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Kathleen Butler Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Kathleen Butler Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Kathleen Butler for her role in designing and developing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Darling St Balmain, Sydney — Image credit: James Horan; Destination NSW

Shopping and Markets

Darling Street

This harbourside suburb is one of Sydney's coolest shopping neighbourhoods with the highlights scattered along Darling Street. On Saturdays travel on foot from Balmain to Rozelle markets, passing Alfie's Store, fabulous fashion at duckeggBLUE, Leona Edmiston Vintage and stunning hand-made jewellery at Juel. Love shoes? Check out European imports at Shoes in the Attic or funky designs at Children of the Revolution. An eclectic mix of women's designer wear is at Strelitzia and Bella Emporio. At Balmain Markets hunt for great recycled fashion, pre-loved books and music, antiques and collectables.

Balmain NSW

0.3 km away

Australian Made Aboriginal Gifts at Bits of Australia — Image credit: Bits of Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bits of Australia Balmain East

Situated in beautiful Balmain East close to the ferry wharf and with a bus stop out the front direct from Queen Victoria Building, Bits of Australia has the largest selection of Australian made gifts and souvenirs in one place. The go-to place for authentic Australian gifts and souvenirs, they have over 1000 products Made in Australia and a wonderful gallery of Aboriginal artwork from Central Australia. Shop for novelty socks, gourmet bush tucker foods and merino wool blankets and scarves from Bendigo. These are just a few of the Australian homewares, jewellery, stationery, Aboriginal art, food and gifts that they stock for men, women and children. Perfect for taking home or sending overseas Bits of Australia's customers love the excellent product quality and their friendly and helpful approach. With all budgets catered for, there are Australian made gifts and souvenirs for everyone.

Balmain East NSW

1.0 km away

Goat Island

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Goat Island

Goat Island has long been a significant place in Port Jackson. The island, known as Me-mel by the local Cadigal people, was once inhabited by Bennelong and Barangaroo. Since European settlement, Goat Island played an important and fascinating role in the development of Sydney’s cityscape. In the 1800s, the island was used as a home for convict work gangs and as a gunpowder storage depot. The Queen's Magazine, which stands on Goat Island, was built in the 1830s by convicts using sandstone quarried from the eastern side of the island. It was used to store explosives, and beside it there's a barracks, cooperage and kitchen. Later, Goat Island was the site of the first water police station and harbour fire brigade. Following this, the island served as a shipyard, and in more recent years it has been a location for filming and concerts, including the television series Water Rats.

Balmain East NSW

1.0 km away

Pirrama Park (Pyrmont Point Park) — Image credit: James Horan; Destination NSW

Parks and Gardens

Pirrama Park (Pyrmont Point Park)

Pirrama Park, formerly known as Pyrmont Point Park, is situated right on the harbour and offers expansive water views. Looking over to the Harbour Bridge and North Sydney, it is the perfect spot for watching the fireworks exploding across Sydney on New Year's Eve. Along with a children's playground with water play features, there are barbecues, shade structures, grassed areas, a boardwalk and toilet facilities. This makes it a park perfect for a family or group of friends looking to relax and enjoy a picnic. In the morning and evening, the boardwalk comes alive with walkers and joggers as well as groups participating in boot camp and yoga. Pirrama Park's award-winning design incorporates elements of sustainable design including native plantings, solar panels and the use of recycled materials. Sandstone artefacts within the interactive playground reflect former quarries and the promenade marks the original shoreline.

Pyrmont NSW

1.3 km away

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cockatoo Island

Known as Wareamah by the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal Peoples, Cockatoo Island is a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Cockatoo Island is a source of intrigue and inspiration for visitors owing to its heritage buildings, distinctive terrain and panoramic views. Popular attractions include heritage and campground accommodation, waterfront cafés and picnic spots, guided history and paranormal tours, and exciting seasonal events. Located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, Cockatoo Island is just a ferry ride away.

Sydney Harbour NSW

1.3 km away

New Gallery Wing - Kate Owen Gallery — Image credit: Kate Owen Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Kate Owen Gallery - Contemporary Aboriginal Art

Step into the world's oldest living culture at Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney's premier destination for Aboriginal art. Established in 2007, the gallery showcases over 2,000 works by more than 200 artists, from independent creatives to art centre collectives across Australia - from the Western Desert and Arnhem Land to the East Coast. Spread across three light-filled levels, the gallery presents major exhibitions of celebrated masters and emerging talent alike. Visitors can browse at their own pace, using our unique rack system to explore hundreds of works from the gallery's extensive stock. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned collector, our expert Aboriginal art consultants provide as much guidance as you need in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Kate Owen Gallery is committed to the highest ethical standards, proudly upholding the Aboriginal Art Code and holding membership with the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA). Every artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring artists are respected, fairly represented, and their cultural heritage safeguarded. Discover the stories, traditions, and vibrancy of Aboriginal culture, through art that connects past, present, and future at Kate Owen Gallery.

Rozelle NSW

1.6 km away

Balls Head Reserve

Parks and Gardens

Balls Head Reserve

Balls Head Reserve in Waverton, Sydney has a rich history and was frequently used by the local Aboriginal community prior to 1916 and still has historic art sites and rock engravings to this day. The reserve was named after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a commander of the First Fleet of 1788. In 1912, the Australian Army claimed the land and built a Quarantine Depot to service boats operating from Quarantine Station at North Head. The land has now become a public parkland offering stunning views over Sydney Harbour and Sydney central business district. With a cafe on-site and plenty of natural beauty, the parklands offer an interesting history and vantage point overlooking Sydney. Located at the southern end of Balls Head Drive, Waverton, Balls Head Reserve is an easy 10-minute walk from Waverton railway station. There is car parking in the reserve and on Balls Head Road.

Waverton NSW

1.6 km away

Woolwich Dock and Parklands

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Woolwich Dock and Parklands

Located opposite on the Sydney Harbour foreshore opposite Cockatoo Island, Woolwich Dock and Parklands is a precinct steeped in maritime history. Due to its placement at the junction of Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, the Traditional Owners – the Wallumedegal People – know the area as Moocooboola, which means 'the meeting of the rivers'. The centrepiece of this destination is Woolwich Dock, which dates to 1901. The tradespeople of Woolwich Dock continue to proudly uphold the site's maritime legacy, boat owners a full range of repair and maintenance services. The surrounding paddocks and parks, linked by scenic walking tracks, are the perfect place for a picnic. Relax and have lunch at the Deckhouse restaurant and function centre on the foreshore of Woolwich Dock.

Woolwich NSW

1.7 km away

Marrinawi Cove — Image credit: Barangaroo Delivery Authority

National Parks and Reserves

Marrinawi Cove

Marrinawi Cove is a new enclosure for bathers, swimmers and snorkelers, opened by the NSW Government at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve to revive swimming in Sydney’s clean harbour waters. Marrinawi Cove is an ideal place for people to meet, gather and relax on the beautiful harbour. The new enclosure has safety netting to enclose the swimming area, signage and a new shower. Please be aware Marrinawi Cove is a natural environment with slippery and uneven surfaces, oysters, algae and other marine life present. Swimmers must take care at all times, follow safety signage and use suitable footwear.

Barangaroo NSW

1.8 km away

Blackwattle Bay Park

Parks and Gardens

Blackwattle Bay Park

Nestled between Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay, Blackwattle Bay Park is a quiet, dog-friendly park that stretches along the Glebe foreshore. With picnic areas, barbecue facilities, and a shared walking and cycling track, Blackwattle Bay Park makes an ideal day out for the whole family. Plus, with an off-leash dog policy all year round, your four-legged friends are welcome to join in the fun. Blackwattle Bay Park includes the beautiful Glebe Foreshore Walk, which meanders along Blackwattle Bay. The park also offers stunning views of ANZAC Bridge and the city skyline; put down a picnic blanket and watch the dogs play, the sun set, and the lights of the Sydney Central Business District come to life. Sydney’s famous fish market, where some of the city’s freshest seafood is bought and sold, lies just on the other side of Blackwattle Bay. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and a popular weekly market just a short stroll away on Glebe Point Road.

Glebe NSW

1.9 km away

Glebe Foreshore Walk — Image credit: Destination NSW

Parks and Gardens

Glebe Foreshore Walk

The Glebe Foreshore Walk from Bicentennial Park to the Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont links over 27 hectares of open space and gives visitors unimpeded public access to Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay. The walk is accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, and includes high quality parkland with diverse settings, easy access to the water for passive recreational craft, protection of heritage sea walls and stone docks, and Indigenous native plants. There is off-leash access for dogs from Pope Paul Reserve to Ferry Road at all times.

Glebe NSW

1.9 km away

Foundry Theatre — Image credit: Foundry Theatre

Entertainment Venues

Foundry Theatre

Operating in the back of the Sydney Lyric Theatre in Pyrmont, Foundry Theatre is an intimate space showcasing a diverse range of performances. Seating 360 or 630 standing, it’s able to transform into a theatre, seminar or concert set up. The February 2025 launch saw Australian musical comedy legend Tim Minchin grace the stage, followed by a program including comedians like Akmal and Lawrence Mooney, and international sell-out musical No Love Songs.

Pyrmont NSW

2.0 km away

Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo — Image credit: Destination NSW

Natural Attractions

Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve is Sydney's newest harbour foreshore park. One of the city's oldest industrial sites and a former concrete container terminal has been transformed into a spectacular, six-hectare headland open space for Sydneysiders and visitors alike to enjoy. The reserve is car-free and the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or cycle, and dogs are welcome when on lead. Climb up to Stargazer Lawn for the best views across the gardens and into the harbour or follow the Wulugul Walk, which links Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour and runs through the reserve. More than 75,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted, replicating the foliage that would have been on this site prior to European colonisation. Native bee colonies have also been introduced to help pollinate the native plant species. Join one of the regular Aboriginal Cultural Tours to learn more about these plants as well as the site's significance to the local Indigenous population. Kids will love the Bush Buji experience, where they will learn about the land, hear stories and sing songs. You can even take a dip in the harbour at the new swimming area that opened in Marrinawi Cove in early 2023. This sheltered spot is lined with sandstone steps and enclosed with safety netting.

Barangaroo NSW

2.0 km away

The Star Sydney

Entertainment Venues

The Star Sydney

Travel to the Sydney Harbour foreshore, just moments from Darling Harbour and the central business district and you'll discover The Star, Sydney's premier entertainment destination. Featuring award-winning restaurants, bars and cafes, five-star accommodations, a luxury spa, and a world-class casino, it's easy to see why The Star has become Sydney's favourite playground. Dining here is an experience not to be missed. The Star's internationally acclaimed line-up of Signature Restaurants is home to some of the biggest names in the business. The Star is also home to Sydney's Lyric Theatre and The Star Event Centre.

Pyrmont NSW

2.0 km away

Barangaroo — Image credit: Barangaroo

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Barangaroo

Barangaroo is located on the western edge of Sydney's Central Business District, on the shores of the world famous harbour. Barangaroo showcases how city populations can live sustainably with a new, 21st century western face to the city .It includes six hectares of busy public waterfront walks and parks, including the beautiful Barangaroo Reserve, as well as commercial office towers and apartments, all serviced by new and extended transport systems. Barangaroo Central will be a stimulating place with civic, educational and recreation spaces, and a range of interesting things to do. It will be an area for the community with buildings and open-air spaces for festivals, entertainment, arts, culture, and educational activities. It will be the place for new outdoor festivals and events, another opportunity to get close to the water of Sydney Harbour and a destination people will want to soak up night and day.

Sydney NSW

2.0 km away

Monuments For Fishes — Image credit: Lendlease

Landmarks and Buildings

Monuments For Fishes

These giant colourful sculptures bob and sway on the water in mesmerising ways. Sydney artist Mikala Dwyer was inspired by the small striped fishing floats in her studio and her Monuments For Fishes installation lives up to its name: the tallest of the five sculptures is 22.6 metres high (and the heaviest one weighs 16.1 tonnes). Their striking shapes might make you think of totems, minaret curves or tenpin bowling pins. The artist pays tribute to many local influences through this work: Barangaroo and the First Nations women who have a long history of fishing in these waters, as well as Kenneth Slessor's 'Five Bells' poem, which reflects on how his friend Joe Lynch died in Sydney Harbour. Monuments For Fishes sits near Pier Pavilion (a remarkable venue made from the recycled shells of 450,000 Sydney rock oysters), but can also be seen from Pyrmont, East Balmain and other harbourside locations.

Barangaroo NSW

2.0 km away

Sydney Observatory. Photography by Demas Rusli.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sydney Observatory

Geographically positioned on the highest point of Warrane (Sydney) and overlooking the harbour, Sydney Observatory is considered a site of significance for the Gadigal. The Observatory has a strong documented history of its colonial beginning, detailing historic astronomical and weather monitoring achievements by the people who contributed to its establishment in 1858 and its activities ever since. Today, the Powerhouse First Nations Directorate, Observatory staff, leading First Nations astronomers such as Karlie Noon and Traditional Knowledge Keepers of Sky Law are working together to enhance public appreciation and understanding of astronomical knowledges embedded within First Nations sky stories. Visitors can book intimate guided historical tours that dive into stories that have shaped Observatory Hill, including its colonial uses for a windmill, defence fort, signal station, timekeeping service and weather station. The tour takes visitors inside the Signal Master’s Cottage and Observatory wing to explore unique artefacts from the Powerhouse Collection before climbing narrow staircases to see Australia’s oldest working telescope alongside a modern 16-inch telescope inside the astronomy domes.

Millers Point NSW

2.1 km away

Albert (Tibby) Cotter Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Albert (Tibby) Cotter Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Albert (Tibby) Cotter who was an Australian test cricketer and one of Australia's earliest masters of the art of fast bowling. Visit the blue plaque at 'Monteith' 266 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037 and scan the QR code there to learn more.

Glebe NSW

2.1 km away

Title Barangaroo

Shopping and Markets

Title Barangaroo

The Sydney flagship of Australia’s largest independent retailer of books, music and film is inside a striking glass-walled building in a laneway of Barangaroo. Find everything from classics like Dickens and Tolstoy to the latest page-turner, glossy coffee table books covering fashion and architecture, and plenty of niche art titles. The extensive music selection spans multiple generations with many classic works on vinyl, and you can even pick up a new turntable or record player.

Barangaroo NSW

2.1 km away

Lillian Banks & Bradley Smith outside Sydney Opera House

Entertainment Venues

Bangarra Dance Theatre

Bangarra is a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. As one of Australia's leading performing arts companies, they share their culture with communities and audiences across Australia and the world. Bangarra started in 1989, but their dance technique is forged from over 65,000 years of culture, embodied by contemporary movement. Each year they premiere a new work which plays at the Sydney Opera House in June before touring the country. The company's dancers are professionally trained, dynamic artists who represent the pinnacle of Australian dance. Each has a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background, from various locations across the country. Relationships with Indigenous communities are the heart of Bangarra, with their repertoire created on Country and stories gathered from respected community Elders. It's this inherent connection to the land and people that makes them unique and enjoyed by audiences from remote Australian regional centres to New York.

Dawes Point NSW

2.2 km away

museum waterfront

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian National Maritime Museum

Spectacularly located at the waterfront of Darling Harbour, the Maritime Museum is a distinctive indoor/outdoor attraction and great entertainment for the whole family. The museum has one of the largest and most diverse in-water fleets in the world, including the cold war submarine HMAS Onslow, naval destroyer HMAS Vampire, and the stunning replica of Captain Cook's tall ship HMB Endeavour. Explore the danger and drama of military life at sea inside the interactive Action Stations experience that shows the inner workings of the Royal Australian Navy like never before. The museum also hosts six permanent galleries, and an ever-changing program of temporary exhibitions, ensuring something for everyone. When it is time for a break, treat yourself at the waterfront Ripples Cafe or picnic at the tables on the Waterfront Boardwalk. The museum offers a range of facilities and services for people with disability, such as Auslan-interpreted programs for the Deaf community and programs such as descriptive touch tours for visitors with vision impairment.

Darling Harbour NSW

2.2 km away

Strike Bowling King Street Wharf

Amusement and Theme Parks

Strike Bowling King Street Wharf

Strike King Street Wharf is located in the stunning surrounds of Sydney Harbour, and promises a bowling experience like no other. Start your night with a cocktail at our waterside bar, grab a delicious old-school sanga courtesy of our pop-up mates at Rando Sandos, and then move to one of the 10 bowling alleys. With bowling, karaoke and escape rooms our King Street Wharf venue is fully-fitted with all the fun you can handle.

Sydney NSW

2.2 km away

King Street Wharf Darling Harbour — Image credit: Greg Collins

Entertainment Venues

King Street Wharf Darling Harbour

Experience waterfront dining, and an array of family-friendly entertainment venues - just a five-minute walk from the Sydney CBD. With the buzz of King Street Wharf, the stunning waterfront views over Darling Harbour, and a choice of cafés, bars and restaurants open late every night, King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour is ready to celebrate with you.

Sydney NSW

2.3 km away

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