What You'll Gain From This Blog
- Compare 11 accommodation options by location, amenities, and convenience.
- Discover which apartments are best for families, business travellers, couples, and long stays.
- Learn about transport links, airport access, walkability, and nearby attractions.
- Use a quick comparison guide to choose the right stay based on your budget and priorities.
Darling Harbour is one of the most coveted locations to stay in Sydney, placing you close to major attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Square, and Barangaroo. With excellent connectivity and easy access to the Sydney CBD, it’s a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers.
From waterfront serviced apartments to spacious stays in nearby CBD and Pyrmont locations, there are apartment options to suit different budgets and travel needs. This guide explores some of the places to stay near Darling Harbour, Sydney, and who they are best suited for.
Top 11 Apartments in Darling Harbour, Sydney to Book for Your Next Stay
Darling Harbour is home to several spacious and well-furnished apartments that are ideal for both corporates and families. On that note, here are the top 11 options you can consider for your accommodation in Darling Harbour, Sydney.
1. Serviced Apartment in Dowling Street
Situated on Dowling Street, it is one of the top places to stay in Sydney CBD, in the heart of the Woolloomooloo Precinct. Just 11-12 minutes away from the Darling Harbour waterfront, the street is relatively quieter.
- Connectivity: 17-minute walk to the St. James train station, 25-minute walk to the Town Hall station; the Bourke St (opposite Charles St) bus station is a 4-minute walk away.
- Walkability: Barangaroo is a 36-minute walk away, while the Sydney CBD is 22 minutes away.
- Airport Access: The Sydney airport is just a 15-minute drive from the area.
- Food & Drink Nearby: Find pan-Asian cuisine nearby, including Drunken Dumplings and Dumpling and Noodle House. Other options include The Butler, a contemporary Mexican joint.
- Shopping & Essentials: The Shell OTR Woolloomooloo and Woolworths Metro Potts Point.
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Finger Wharf is just 6 minutes away on foot. Artspace is also a 5-minute walk away.
- Best Suited For: Families looking for a residential vibe.
- Why We Recommend It: 6-7 minute walk from Cowper Wharf, key amenities include an on-site swimming pool, hotel-style reception and wireless internet
2. Kent Street Apartments V
This Sydney CBD stay is located in the heart of the business district on Kent Street. It’s just a 4-minute walk from the Darling Harbour waterfront. It is a residential cum commercial zone.
- Connectivity: 6-minute walk from the King Street Wharf 1 (ferry), 13-minute walk from Town Hall station, 2-minute walk from the Sussex St. bus station.
- Walkability: A walkable area, just 9 minutes away from the CBD and 7 minutes away from Barangaroo.
- Airport Access: About 15-20 minutes away from the airport by car.
- Food & Drink Nearby: Nearby (walkable) joints include the Chinese Noodle Restaurant, Barrel Below bar, Sei Mai Name bar, and Cloudhaus Café.
- Shopping & Essentials: 7-Eleven is walkable, along with Woolworths Metro Barangaroo.
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Centre Point Australia is a 2-minute walk away, SEA LIFE is 9 minutes away, and the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is 7 minutes away.
- Best Suited For: Families and couples looking for vibrant lifestyles.
- Why We Recommend It: 3-4 minutes away from King Street, Darling Harbour; key amenities include an on-site pool, gym, restaurant, and lounge, along with a private patio.
3. Kent Street Apartments II
This accommodation in Sydney, Darling Harbour, is located on Kent Street. It’s only 4 minutes away (walk) from Darling Harbour. It is commercial cum residential in nature.
- Connectivity: 6-minute walk from the King Street Wharf 1 (ferry), 2-minute walk from the Sussex St. bus station.
- Walkability: Only 9 minutes away from the CBD and 7 minutes away from Barangaroo.
- Airport Access: 15-20 minutes from the airport by car.
- Food & Drink Nearby: Top nearby choices are Chinese Noodle Restaurant, Barrel Below bar, Sei Mai Name bar, and Cloudhaus Café.
- Shopping & Essentials: 7-Eleven and Woolworths Metro Barangaroo are nearby.
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Centre Point Australia (2-minute walk), SEA LIFE (9-minute walk) and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo (7-minute walk).
- Best Suited For: Families and couples.
- Why We Recommend It: Easy access to both Darling Harbour attractions and Sydney CBD offices, on-site pool, gym, restaurant, and lounge
4. Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites
This Darling Harbour accommodation is located on Pyrmont Street. It is just a 6-minute walk from Darling Harbour, while being a residential cum commercial zone.
- Connectivity: 11-minute walk from the Pyrmont Bay Wharf (ferry), 13-minute walk from the Town Hall station
- Walkability: Just 18-19 minutes away from the CBD and Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 13 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Multiple options like Shiba’s Kitchen (Japanese) and The Ternary Restaurant (Australian)
- Shopping & Essentials: Coles Pyrmont and the Maritime Museum Shop are nearby
- Attractions within Walking Distance: IMAX Sydney (10 minutes), Australian National Maritime Museum (8 minutes), and Sydney Heritage Fleet (10 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Couples, families, and corporates
- Why We Recommend It: Only 6-7 minutes (walk) from the Pyrmont Bridge and waterfront, on-site pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room
5. Bourke St 1 Serviced Apartments
An ideal option for staying in Darling Harbour, it is situated on Bourke Street in Surry Hills. It is a residential cum commercial zone which is 27 minutes (walk) away from Darling Harbour.
- Connectivity: 1-2 minutes from the Bourke St-Danks St bus station, 15-20 minutes from the Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf (ferry), 20-minute walk from Central Station
- Walkability: 34 minutes from the CBD and 23 minutes from ICC
- Airport Access: 18 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Multiple options like La Panchina (pizza) and Jane Surry Hills (Korean/Japanese)
- Shopping & Essentials: Maison Balzac, Ben David Store, and Maloneys Grocer are nearby
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Alan Jones Memorial Cycleway (1 minute), Moore Park West (11 minutes), and Kippax Lake (15 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Families and couples
- Why We Recommend It: Balcony with lake and green views, on-site pool, gym, and sauna
6. Pyrmont Street Service Apartment-II
This accommodation near Darling Harbour is only 6-7 minutes from Darling Harbour. It is a residential cum commercial zone.
- Connectivity: 10-minute walk from the Pyrmont Bay Wharf (ferry), 12-minute walk from the Town Hall station
- Walkability: Just 18-19 minutes away from the CBD and Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 3-15 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Shiba’s Kitchen (Japanese) and The Ternary Restaurant (Australian)
- Shopping & Essentials: Coles Pyrmont and the Maritime Museum Shop are nearby
- Attractions within Walking Distance: IMAX Sydney (10-12 minutes), Australian National Maritime Museum (8-10 minutes), and Sydney Heritage Fleet (10 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Couples, families, and corporates
- Why We Recommend It: Only 7-8 minutes (walk) from the Pyrmont Bridge and waterfront, the apartment offers an on-site pool, gym, and sauna
7. Sussex Street Apartment, Sydney CBD
This apartment is situated on Sussex Street in a residential cum commercial zone within the CBD (Central Business District) itself. Darling Harbour is only a 4-5-minute walk away.
- Connectivity: 12-minute walk from the King Street Wharf 1 (ferry), 7-minute walk from the Town Hall station
- Walkability: Just 5 minutes away from the CBD and 13 minutes away from Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 14-15 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Pontoon Bar, Café del Mar- Sydney, and Cockle Bay Wharf
- Shopping & Essentials: Queen Victoria Mall and Kings Comics
- Attractions within Walking Distance: King Street Wharf (9 minutes), WILD Life Sydney Zoo (5 minutes), and SEA LIFE Aquarium (7 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Business travellers and couples
- Why We Recommend It: Ideal balance between harbour access and city-centre convenience, on-site pool and gym
8. George Street Serviced Apartments II
If you’re thinking about where to stay in Sydney, this is a good option on George Street, which is within the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). Darling Harbour is only an 8-minute walk away.
- Connectivity: 6-minute walk from the Town Hall station, 7-minute walk from the Martin Place station, 15-minute walk from the King Street Wharf 1 (ferry)
- Walkability: Just 1-2 minutes away from the CBD and 15-16 minutes away from Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 18 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Haigh’s Chocolate Strand Arcade, Primi Italian, and Sky Phoenix (Chinese)
- Shopping & Essentials: Queen Victoria Mall, KOOKAI Sydney Central, and Dymocks Sydney
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Sydney Tower Eye (6 minutes), Hyde Park Sydney (10 minutes), and Centre Point Australia (6 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Business travellers and professionals
- Why We Recommend It: Located in a vibrant commercial zone with plenty of retail outlets and restaurants, find a business centre and hotel-style reception
9. Cunningham Street Serviced Apartments, Sydney CBD
Offering walkable accommodation in Sydney, this property is located on Cunningham Street within the Sydney CBD. It is just an 8-minute walk from Darling Harbour.
- Connectivity: 8-minute walk from Town Hall station, 18-minute walk from King Street Wharf 1 (ferry)
- Walkability: Just 13 minutes away from the CBD and 27 minutes away from Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 16 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Basax (Korean), Maloney’s Hotel (pub), and Mango Coco (Thai)
- Shopping & Essentials: Rang Pueng and Prempree Grocery
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Darling Harbour (8 minutes), SEA Life and WILD LIFE (18-20 minutes), and Anzac Memorial (8 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Corporate travellers, remote workers and professionals on short assignments
- Why We Recommend It: Walking distance from Chinatown and multiple restaurants, find a gym, pool, and dedicated workspace
10. Dixon Street Apartments, Sydney CBD
One of the best places to stay near Darling Harbour, this property is located on Dixon Street within the Sydney CBD. Darling Harbour is just a 3-minute walk from here.
- Connectivity: 8-minute walk from Town Hall station, 22-minute walk from King Street Wharf 1 (ferry)
- Walkability: Just 13 minutes away from the CBD and 24 minutes away from Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 14-15 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: Mango Coco (Thai), Butcher's Buffet (Chinatown), and Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku (Japanese)
- Shopping & Essentials: Darling Square, Queen Victoria Building and World Square are nearby
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Chinese Garden of Friendship (6 minutes), Darling Harbour (3 minutes), and Sydney Tower Eye (18 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Corporate travellers, Business travellers requiring CBD access
- Why We Recommend It: Walking distance from malls and Tumbalong Park
- Amenities: Find a business centre, concierge, on-site restaurant, and gym access
11. Clarence Street Serviced Apartments
This family-friendly accommodation near Darling Harbour is situated on Clarence Street within the CBD. Darling Harbour is just 7 minutes away.
- Connectivity: 4-minute walk from the Wynyard Street station, 7-minute walk from the Town Hall station, 9-minute walk from the King Street Wharf 1 (ferry)
- Walkability: Just 7 minutes away from the CBD and 11 minutes away from Barangaroo
- Airport Access: 14-15 minutes away from the airport by car
- Food & Drink Nearby: A Vietnamese Eatery, The Charles Brasserie and Bar, and Nando’s
- Shopping & Essentials: The Strand Arcade and Westfield Sydney
- Attractions within Walking Distance: Darling Harbour (7 minutes), the Australian Museum (17 minutes), and Hyde Park (15 minutes)
- Best Suited For: Business travellers and families
- Why We Recommend It: Only 6-7 minutes away from Darling Harbour waterfront, find a gym, swimming pool, and dedicated workspace
Which apartment near Darling Harbour is right for you?
Whenever you travel to Sydney, choosing the right accommodation can elevate your experience. This quick comparison table makes it easier to find the right fit for you.
Conclusion
The best accommodation near Darling Harbour, in Sydney, depends on what matters most during your stay. If you want to be close to the waterfront, attractions, and dining precincts, pick a property within walking distance of Darling Harbour. For business trips, CBD-based apartments offer easy access to offices and transport links. Families and longer-stay guests may benefit from larger serviced apartments with extra space and amenities.
Use our apartment profiles above to compare locations, facilities, and nearby attractions. Once you've identified the right fit, book early, especially during peak travel periods, as accommodation near Darling Harbour sells out soon.
FAQs
1. Is Darling Harbour a good area to stay in Sydney?
Yes, it is a great place to stay, with its waterfront access, dynamic wharfs, restaurants, malls, and other landmarks nearby.
2. How do I get from Sydney Airport to Darling Harbour?
You can reach it by a cab within 14-15 minutes. You can also take the airport train to get there in 18-20 minutes.
3. Is Darling Harbour safe to walk around at night?
Yes, it is a safe area to walk around at night, with plenty of attractions and commercial establishments in the vicinity.
4. What is the difference between a serviced apartment and a hotel in Darling Harbour?
A hotel comes with rigid terms and single rooms with on-site amenities and services. A serviced apartment offers more space with home-like comfort, more privacy, and multiple configurations to suit groups.
5. Is Darling Harbour walkable? What can I reach on foot?
Darling Harbour is a walkable area. You can reach several attractions on foot, including the SEA Life Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Darling Square, Pyrmont Bridge, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.
6. Are Darling Harbour apartments good for families with kids?
Yes, Darling Harbour apartments are suitable for families with children. They offer access to multiple nearby attractions that are family-friendly, along with shopping, dining, and other recreation.
