Page 102 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

100  SY DNEY

Street-by-Street: Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour was New South Wales’ bicentennial gift to
itself. The original 1988 urban redevelopment transformed
what was once a busy industrial centre and international
shipping terminal catering for the developing local wool,
grain, timber and coal trades into a low-rise tourism and
entertainment precinct, complete with the Australian National
Maritime Museum and Sydney Aquarium. In 2013, a $3-billion
reinvention of the area commenced, combining stunning
high-rise architecture with innovative, pedestrian-friendly
walkways and open spaces at ground level. The first landmark
building, the sprawling International Convention Centre (ICC) Harbourside offers restaurants
opened in December 2016, followed by luxury hotels, and cafés with superb views over
the water to the city skyline. There
residential towers and new shopping facilities. is also a wide range of speciality
shops, selling unusual gifts,
souvenirs and other items.
ICC Sydney is a world-class convention,
exhibition and entertainment precinct
including an 8,000-seat theatre, all
housed in a strikingly modern
glass-rendered complex.
D A R L I N G D R I V E

The Tidal Cascades sunken
fountain was designed by Robert
Woodward, also responsible for
the El Alamein Fountain (see
p124). The double spiral of water
and paths replicates the patterns W E S T E R N
of the cockle shells once plentiful W E S T E R N D I S T R I B U T O R
on the rocks at the water’s edge.
D I S T R I B U T O R
Chinese Garden
of Friendship

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is
a haven of peace and tranquillity in the
heart of Sydney. Its landscaping, with
winding pathways, waterfalls, lakes and
pavilions, offers an insight into the rich
culture of China.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp482–3 and pp504–7