Cockle Bay
Located on the south side of Darling Harbor, Cockle Bay is home to Cockle Bay Wharf, a popular waterfront entertainment complex full of lively cafés, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Experience Sydney’s iconic harbor while enjoying stunning views, whimsical sculptures, and alfresco fine dining and entertainment.
The Basics
Find a wide range of cuisines at Cockle Bay, from fresh seafood to Asian, European, and modern Australian dishes, sure to satisfy every taste and budget. Enjoy happy hour drinks with a view, live music, and state-of-the-art party and clubbing venues. Cockle Bay is also close to a number of popular family-friendly attractions, including Sea Life Aquarium, Wild Life Zoo, and Madame Tussaud’s.
A number of Sydney sightseeing tours feature a stop at Cockle Bay, along with other highlights such as Manly Beach. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus or boat tour to see top Sydney sites at your leisure. For the best value, book the Sydney Attractions Pass, good at a number of top attractions for 30 days.
Things to Know Before You Go
Cockle Bay is a family-friendly destination.
Wear comfortable shoes; Cockle Bay is best experienced on foot.
Visit during the day and at night for the full experience.
Wheelchairs can access Cockle Bay Wharf from the Promenade, Pyrmont Bridge, and Darling Park Car Park.
How to Get There
Cockle Bay is located on the CBD side of Darling Harbor and is accessible by many modes of public transit. Take the bus to QVB and then walk down Market Street, or take the train to Town Hall Station and walk down Druitt Street. Via light rail, head to Pyrmont Bay and then walk across Pyrmont Bridge. To arrive by ferry, get off at Sydney Aquarium and walk south.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Cockle Bay can be visited day and night. For some of the best views, visit around sunset, then stay until the lights turn on around the bay and throughout the city for stunning nighttime views. A festive time to visit is during the Lunar New Year festival, when the annual dragon boat race is held here.
Where to Get the Best Views of Cockle Bay
The views from Cockle Bay are spectacular. To get the best views of Cockle Bay, however, walk across the historic Pyrmont Bridge, which offers wonderful views looking towards Cockle Bay and all its attractions.
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- Bradleys Head
- Cockle Bay Wharf
- SEA LIFE® Sydney Aquarium
- Darling Harbour
- Madame Tussauds Sydney
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
- Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- Sydney Town Hall
- Strand Arcade
- Pitt Street Mall
- Tall Ship James Craig
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Sydney Tower Buffet
- Chinese Garden of Friendship