The Story Behind LOCAL Hour

It all began with a simple local meet-up, just a few of us chatting about a guidebook to show guests Sydney through our eyes.

We shared our own list of favourite spots. From hidden gems to the city’s iconic spots, the conversation flowed… and then came the delicious idea 'why not let guests taste the local favourites we grew up with?'

And just like that, the LOCAL cart was born.

The LOCAL Cart

The LOCAL Cart rolls out in the lobby of PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney every Friday to Sunday from 4 – 5 pm.

It’s filled with nostalgic treats like Anzac biscuits, Vegemite, Cadbury classics (Koalas and Cherry Ripe), Tim Tams, lollies, and more.

Guests can enjoy complimentary treats during Local Hour and have a chat with PARKROYAL Local, your insider for all things Sydney.

The LOCAL Postcards

On the LOCAL Cart, you’ll find a little keepsake - postcards with illustratrion hand-drawn by our very own PARKROYAL People. Each artwork celebrates the places that make Sydney unforgettable, a small memory of the city to take home with you. 

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney - your gateway to the city’s vibrant locales.

Darling Harbour Fireworks

End the night with a waterfront spectacle. Darling Harbour’s fireworks light up the skies every Saturday night throughout the year and are best enjoyed from the promenade’s lively bars and restaurants - just a short stroll from PARKROYAL Darling Harbour.

Town Hall / Queen Victoria Building

Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, Sydney Town Hall impresses with Victorian architecture, while the Queen Victoria Building combines history with boutique shopping and elegant cafés under its stained-glass dome. Both are local icons offering a mix of culture, history, and indulgence within easy reach.

Entertainment

Sydney’s theatre and live entertainment are right at your fingertips. Enjoy international conventions and concerts at ICC Sydney, and musicals and productions at the Capitol Theatre, Lyric Theatre, State Theatre, Theatre Royal, and more. For iconic performances, the Sydney Opera House hosts everything from ballet and Broadway to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Step beneath the surface at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to thousands of sea creatures including sharks, dugongs, tropical fish, and penguins. Walk-through tunnels and themed zones make it a favourite with families and marine-life enthusiasts, just minutes from the hotel.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Meet Australia’s most iconic animals right in the city. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and the mighty saltwater crocodile “Rocky.” Immersive habitats make it an easy way to experience Australian wildlife within walking distance of the hotel.

Madame Tussauds Sydney

Step beneath the surface at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to thousands of sea creatures including sharks, dugongs, tropical fish, and penguins. Walk-through tunnels and themed zones make it a favourite with families and marine-life enthusiasts, just minutes from the hotel.

The Sydney Tower Eye

Rising 250 metres above the city, The Sydney Tower Eye offers panoramic views from the Observation Deck stretching out to the Blue Mountains. For thrill-seekers, the SKYWALK outdoor experience takes you around the tower’s edge in the open air. A must for unforgettable photos, just a short trip from the hotel.

Big Bus Sydney

See Sydney at your own pace with the hop-on, hop-off Big Bus. Cover landmarks from Circular Quay and Bondi Beach to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with stops near Darling Harbour for easy access during your stay.