With a three-day trip to Sydney planned, including a family party, a visit to a not-so-well friend, and a business meeting on the morning of our departure, we had no intention of sightseeing or being tourists in Sydney. But thanks to several flight delays, we were given an extra 12 hours to enjoy free-ranging this beautiful Australian city.
Staying in Darling Harbour on the city’s eastern side, we had already enjoyed some of the stylish precinct’s many offerings. *Once an old railway marshalling yard, the area was deemed inefficient, so in 1978, it was earmarked for redevelopment. By the mid-late 1980s, it had been turned into what is now a stunningly beautiful pedestrian and tourist precinct.
With more recent residential apartments nicely knitted into earlier developments, the locale is a visual tapestry of styles, designs, colours, and heights that cleverly enhance.
As you walk or ride through the precinct winding its way around the picturesque upper Sydney Harbour, you will find plenty of attractions, too. These include the Australian National Maritime Museum, which houses Captain Cook’s ship, the replica HMS Endeavour, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the Wild Life Sydney Zoo.
You can also enjoy beautiful walks along the tree-lined boulevard and boardwalks towards the start of the world-famous “The Rocks” or across the famous Pyrmont Bridge beside the sparkling waters of the Harbour.
Despite all the “attractions” and the crowds of people, the Darling Harbour precinct doesn’t overwhelm. It possesses a distinct spaciousness enhanced by easy-on-the-eye architecture, and apartment abodes embellished with various forms of plants and colours, making it feel relaxed and at ease.
The environs include numerous ground-level quayside restaurants and cafes dotted along the stretch. We enjoyed dining al fresco for breakfast and dinner. We found it hard to choose as all eateries welcomed customers with great menus, freshly laid tables, comfy chairs and colourful umbrellas on show. For dinner, we chose a lovely Italian restaurant, Baia. The food and wine were superb, the view of the marina was unmatchable, and we received friendly, happy, and efficient service. Nothing was too much trouble.
While staying at Darling Harbour, the pièce de la resistance for me, though, was the ferry ride service. Sydney is famous for its ferry trips across its vast, glorious, sparkling harbour, and again, the service didn’t disappoint.
So, with time on our hands, we decided, on the recommendation of our Sydney-sider family, to hop on a ferry to Manly. The ferries depart regularly from Barangaroo Wharf, a quick 10-minute walk from the northern end of the Darling Harbour precinct, and travel to various other wharves to drop off and pick up passengers.
Just swipe your (credit or debit) card, and you’re in. Swipe again when you get off, and then if you’re catching another ride, swipe again when you get on. It is straightforward, stress-free, and reasonably priced, at around A$12 return each.
There was also help on hand with directions, times, etc., and again, we experienced friendly, fun, well-informed staff who could direct us to the right ferry and wharf for each of our trips across beautiful Sydney Harbour.
Our ferry from Barangaroo Wharf (No. 7) took us to Circular Quay, a ride that offers spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House and sweeping views of some of Sydney’s swanky tree-lined northern suburbs. Catching a second ferry from Circular Quay, we headed north to Manly. The boat was fully laden with camera-clicking tourists and patient-looking locals.
As we departed the city, we looked back over our shoulders. Laid before us was the glorious, world-famous, picture-postcard-perfect view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, flying the “First Peoples” flag and the British colonial flag atop. Paired with the unencumbered sight of the geniusly designed Sydney Opera House, standing in stark relief between very blue seas and sky. On the opposite side of the water stood attractive early-colonial terraced houses and grand old mansions dotted amongst verdant trees, fringed with lots of golden sand local beaches. It was breathtaking.
Some ten minutes later, feeling somewhat envious of the (*approximate 15 million per annum) commuters who travel daily to and from the city via this ferry service, we docked at Manly.
*source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darling_Harbour
Getting there: We flew Air New Zealand Auckland-Sydney direct
Stayed: Novatel Hotel Darling Harbour
MTR Tips:
When using debit or credit cards for the ferry fees you’ll need one card per passenger.
Tipping is not required in Australia.
If you would like more information on this story or would like to contribute your own info, story pics, etc., please get in touch with janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
