Named after Governor Ralph Darling, Darling Harbour is a vibrant destination. It is more than just a pretty waterfront. Darling Harbour holds stories of transformation and resilience.
Once called Long Cove, the area was also known as Cockle Bay. The Eora people called it Tumbalong, meaning a place where seafood is found. Imagine the coastal Eora people gathering here. They caught seafood and traded goods for centuries. The shoreline teemed with oyster shells. This is why the nearby cove is called Cockle Bay.
By 1812, Darling Harbour became a major industrial hub. It was a place for goods handling. Fast forward to the mid-1970s, and the area was full of empty warehouses. The eastern part was even known as The Hungry Mile. During the Great Depression, waterside workers lined up. They desperately sought any work they could find.
In 1984, the NSW Government decided to redevelop Darling Harbour. The goal was to create a leisure, culture and business precinct for everyone. Queen Elizabeth II reopened Darling Harbour in 1988. This happened during Australia’s Bicentennial Celebrations. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games further boosted Darling Harbour. The city invested heavily to make it a world-class destination. Darling Harbour hosted several Olympic sports. These included volleyball, judo and weightlifting.
Today, Darling Harbour is a hub of activity. It features over 120 retail outlets at Harbourside. There are more than 50 restaurants and cafes to choose from. You can visit the Australian National Maritime Museum. You can also explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or Madame Tussauds. Why not unwind in the Chinese Garden of Friendship? Or you can catch a world-class performance at ICC Sydney. Darling Harbour hosts many food and cultural festivals. Vivid Sydney and the Winter Festival are especially popular.
Getting around Darling Harbour is easy. It is a short walk from Town Hall Station and Chinatown. You can also take the Sydney Light Rail or a ferry.
Did you know that Darling Harbour’s Madame Tussauds was the 13th to open worldwide? And Cockle Bay Wharf opened on 30 October 1998. The gardens were designed by Eric Kuhne and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
From its humble beginnings to its modern attractions, Darling Harbour has something for everyone. Enjoy the views and the vibrant atmosphere. Let the stories of Darling Harbour inspire you.