11 Mar 2024

Best restaurants & bars with Vivid Sydney views in Darling Harbour

Looking for things to do in Sydney? Enjoying a few drinks and soaking in the Vivid views at one of Darling Harbour’s best cocktail bars should be top of your list!
Best restaurants & bars with Vivid Sydney views in Darling Harbour

Sydney’s home to the world’s most beautiful harbour and hosts many incredible harbourside bars and restaurants.

If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney during Vivid Sydney, why not mix the two and sip a craft cocktail while you drink in panoramic harbour views of Hika Rakuyo. Watch the eight-minute holographic light and laser show displaying native Australian flowers bloom across the night sky in Cockle Bay. 

To get your evening started we’ve concocted a list of the best restaurants and cocktail bars with stunning views of the show in Darling Harbour. And the best part? Catch the 8-minute light show every half-hour from 6pm each night so you can't miss it!

W SYDNEY
29/30
For a truly unforgettable Vivid Sydney experience, head to the recently opened 29/30 rooftop bar at the W Sydney hotel. This two-story bar offers stunning 360-degree views of Darling Harbour, making it the perfect spot to take in Hika Rakuyo the dazzling light and laser display over Cockle Bay. 
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Cockle Bay Wharf
Blackbird Cafe

Make the most Sydney's annual festival of light, music and ideas while enjoying a spectacular view of Darling Harbour at Blackbird Cafe. A family-friendly modern Australian restaurant with a stunning view of Sydney to boot. Get in the Vivid Sydney spirit with delicious cocktails while taking in all of the spirit of the festival!

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Cockle Bay Wharf
Café Del Mar

Café Del Mar brings Ibizan style to Sydney, with an expansive sun drenched terrace on Cockle Bay Wharf, a long list of crafted cocktails and live DJs every weekend. Order a few of their delicious bite-sized tapas and a classic Negroni and soak in those panoramic harbour views.

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Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Champagne Bar by Sofitel

High in the Sofitel Hotel in the heart of Darling Harbour, you’ll find a taste of French sophistication and joie de vivre at Champagne Bar. This classy little watering hole features floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views over the glistening harbour - the perfect accompaniment to their extensive menu of premium champagnes and specially crafted cocktals for Vivid Sydney. 

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ICC Sydney
Planar

Planar serves some of Sydney’s most inventive cocktails, including a delicious smoked negroni with rosewater that will blow your mind. The views and vibes aren stunning thanks to its location by the water and the comfortable lounge seating can be a little difficult to get out of if you’ve had an especially ‘good time’.

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Hyatt Regency
Zephyr

Zephyr floats high atop the Sydney skyline on level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It’s got uninterrupted 180-degree views over Darling Harbour and the city - the perfect accompaniment to their crafted cocktail menu. Grab one of their delicious cocktails and a seat near the edge at sunset and drink it all in.

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