Pyrmont (Sydney, Australia)
It’s All About Pyrmont
A lively, multicultural suburb tucked in between Darling Harbour and Sydney CBD, Pyrmont was an industrial area for much of the 19th century. Shipyards, ironworks, and mills crowded along the shore, while the landscape was dominated by sandstone quarries. Traces of the industrial era can still be seen in Pyrmont, but largely in the form of architecture, art installations, and attractions such as the Powerhouse Museum, as most of the factories have since been relocated. Today, Pyrmont is home to some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife in Sydney, as well as some of its finest hotels.
Don’t Miss the Catch of the Day
The Pyrmont harbourside is a must-stop if you love fresh seafood. One of the largest in the world outside Japan, The Sydney Fish Market opens for business around 5:30am, when about 2.700 crates containing over 100 species are auctioned off daily. Early risers can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the auction floor before stopping by the market to browse the fantastic array of fish, shellfish, and oysters available for sale. You can also satisfy your seafood cravings at one of the many excellent watering holes in Pyrmont; the neighbourhood offers everything from relaxed, traditional pubs such as The Dunkirk and The Quarrymans Hotel to Peg Leg, a quirky “pirate bar” on Pyrmont Bridge Road. Pyrmont also offers many chic fine dining restaurants with a special focus on local seafood, such as the Black Bar & Grill and Flying Fish.
Family Fun by Day, Casinos and Clubs by Night
While night owls flock to Pyrmont for The Star, a world-class casino and entertainment venue, the neighbourhood is also ideally suited to days out with the family. The Powerhouse Museum is fun for kids of all ages; its permanent collection is fascinatingly eclectic, with interactive exhibitions featuring everything from The Wiggles to steam trains and space exploration. Pyrmont is also home to the National Maritime Museum and the historic James Craig; the circa 1874 barque sailing vessel has been lovingly restored and offers regular day cruises. Pack up a picnic and stroll along the harbourfront promenade to beautiful Pyrmont Point Park and, when it’s time to go, walk across the historic Pyrmont Bridge, one of the oldest electrically operated swing bridges in the world, into Sydney city centre.
Plenty of Places to Stay
While most hotels in this part of Sydney are of the glamorous, high-rise variety, affordable accommodation is also available in Pyrmont. Some of the most popular picks on the high end include The Darling, The Star Grand Hotel, and the Sofitel Darling Harbour, while travellers on a more modest budget cannot do better than the ibis Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel; many of its rooms have attractive views of the water, and even if you are not lucky enough to secure one, you can watch the boats passing by from the leafy terrace adjoining its 24-hour bar.
Contact
Pyrmont, 2009,