Sydney's most exciting interactive playground and dining precinct at Darling Quarter in Darling Harbour officially opened on Saturday 24 September, completing the newest hub of fun, food and entertainment in Sydney's CBD fringe. The $500m precinct includes extensive public amenity, a vibrant retail food precinct with a range of dining options; a world-class family playground, one of Sydney's largest covering more than 4,000 square metres; a community green; children's theatre and 600 bay public carpark.Darling Quarter Playground is one of the world's first large-scale play areas of its kind and has something for everyone. A highlight is the explorative play equipment and the never before seen in Australia water play features. Toddlers to teenagers will be entertained by water pumps, a giant scooping wheel, small water locks, switches and water jets customised to work together for the ultimate 'water play' experience.
Sydney's newest destination for the school holidays
During the first week of the school holidays, one of Australia's leading bubble artists will perform daily by the playground, amazing children with magical bubble sculptures and enormous bubble shapes. Children will also get the chance to join in the bubble blowing. In week two of the school holidays, innovative theatre group, Aerialize, will demonstrate some of their awe-inspiring circus skills, dance and gymnastics and the kids get to join in too. Whether it's juggling or hula hoops, there'll be something for all ages.
For those who want to kick back and chill on the community green during the school holiday period, Friday afternoons will be graced by Solo Guitarist, Fromage a Trois. A gypsy music group will create an intimate, relaxing vibe on Sundays and roving brass act, Crusty Suitcase Band, will be opening up their eclectic kitbag of blues, afrofunk, hip hop and reggae on Saturdays.
There is direct level street access to Darling Quarter from nearby public transport points and a 600-bay public car park, so getting there is easy, while the area connects to main bike routes and contains bike racks around the base of the buildings.
All the precinct's select dining and take-away outlets are now open and offering fresh and fabulous food to visitors. Including a mixture of Sydney operators, each individually designed café and wine bar has something for everyone. Nok of Stir Crazy Thai introduces Nok Nok Thai Eating House; Five Dock's Trovato family cool things off with Meno Diciotto gelateria while the new Guylian chocolate experience will satiate sweet tooths. Other restaurants include Braza, a Brazilian churrascaria with traditional food and drink offering; Stacks Taverna and Bar, a new Mediterranean grill concept; Sydney veteran bakery Taste; Box and Bowl, a hole in the wall fast-fusion Asian takeaway; Janus, a boutique Italian wine bar Umi Sushi & Udon urban sushi diner; bakery and French rotisserie kitchen Fat Duck Rôtissoire Kitchen; and Son of Tuysuz, serving traditional Turkish fare.
