Bars, family-friendly attractions and a quiet garden escape

Talk of the town: During the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Australian property saleswoman Mary Donaldson was introduced to her future husband, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, at Darling Harbour's Slip Inn bar.

Prior to European settlement, Darling Harbour was known to the local Aboriginal people, the Cadigal, as a meeting place. These days, attractions such as Sydney Aquarium, the National Maritime Museum and an IMAX theatre have made Cockle Bay a popular family destination, while the city's suits prop up the many bars here of an evening.

Although a rampant tourist Mecca, it's still worth wandering down here to take in the sights. From fireworks to jazz festivals, there is always something going on, but if you'd prefer some peace and quiet, make for the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a gift from Guangzhou in celebration of Sydney's 1988 bicentennial. On the first Saturday of the month, a grower's market is held in Pyrmont Bay Park near The Star casino.