Barangaroo

Sydney's newest harbourside precinct: glossy waterfront restaurants along Wulugul Walk, the excellent (and free) Barangaroo Reserve headland park, and a harbour swim spot at Marrinawi Cove. Gorgeous, easy, and a bit corporate — come for the Reserve and sunset, budget-eat elsewhere. Its own metro station makes it effortless to reach.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is Barangaroo Reserve exactly?

A re-naturalised headland park built on a former container terminal, named for a powerful Cammeraygal woman. Walking trails, harbour lookouts, big sandstone blocks for sitting, and the Cutaway — a cavernous underground space that hosts exhibitions and festivals.

Is Barangaroo good during Vivid Sydney?

It's one of the main Vivid precincts — the light walk runs right through the waterfront, and the Fire Kitchen food event sets up at the Reserve. Expect proper crowds on weekend nights; go midweek if you can.

Is Barangaroo worth visiting or is it just office towers?

It's half and half. The southern end is corporate towers and Crown's casino resort, but Barangaroo Reserve at the northern tip is a genuinely beautiful headland park with 75,000 native plants and sandstone foreshore. Skip the towers, walk the water's edge.

How do I get to Barangaroo by public transport?

Easiest is the Sydney Metro to Barangaroo Station, right at the northern end of Hickson Road. Otherwise walk 10 minutes downhill from Wynyard train station or stroll along the water from King Street Wharf.

Can you swim at Barangaroo?

Yes — Marrinawi Cove at the northern end of the Reserve is a netted harbour swimming spot, free to use. It's a small stepped entry rather than a beach, so it's more of a dip than a swim session.

How long do I need at Barangaroo?

Two to three hours covers the Reserve loop, the foreshore walk to Darling Harbour, and a drink. It links neatly with Walsh Bay and The Rocks, so most people do it as part of a bigger harbour day.

Are there Aboriginal cultural tours at Barangaroo?

Yes — Aboriginal-guided cultural tours of the Reserve run most days of the week and are one of the best things here, covering how native plants were used and the area's Gadigal and Cammeraygal history. Book ahead online.

Is Barangaroo expensive to eat at?

The waterfront strip skews $$$-$$$$ — think Cirrus and the Crown Sydney restaurants. There are more casual spots in Barangaroo House and the Streets of Barangaroo laneways, but honest budget eats are thin. Picnic in the Reserve if you're watching money.

Nearby in Ask Sydney

• The Lord Nelson Brewery HotelBar0.48 km · 6 min walk
• Barangaroo ReservePark0.48 km · 6 min walk
• Maybe SammyBar0.55 km · 7 min walk
• Susannah Place MuseumMuseum0.61 km · 8 min walk
• Eau de VieBar0.7 km · 9 min walk