Darling Harbour & Chinatown
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Cockle Bay was once a working harbour district where some of Sydney’s poorest lived in hovels surrounded by shipyards, cargo wharves and quarries. In anticipation of the 1988 Bicentenary, a huge redevelopment project was launched to reclaim this 54-ha (133-acre) site, and the area was revitalized through the wonderful Aquarium, the Maritime and Powerhouse Museums, and the Cockle Bay and King St. Wharf developments. Combined with a visit to Chinatown, Darling Harbour makes for a lively and entertaining excursion.
Enjoy a leisurely yum cha at one of Chinatown’s many excellent restaurants (seeDragon Star Seafood).
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1. National Maritime Museum
At this exploration of Australia’s relationship with the sea, visitors can climb aboard vessels, or view exhibits dealing with immigration, maritime archaeology, beach culture and more.
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2. Pyrmont Bridge
Opened in 1902, this 369-m (1,210-ft) bridge, with a quaint copper-roofed control cabin, is the oldest electrically-operated swingspan bridge in the world. It swings open to allow vessels up to 14 m (46 ft) tall to enter or depart Cockle Bay.
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3. Cockle Bay & King St. Wharves
King St. Wharf is a social mecca for the working crowd. Cockle Bay comprises a three-storey hive of cafés, restaurants, bars and function centres.
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4. Sydney Aquarium
As well as viewing the world’s largest collection of Australian aquatic life, such as platypus, seals and turtles, follow the under-water tunnel through one of the world’s largest shark collections
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5. Chinese Garden
China’s gift to Sydney is one of only a handful of traditional gardens outside China. Interpretation boards provide insights into Chinese garden design and philosophy, and the Tea House makes for a peaceful retreat from the harbour.
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6. Chinatown
This is the spirited epicentre of Sydney’s very large Chinese community, where restaurants vie for attention with fabric shops, Asian grocers, jewellers, music stores and gift shops. It’s best visited during Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) or for a Friday night market.
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7. Capitol Theatre
Built in the 1920s, this theatre has seen many comebacks. Its restoration in the 1990s gave the Mediterranean-blue ceiling and twinkling stars a new lease on life. It’s now a well-known venue for popular and long-running musicals.
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8. Paddy’s Market
8. Paddy’s MarketThis is the place to find a pair of koala oven mitts or an Opera House watch, as well as food (below) and cheap accessories. Market City has clothing outlets and entertainment venues.
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9. Powerhouse Museum
At Australia’s most inventive and engaging museum, children aren’t the only ones to enjoy the interactive displays. Enjoy a leisurely yum cha at one of Chinatown’s many excellent restaurants (see Dragon Star Seafood).
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10. Convention & Exhibition Centres
10. Convention & Exhibition CentresThe centre hosts a range of events from bridal expos to nursing conventions. A funky glass block that appears suspended now links the two buildings.
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