DK Travel : Sydney : Darling Harbour & Chinatown

Darling Harbour & Chinatown

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Cockle Bay was once a working harbour district where some of Sydney’s poorest lived in hovels surrounded by shipyards, cargo wharves and quarries. In anticipation of the 1988 Bicentenary, a huge redevelopment project was launched to reclaim this 54-ha (133-acre) site, and the area was revitalized through the wonderful Aquarium, the Maritime and Powerhouse Museums, and the Cockle Bay and King St. Wharf developments. Combined with a visit to Chinatown, Darling Harbour makes for a lively and entertaining excursion.
Enjoy a leisurely yum cha at one of Chinatown’s many excellent restaurants (seeDragon Star Seafood).

Darling Harbour & Chinatown

1. National Maritime Museum

At this exploration of Australia’s relationship with the sea, visitors can climb aboard vessels, or view exhibits dealing with immigration, maritime archaeology, beach culture and more.
2. Pyrmont Bridge

Opened in 1902, this 369-m (1,210-ft) bridge, with a quaint copper-roofed control cabin, is the oldest electrically-operated swingspan bridge in the world. It swings open to allow vessels up to 14 m (46 ft) tall to enter or depart Cockle Bay.
3. Cockle Bay & King St. Wharves

King St. Wharf is a social mecca for the working crowd. Cockle Bay comprises a three-storey hive of cafés, restaurants, bars and function centres.
4. Sydney Aquarium

As well as viewing the world’s largest collection of Australian aquatic life, such as platypus, seals and turtles, follow the under-water tunnel through one of the world’s largest shark collections
5. Chinese Garden

China’s gift to Sydney is one of only a handful of traditional gardens outside China. Interpretation boards provide insights into Chinese garden design and philosophy, and the Tea House makes for a peaceful retreat from the harbour.
6. Chinatown

This is the spirited epicentre of Sydney’s very large Chinese community, where restaurants vie for attention with fabric shops, Asian grocers, jewellers, music stores and gift shops. It’s best visited during Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) or for a Friday night market.
7. Capitol Theatre

Built in the 1920s, this theatre has seen many comebacks. Its restoration in the 1990s gave the Mediterranean-blue ceiling and twinkling stars a new lease on life. It’s now a well-known venue for popular and long-running musicals.
8. Paddy’s Market

8. Paddy’s Market

This is the place to find a pair of koala oven mitts or an Opera House watch, as well as food (below) and cheap accessories. Market City has clothing outlets and entertainment venues.
9. Powerhouse Museum

At Australia’s most inventive and engaging museum, children aren’t the only ones to enjoy the interactive displays. Enjoy a leisurely yum cha at one of Chinatown’s many excellent restaurants (see Dragon Star Seafood).
10. Convention & Exhibition Centres

10. Convention & Exhibition Centres

The centre hosts a range of events from bridal expos to nursing conventions. A funky glass block that appears suspended now links the two buildings.

Practical Information

Pop into Maxim’s Cakes for something delicious; Goulburn and Sussex Streets. Gallery 4A exhibits some of the best contemporary Asian art in Australia; 181–87 Hay Street, 9212 0380 Sydney Aquarium: Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour 8251 7800; Open 9am–10pm daily www.sydneyaquarium.com.au adult/child $27/$14 Chinese Garden: Darling Harbour 9281 6863 Open 9:30am–5pm daily; adult/child $6/$3 Capitol Theatre: 17 Campbell St, Haymarket; 9320 5000; www.capitoltheatre.com.au Paddy’s Market: Hay and Thomas Sts Haymarrket; 1300 361 589; Open 9am–5pm Thu–Sun Market City: above Paddy’s Market 9212 1388 Open 10am–7pm daily except 10am–8pm Thu