Stay and play - things to do on the ultimate Darling Harbour family weekend
When you live in one of the most popular destinations in the world, you don’t need to travel far for a holiday! If you’re keen to skip the plane journey and instead enjoy a Sydney staycation in Darling Harbour, we’ve got the perfect 48-hour plan for you.
Getting to Darling Harbour is super-duper easy, whether you prefer to walk, bike, drive, train, water taxi or ferry in. We reckon taking public transport is best, but there are heaps of secured car parks in the area too. Find out more about your transport options here.
Don’t worry about getting around once you’re here. Everything in Darling Harbour is never more than a short walk away.
To start your weekend, stroll over to Tumbalong Park or the Chinese Garden of Friendship. They’re just a 10-minute walk from the Harbourside Shopping Centre for a few coffee options. Or take a mo’ to grab a coffee from award-winning Edition Coffee Roasters before you begin your journey. Take some time to admire the unique plants at the Garden, send the kids soaring on the Tumbalong jumbo swings - or both, you’ve got time!
After the Garden head down to Darling Square and pick from dozens of amazing new restaurants for lunch - our pick for a quick bite is the phenomenal chicken sandwich at Belles Hot Chicken. Afterwards we recommend heading back to the shopping centre to try your luck at Kingpin Bowling and M9 Laser Skirmish.
These are both located in the Harbourside Shopping Centre - which, by the way, also offers a great opportunity for some retail therapy before (or after) you show the kids who the real crack shot is. There’s a bit of everything, from homewares to jewellery to fantastic Aussie-designed fashion and the latest popular urban fashion. Go on, have a browse.
Time to end the day with a bang! Stick around at Harbourside Shopping Centre and spy out a restaurant that looks appealing. There’s Italian at Olivo, seafood at Blue Fish, Middle Eastern at Kazbah - just make sure you grab a seat with a view of the water and watch the twinkling lights of the city over the water.
To rest up after your big day, stay at Sofitel or Hyatt Regency. Sofitel is just around the corner from Harbourside, while Hyatt Regency is on the other side of the water. Both boast an incredible view over Darling Harbour. For other options, check out all the places to stay right in Darling Harbour.
Once you and the kids are appropriately fueled, it’s time to let them loose on Darling Harbour again. Why not make today an educational day? Start by wandering to the Australian National Maritime Museum to see the latest exhibitions and find some great activities - you might inspire some creativity in the kids as well.
- Head to Cafe Del Mar for a seriously classy dinner and drinks with panoramic harbour views from their terrace.
- Go clubbing at Home or Marquee (or both, you raucous devil).
- Stay at The Darling for a rest in luxury or at one of the clutch of hotels at The Star for some dice-rolling, roulette-spinning fun.
- Grab an intimate breakfast at Sofitel or evening drinks at one of their three (!!!) bars.