Darling Harbour.
Situated on Cockle Bay, just a few steps from Downtown Sydney, better known as the Central Business District, Darling Harbour is more than just a place where boats float back and forth. Here, you’ll find historic ships anchored alongside well-known museums, excellent dining, fun shops, bridges, and a massive skyline that rivals such metropolises as New York and Tokyo. I know that I may sound a little gushy in my praise, but it is the truth. There are so many attractions in and around this area, that it is almost impossible to go bored here. Walk across Pyrmont Bridge and head inside the Harbourside Mall. On the top floor, bowl a strike or engage in a game of laser tag. Of course, if you work up an appetite, take your pick from several restaurants along the edge of the water. In fact, dine here at night, and you’ll be treated to an array of skyscrapers that will twinkle along the southern sky in a hue of white lights and neon insignia. Sure, looking at buildings with the words “Allianz” and “Suncorp” may not scream inspirational, but there are just so many skyscrapers, all in a neat little row, that look so cool under a starry sky. Couple that with the reflection of the moon off the waters, and it makes for the perfect date night rendezvous.
Why am I so fond of this part of Sydney? My favorite hotel in the city, The Four Points Sheraton, is located on Darling Harbour, specifically on Sussex Street. If you’re lucky, you’re room just may give you a panoramic view of the harbour in all its glory. The last two times I stayed at this hotel, I was treated to view that can only be described as, well, amazing! There’s nothing like waking up to Pyrmont Bridge, historic vessels, WildLife World, and the Australian flag right outside my window. Now I know why Sydney is highly regarded as a happy place to live: people have this to wake up to every day!
As far as locations go, you can’t do any better than this place. Ferries to and from Sydney Harbour dock here on a regular basis. The Sydney CityRail is a short walk from Pyrmont Bridge; Town Hall is the closest stop. Buses and Taxis are indeed plentiful near Sussex Street. The Sydney Light Rail is located just across Pyrmont Bridge near the Star City Casino. In fact, that’s another plus to Darling Harbour: Australia’s premier casino hotel. With a light rail stop under the resort, head up the escalators, and try your hands with lady luck herself.
Sydney Harbour may boast the most famous scene in Australia, but Darling Harbour is where the fun can be found. In fact, to this day, whenever I wake up in my bed in my house, a small part of me is disappointed to not see boats and koalas outside my window. But ever since I hung an Australian flag over my window, I guess it’s the next best thing. The only thing that could make Darling Harbour even better is if it was right neat ANZ Stadium or Redfern, so I could be within walking distance of the Rabbitohs!
