11 Nov 2024

The ultimate bucket list of things to do at Darling Harbour

Trying to find things to do in Sydney? Stop searching and start doing with these exciting Darling Harbour activities.

What’s on your bucket list?

There are countless things to do in Darling Harbour that you’ll want to add to yours, from eating breakfast with koalas to meeting the King of England. 

It’s all easy to access via car or public transport and once you get here, you can walk everywhere in a matter of minutes. Get down to the harbourside and start ticking off your ultimate bucket list activities in Darling Harbour. 

Experience the Great Barrier Reef at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef should be on everyone’s bucket list, but so should a visit to the Great Barrier Reef exhibition at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. This stunning display is the largest exhibition of its kind in the world, giving visitors the chance to see rainbows of colour coral gardens, 500 types of sea life and bioluminescent flora and fauna that light up the ocean at night.
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Meet Royalty at Madame Tussauds Sydney
Have you ever wondered what King Charles is like in real life? Well stop wondering and pop into Madame Tussauds in Sydney where you can meet him in… well, in the wax. The Sydney branch of the world’s most iconic wax museum features all of the British royals along with countless other celebs including Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, Shane Warne and more.
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Discover serenity at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
Sydney’s a bustling, lively city so every now and then you might need to escape somewhere serene. The peaceful surrounds of the Chinese Gardens of Friendship is the perfect place to zen out, featuring exotic plants, wandering pathways, babbling streams and a shimmering lake of koi. They were designed in 1988 by landscape architects from Sydney’s sister city, Guangzhoi, and incorporate the five elements in harmony - wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
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Breakfast with the Koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney

Have you sat down for a nice buffet breakfast with a koala? Didn’t think so.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo gives you the chance to do just that with their appropriately named ‘Breakfast with the Koalas’ experience. It includes entry to the zoo, a guided highlights tour and a hot buffet breakfast up high on a rooftop, surrounded by the most fluffy adorable koalas you’ve ever seen. Once you're done with brekky, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the little Australian icons and even take a photo with one for the memories. 

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Catch a Fireworks Show by the Harbour
Watch the sky above Darling Harbour come to life from along the harbour's edge, with a spectacular fireworks display each Saturday night. Grab a prime spot at one of the many waterfront restaurants or bars along Cockle Bay Wharf, King Street Wharf or Barangaroo. 
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Escape to the IMAX Sydney
Treat yourself to the ultimate cinematic experience at the IMAX Sydney. With a screen that's one of the largest in the world, prepare to be blown away by stunning visuals and heart-pounding sound. 
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Bubbles at the Champagne Bar by Sofitel
Near the top floor of the Sofitel Darling Harbour, you’ll find a world of hidden luxury, complete with uninterrupted views over Darling Harbour and Sydney through floor to ceiling windows. This is the Champagne Bar by Sofitel, a classy joint with an excellent champagne list (as you’d expect) and a menu of delicious French-inspired morsels. This is the perfect Sydney bar to end up at after a day ticking items off your bucket list.
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Cocktails at Cafe Del Mar
Cafe Del Mar has the best terrace in Darling Harbour with 180 degree views over the shimmering harbour and the twinkling skyline. Settle into a cosy lounge chair, let the chill house music wash over you and order a cocktail or two while the sun sets.
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