OPT 2: Stay and play - things to do on the ultimate Darling Harbour weekend

Morning

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 Darling Harbour Shopping Centre, so take a mo’ to grab a coffee before you begin your journey. Take some time to admire the unique plants at the Garden or send the kids soaring on the Tumbalong jumbo swings - or both, you’ve got time!
 

Afternoon

After the gardens 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 sammy at Belles Hot Chicken. Afterwards we recommend heading back to the mall 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 the latest in Aussie-designed fashion. Go on, have a browse.
 

Evening

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, because there are fireworks every Saturday night at 9pm! Dinner and a show, who could say no?

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 the Sydney Harbour. For other options, check out all the places to stay right in Darling Harbour.