Darling Park

Even if you’re a local, there’s a chance you haven’t stumbled upon Darling Park. This hidden gem may look like it belongs to the office blocks surrounding it, but the park — designed by a team from Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens no less — is absolutely open to the public.
And it’s glorious.
The 3000 square metre space has a central spire, emanating from which are a series of garden beds and grassy expanses — perfect for taking a load off during a lunchtime. A circular walkway rings the garden, and it is lined with benches, tables and handy little alcoves to sit and chat. Come lunch hour of course this is teeming with white-​collar folk, but if you pick your moments, this is a delightful green haven. Such a rarity in the CBD.
My favourites are the wombat statues (see photo) that frolic in one of the garden beds and are just too cute for words. You can see one is stretched out on the grass catching 20 winks, which is exactly what I’ve done on many a visit to Darling Park.

Wow, how this local landmark has undergone a lot of change as of late. Initially a sports complex, and then Sega World came along; and now you have business buildings with a play area for the children. This is great. If my nieces come into the city with me, I take them here. They like that McDonald’s is conveniently located across the other side; and there is a grass area for picnics and a waterfall nearby (which a lot of children use to keep cool during the warm weather); providing great access to Harbourside and Cockle Bay Wharf, and then travelling onto King Street Wharf at Darling Harbour.
It is great how the Chinese Gardens and the Sydney Entertainment Centre are also close by. It is a terrific thing that the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority do have their heads screwed on for people’s enjoyment and connection to the great hubs which makes Darling Park at Sydney’s Darling Harbour well organised and connected.
The trees and the general landscape makes Darling Harbour more inviting, and just like Circular Quay gives Sydney a prominent and respectable (yet loved) landmark. Festivals (of the food variety) are also held here on some weekends.