Darling Harbour turns 21
1988 signalled the transformation of Darling Harbour from a series of discarded warehouses to one of Australia’s most visited tourist attractions. 21 years later, the action hasn’t slowed at Sydney’s premier waterfront entertainment district celebrates its coming of age.
Darling Habour is turning 21 on Sunday May 3, and, in the spirit of celebration, is throwing the mother of all birthday parties.
“It’s like any 21yr old,” said even organiser Sal Sharah.
“It’s grown up and it’s come of age, and it’s found its place in Sydneysiders’ lives. And I think it’s maturing and growing to become one of the most important precincts that we have in the CBD area, really. “
The Sydney Olympics gave Darling Harbour a global presence, but Sharah says the area always been a platform for multicultural diversity.
“When you think of all Sydneysiders you cant do that without thinking of our cultural diversity, and I think Darling Harbour has played such a key role in celebrating that diversity.”
International visitors flood the area to experience attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, the Maritime Museum, the Imax Theatre and the Chinese Friendship Gardens, and a multicultural mega-cast of performers reflects the global stages the area has become.
As well as Australian pop star Wes Carr, African and American percussion group will be entertaining audiences from the Aquashell, and the drumming group TaikOz will be delivering an explosive finale, syncronising a display of Japanese taiko with a major fireworks display.
