The ultimate doggy day out in Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a place to be enjoyed by all ages, stages and species! Furry friends are welcome in the precinct, as long as they’re on a leash. There’s plenty to do with your canine companion – we’ve sussed out all the best things to do in Sydney this weekend with your best friend in tow.
Walk along the waterfront
On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than exploring the neighbourhood along the Darling Harbour waterfront. Starting at King Street Wharf, take your pup for a stroll past this lively waterfront dining district, then SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, over the Pyrmont Bridge and the harbour piers. Stop on the way to pick up a coffee from one of the cafes at Harbourside Shopping Centre and sit by the water for a bit of people watching.
Nio says: I like this walk because I get to bark at the seagulls. They don’t pay much attention to me, but it makes me feel tough.
Play in Tumbalong Park
This iconic public park is a lovely picnic spot with its spectacular backdrop of the city skyline. There’s a great kids playground for the little ones, and a water park play area that will provide hours of entertainment. Pack some snacks and head out for the day with your kids and your furry friend, and enjoy some recreation in the heart of the city.
Star says: I love getting out and stretching my legs in this park. There are lots of places to play, I can get wet (not so fun for my parents), and I always meet new pals!
Slurp away at IIKO Mazesoba
IIKO Mazesoba’s owner and chef Michelle Widjaja trained as a ramen master in Osaka, so you know their noodles are impressively tasty (we’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best restaurants in Sydney). The restaurant in Darling Square welcomes canines, if it wasn’t evident from all the pictures of its mascot, Flynn the Shiba, adorning the restaurant’s walls. They host dog-friendly events such as Pooch Paint and Slurp and Paint Your Pooch sessions – a must to add to your Sydney events calendar.
Azuki says: ‘iiko’ in Japanese means ‘a good child’, which is exactly what I am. When my owner takes me here, I am the goodest boy!
Get groomed at Hachi
For the ultimate pampering session for your pooch, you can’t look past Hachi Dog Boutique and Spa. Treat them to a blow dry, clipper cut or hand scissoring, then capture their best angles at the photo studio once the grooming is complete. Ensure your pooch is always looking their best by purchasing some high-quality dog accessories afterwards.
Coco says: My mum enjoys the photo shoots more than I do, but I put up with the ridiculous outfits so I can enjoy some yummy treats from the Hachi café once it’s over.
Stay the nigh at pet-friendly Darling Harbour accommodation
A stay at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sydney, and now you can take your four-legged friend with you! The hotel’s ‘Pawfect Package’ gives you a choice of a standard king room, superior king room or twin deluxe room. Your pooch will be provided with plush dog bedding, food and a water bowl, plus bottomless puppuccinos at Cafe 58. Of all the hotels in Darling Harbour, this one is in an ideal location to explore the array of dog-friendly spaces around the vicinity during the day, and you can spend quality bonding time with your pup once the day is done.
Whopper says: I love staying with my parents at the Crowne Plaza - it’s close to all my favourite spots!
For more dog-friendly fun, check out the pet friendly bars, cafes and restaurants in The Rocks.